Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is collecting data from a client who has a newly applied cast to the right lower extremity. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Capillary refill of 1 second
• B. Capillary refill of 5 seconds
• C. Pitting edema
• D. Shortness of breath

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When assessing a client with a newly applied cast, the nurse should expect a capillary refill of approximately 2 seconds, as this indicates adequate circulation. A capillary refill longer than 3 seconds suggests impaired circulation, which is abnormal. Therefore, a capillary refill of 5 seconds is the finding the nurse should expect. Pitting edema and shortness of breath are not typically directly related to a newly applied cast and should not be expected findings in this scenario.

2. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who is receiving warfarin for atrial fibrillation. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. International normalized ratio (INR) of 2.5
• B. Platelet count of 180,000/mm³
• C. Prothrombin time (PT) of 12 seconds
• D. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) of 30 seconds

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A prothrombin time (PT) of 12 seconds is below the therapeutic range for warfarin and indicates a need for dosage adjustment. The correct answer is C. A normal International normalized ratio (INR) for a client on warfarin therapy is usually between 2.0 to 3.0; therefore, an INR of 2.5 is within the expected range. A platelet count of 180,000/mm³ is within the normal range (150,000 to 450,000/mm³) and does not require immediate reporting. A partial thromboplastin time (PTT) of 30 seconds is also within the normal range (25-35 seconds) and does not indicate a need for urgent action.

3. A nurse is reinforcing teaching about cane use for a client with left-leg weakness. What should the nurse instruct the client to do?

• A. Use the cane on the weak side
• B. Maintain two points of support on the ground at all times
• C. Advance the cane 30 to 45 cm with each step
• D. Advance the cane and the strong leg simultaneously

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Maintain two points of support on the ground at all times. When using a cane for left-leg weakness, the client should hold the cane in the right hand and advance the cane and the weak leg simultaneously. This technique provides the necessary support and stability. Option A is incorrect because the cane should be used on the side opposite the weakness to provide support. Option C is incorrect as advancing the cane too far with each step may cause the client to lose balance. Option D is incorrect because advancing the cane and the strong leg simultaneously does not provide the needed support for the weakened leg.

4. What is the priority for a client with dehydration?

• A. Administer antiemetics to prevent nausea
• B. Monitor electrolyte levels to prevent imbalances
• C. Administer oral rehydration solutions
• D. Administer intravenous fluids

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority for a client with dehydration is to monitor electrolyte levels to prevent imbalances. Dehydration can lead to electrolyte disturbances, which can have serious consequences. Administering antiemetics (Choice A) may help with nausea but does not address the root cause of dehydration. Administering oral rehydration solutions (Choice C) can be beneficial, but monitoring electrolyte levels is crucial in managing dehydration. Administering intravenous fluids (Choice D) is important in severe cases of dehydration, but monitoring electrolytes should come first to assess the extent of the imbalance and guide fluid replacement therapy effectively.

5. What are the steps in managing a patient with a pressure ulcer?

• A. Clean the wound and apply a hydrocolloid dressing
• B. Debride necrotic tissue and apply antibiotics
• C. Apply an alginate dressing and elevate the affected area
• D. Use moisture-retentive dressings and reposition frequently

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clean the wound and apply a hydrocolloid dressing. This step is crucial in managing a pressure ulcer as it helps protect the ulcer from infection and promotes healing by creating a moist environment conducive to tissue repair. Choice B, debriding necrotic tissue and applying antibiotics, is more suitable for managing infected pressure ulcers but not as the initial step. Choice C, applying an alginate dressing and elevating the affected area, may be part of the management but is not the initial step. Choice D, using moisture-retentive dressings and repositioning frequently, is important for prevention but not the first step in managing an existing pressure ulcer.

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