Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing fluid volume deficit (FVD). What clinical finding should the nurse expect?

• A. Decreased hematocrit
• B. Increased heart rate
• C. Increased blood pressure
• D. Decreased respiratory rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Increased heart rate is a common sign of fluid volume deficit (FVD) as the body compensates for decreased fluid levels. When a client is experiencing FVD, the body tries to maintain perfusion to vital organs by increasing the heart rate. This compensatory mechanism helps to improve cardiac output and maintain blood pressure. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because in FVD, hematocrit may be increased due to hemoconcentration, blood pressure tends to decrease as a compensatory response to FVD, and respiratory rate is usually unaffected or may increase due to attempts to maintain oxygenation.

2. When admitting a client with meningococcal meningitis, what should the nurse do first?

• A. Administer antibiotics
• B. Place the client on droplet precautions
• C. Perform a lumbar puncture
• D. Initiate seizure precautions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When admitting a client with meningococcal meningitis, the nurse's priority should be to place the client on droplet precautions. This is crucial to prevent the spread of the infection to others. Administering antibiotics, performing a lumbar puncture, and initiating seizure precautions are important interventions but should come after implementing droplet precautions to ensure the safety of both the client and others.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who has an indwelling urinary catheter. What should the nurse identify as a sign of catheter occlusion?

• A. Bladder spasms
• B. Bladder distention
• C. Frequent urination
• D. Hematuria

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bladder distention. Bladder distention is a sign of catheter occlusion because it indicates a failure to drain urine properly. Bladder spasms (Choice A) are more commonly associated with bladder irritability rather than catheter occlusion. Frequent urination (Choice C) is unlikely in a client with an indwelling catheter as the urine should be draining continuously. Hematuria (Choice D) refers to blood in the urine and is not typically a direct sign of catheter occlusion.

4. A nurse is assessing a client who reports pain at the site of a peripheral IV. The site is red and warm. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Flush the IV line with saline
• B. Discontinue the IV infusion
• C. Apply a cold compress
• D. Increase the IV flow rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to discontinue the IV infusion. The signs of redness and warmth at the IV site indicate phlebitis, an inflammation of the vein. Discontinuing the IV infusion is crucial to prevent further complications such as infection or thrombosis. Flushing the IV line with saline would not address the underlying issue of phlebitis. Applying a cold compress may provide temporary relief but does not address the cause. Increasing the IV flow rate can exacerbate the inflammation and should be avoided.

5. A client with an indwelling urinary catheter is being cared for by a nurse. What finding indicates a catheter occlusion?

• A. Bladder distention
• B. Frequent urination
• C. Hematuria
• D. Burning sensation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Bladder distention is the correct answer as it indicates that the catheter is not draining properly, which is a sign of occlusion. Frequent urination, hematuria, and burning sensation are not indicative of a catheter occlusion. Frequent urination may suggest a bladder that is not fully emptying, hematuria indicates blood in the urine, and a burning sensation can be a sign of a urinary tract infection, none of which directly relate to a catheter occlusion.

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