Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a patient with an infection. Which laboratory result is most important to monitor?

• A. White blood cell count (WBC)
• B. C-reactive protein (CRP)
• C. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
• D. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: White blood cell count (WBC). Monitoring the white blood cell count is crucial when caring for a patient with an infection as it helps assess the body's response to the infection. An elevated white blood cell count often indicates an active infection or inflammation, while a decreasing count may signal improvement or potential complications. C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are nonspecific markers of inflammation and not as specific to monitoring infection progression as the white blood cell count. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are important for assessing oxygen-carrying capacity and blood volume, but they are not the primary indicators for monitoring infection.

2. Which goal is most appropriate for a patient who has had a total hip replacement?

• A. The nurse will assist the patient in ambulating in the hall 2 times a day.
• B. The patient will walk 100 feet using a walker by the time of discharge.
• C. The patient will ambulate briskly on the treadmill by the time of discharge.
• D. The patient will ambulate independently by the time of discharge.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Choice B is the most appropriate goal for a patient who has had a total hip replacement because it is specific, measurable, and achievable. Walking 100 feet using a walker is a realistic and individualized target for a patient in the recovery phase following hip surgery. Choices A, C, and D are not as suitable: Choice A does not specify a measurable distance or objective, Choice C sets a potentially unrealistic expectation for brisk ambulation on a treadmill, and Choice D lacks the specificity of the distance to be walked.

3. A patient is admitted and is placed on fall precautions. The nurse teaches the patient and family about fall precautions. Which action will the nurse take in accordance with hospital policy?

• A. Encourage visitors during visiting hours.
• B. Keep the patient on fall precautions until discharge.
• C. Check on the patient every shift.
• D. Raise all four side rails.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because patients on fall precautions need continuous monitoring until discharge to prevent falls. While encouraging visitors during visiting hours (Choice A) is important for the patient's well-being, it is not related to fall precautions. Checking on the patient every shift (Choice C) is an essential nursing intervention, but keeping the patient on fall precautions is more specific to preventing falls. Raising all four side rails (Choice D) is not recommended as it can restrict the patient's mobility and is considered a restraint practice.

4. A client who has a new prescription for ferrous sulfate is being taught by a nurse. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I should expect dark tarry stools.
• B. I should expect increased bruising.
• C. I will not get as many infections.
• D. I will expect the color of my urine to be amber.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. When taking ferrous sulfate, dark tarry stools can occur as a common side effect due to the iron content in the medication. This is a normal response to the medication and not a cause for concern. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because increased bruising, reduced infections, and amber-colored urine are not expected side effects of ferrous sulfate.

5. What are the main differences between a stroke caused by ischemia and one caused by hemorrhage?

• A. Blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain
• B. Bleeding in the brain due to a ruptured aneurysm
• C. Administering thrombolytics if within the treatment window
• D. Avoiding anticoagulants and preparing for surgery

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain." Ischemic stroke is caused by a blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain, leading to reduced blood flow. Hemorrhagic stroke, on the other hand, is caused by bleeding in the brain due to a ruptured blood vessel. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Administering thrombolytics, avoiding anticoagulants, and preparing for surgery are specific management strategies that may apply to ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes but do not define the main differences between the two types of strokes.

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