Nursing Elites

1. When collecting data from a client with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?

• A. Amnesia
• B. Hypervigilance
• C. Hallucinations
• D. Severe agitation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct manifestation to expect when collecting data from a client with PTSD is hypervigilance. Hypervigilance refers to increased alertness, which is a common symptom of PTSD. This heightened state of awareness is characterized by an exaggerated startle response, being easily startled, and constantly scanning the environment for potential threats. Amnesia (choice A) is not typically a primary manifestation of PTSD; it is more commonly associated with dissociative disorders. Hallucinations (choice C) involve perceiving things that are not present and are not typically a hallmark symptom of PTSD. Severe agitation (choice D) may occur in individuals with PTSD, but hypervigilance is a more specific and common manifestation associated with this disorder.

2. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient with chest pain?

• A. Assess the severity of pain and monitor ECG
• B. Administer nitroglycerin and provide oxygen
• C. Administer aspirin and provide pain relief
• D. Monitor for nausea and administer IV fluids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing a patient with chest pain, the initial step is to assess the severity of pain and monitor the electrocardiogram (ECG) to look for signs of cardiac issues. Administering nitroglycerin and oxygen (Choice B) is a treatment option for suspected cardiac chest pain but should not precede a thorough assessment. Administering aspirin and providing pain relief (Choice C) may be indicated later, but the priority is to assess the situation first. Monitoring for nausea and administering IV fluids (Choice D) is not the initial assessment for chest pain unless there are specific indications present.

3. A nurse is caring for a 37-year-old woman with metastatic ovarian cancer admitted for nausea and vomiting. The physician orders total parenteral nutrition (TPN), a nutritional consult, and diet recall. Which of the following is the BEST indication that the patient's nutritional status has improved after 4 days?

• A. The patient eats most of the food served to her
• B. The patient has gained 1 pound since admission
• C. The patient's albumin level is 4.0mg/dL
• D. The patient's hemoglobin is 8.5g/dL

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An improved albumin level is the best indicator of improved nutritional status after TPN. Albumin is a key protein that reflects the body's overall nutritional status and is commonly used to assess nutritional health. Choices A, B, and D are not as reliable indicators of improved nutritional status. Choice A may not accurately reflect nutritional improvement as it could be influenced by factors other than nutrition. Choice B may indicate fluid retention or loss rather than true nutritional improvement. Choice D, hemoglobin level, is more related to anemia and oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, rather than nutritional status.

4. A nurse is collecting data from a newly-admitted infant who is 3 months old and has diarrhea. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Weight gain
• B. Poor appetite
• C. Irritability
• D. Decreased urination

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Irritability in infants can indicate worsening dehydration, which needs to be reported. Weight gain (Choice A) would be a positive finding, indicating adequate fluid intake. Poor appetite (Choice B) is common with diarrhea but not as concerning as irritability. Decreased urination (Choice D) can also be a sign of dehydration, but irritability is more specific to worsening dehydration in this case.

5. 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.

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