Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is 4 hours postoperative following an open cholecystectomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Monitor the client's urinary output.
• B. Assist the client to splint the incision with a pillow when coughing.
• C. Provide the client with a clear liquid diet.
• D. Encourage the client to ambulate in the hallway.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Assisting the client to splint the incision with a pillow while coughing is the correct action in this scenario. This intervention helps reduce pain and prevent wound dehiscence, which is the partial or complete separation of the layers of a surgical wound. Monitoring urinary output is important but not the priority at this immediate postoperative stage. Providing a clear liquid diet may be indicated later but is not the most immediate concern. Encouraging ambulation is beneficial for preventing complications like deep vein thrombosis, but splinting the incision is more crucial at this early postoperative period.

2. A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving furosemide for heart failure. Which of the following findings is the priority to report to the provider?

• A. Blood pressure of 98/58 mm Hg
• B. Urine output of 50 mL/hr
• C. Serum potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L
• D. Weight loss of 0.5 kg (1.1 lb) in 24 hours

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A serum potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, a potential complication of furosemide therapy, and should be reported immediately. Hypokalemia can lead to serious cardiac dysrhythmias. Choices A, B, and D are important assessments but are not as critical as managing serum potassium levels in a client receiving furosemide for heart failure.

3. A healthcare professional is providing discharge teaching for a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which resource should be provided?

• A. Personal blogs about managing the adverse effects of diabetes medications.
• B. Food label recommendations from the Institute of Medicine.
• C. Diabetes medication information from the Physicians' Desk Reference.
• D. Food exchange lists for meal planning from the American Diabetes Association.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Food exchange lists from the American Diabetes Association are a valuable resource for meal planning in diabetes. These lists provide guidelines for portion control and help individuals make healthier food choices. Personal blogs may not always provide accurate and evidence-based information. Food label recommendations are important but may not specifically address meal planning for diabetes. Diabetes medication information is essential but not the primary focus when educating about dietary management for type 2 diabetes.

4. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will limit my intake of protein to prevent kidney damage.
• B. I will avoid taking ibuprofen for my headaches.
• C. I will monitor my blood glucose level before meals and at bedtime.
• D. I will reduce my intake of carbohydrates to manage my blood sugar.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Monitoring blood glucose levels before meals and at bedtime is crucial for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Option A is incorrect because limiting protein intake is not a primary focus for diabetes management. Option B is unrelated to diabetes management and focuses on pain relief. Option D mentions reducing carbohydrate intake, which is a common dietary recommendation for managing blood sugar levels, but it is not as specific as monitoring blood glucose levels at key times.

5. When managing blood pressure at home, which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching provided by a nurse for hypertension?

• A. I will take my medication only when I feel dizzy.
• B. I will check my blood pressure at least once a week.
• C. I will stop taking my medication once my blood pressure is within normal range.
• D. I will sit quietly for 5 minutes before measuring my blood pressure.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because sitting quietly for 5 minutes before measuring blood pressure ensures an accurate reading and helps monitor hypertension. Choice A is incorrect as medications for hypertension should be taken as prescribed, not based on symptoms like dizziness. Choice B is not ideal as blood pressure should be checked more frequently, preferably daily. Choice C is incorrect as stopping medication abruptly once blood pressure is normal can lead to rebound hypertension.

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