Nursing Elites

1. A client is undergoing radiation therapy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent skin irritation?

• A. Apply heat packs to the area
• B. Use perfumed soap to cleanse the area
• C. Keep the area moist with lotion
• D. Avoid sun exposure to the treated area

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Avoiding sun exposure is crucial to prevent skin irritation and burns in clients undergoing radiation therapy. Radiation therapy makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of skin damage. Applying heat packs (choice A) can exacerbate skin irritation as heat can further irritate the skin that is already sensitive due to radiation. Using perfumed soap (choice B) can further irritate the skin due to its harsh chemicals, potentially worsening skin reactions. While keeping the area moist with lotion (choice C) may seem beneficial, some lotions contain ingredients that can worsen skin reactions during radiation therapy. Therefore, avoiding sun exposure to the treated area (choice D) is the most appropriate action to prevent skin irritation and damage during radiation therapy.

2. A 23-year-old woman at 32-weeks gestation is seen in the outpatient clinic. Which of the following findings, if assessed by the nurse, would indicate a possible complication?

• A. The client's urine test is positive for glucose and acetone
• B. The client has 1+ pedal edema in both feet at the end of the day
• C. The client complains of an increase in vaginal discharge
• D. The client says she feels pressure against her diaphragm when the baby moves

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Positive urine glucose and acetone could indicate gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, both of which are complications. Choice B, pedal edema, is common in pregnancy but may also be a sign of preeclampsia if severe. Choice C, an increase in vaginal discharge, is a normal finding in pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Choice D, pressure against the diaphragm when the baby moves, is a normal sensation due to the growing uterus displacing abdominal contents.

3. What is the priority nursing action for a client with dehydration?

• A. Administer oral fluids
• B. Monitor electrolyte levels
• C. Administer antiemetics as needed
• D. Encourage bed rest

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing action for a client with dehydration is to monitor electrolyte levels. Dehydration can cause imbalances in electrolytes such as sodium and potassium, affecting essential bodily functions. Monitoring electrolyte levels is crucial to promptly identify and correct any imbalances. While administering oral fluids (Choice A) is vital in treating dehydration, monitoring electrolyte levels takes precedence as it directly addresses the underlying imbalance. Administering antiemetics (Choice C) may be necessary for nausea and vomiting but is not the priority over electrolyte monitoring. Encouraging bed rest (Choice D) can conserve energy but is not as critical as monitoring electrolyte levels to prevent complications related to electrolyte imbalances.

4. A client with newly diagnosed type I diabetes mellitus is being seen by the home health nurse. The physician orders include: 1,200-calorie ADA diet, 15 units of NPH insulin before breakfast, and check blood sugar qid. When the nurse visits the client at 5 PM, the nurse observes the man performing a blood sugar analysis. The result is 50 mg/dL. The nurse would expect the client to be

• A. Confused with cold, clammy skin and a pulse of 110
• B. Lethargic with hot, dry skin and rapid, deep respirations
• C. Alert and cooperative with a BP of 130/80 and respirations of 12
• D. Short of breath, with distended neck veins and a bounding pulse of 96

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Low blood sugar levels (50 mg/dL) typically cause confusion, cold clammy skin, and an increased pulse (tachycardia). Option A correctly describes the expected symptoms of hypoglycemia, which include confusion due to the brain's inadequate glucose supply, cold and clammy skin due to sympathetic nervous system activation, and an increased pulse (110 bpm) as the body reacts to low blood sugar levels. Options B, C, and D describe symptoms that are not typically associated with hypoglycemia. Lethargy, hot dry skin, rapid deep respirations, normal vital signs, shortness of breath, distended neck veins, and bounding pulse are more indicative of other conditions or normal physiological responses, not hypoglycemia.

5. How can pain in a post-operative patient be managed effectively?

• A. Administer analgesics as prescribed
• B. Encourage deep breathing exercises
• C. Provide distractions
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Managing pain in a post-operative patient requires a multimodal approach, which includes both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies. Administering analgesics as prescribed helps in controlling pain pharmacologically. Encouraging deep breathing exercises can aid in pain management by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Providing distractions, such as music or activities, can help divert the patient's attention from pain. Therefore, all the given options are essential components of an effective pain management plan for post-operative patients.

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