Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is collecting data from a client who is in severe pain. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask first?

• A. When did your pain start?
• B. How severe is your pain?
• C. What makes your pain worse?
• D. Where is your pain located?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should first ask the client where the pain is located because identifying the location of the pain is crucial in determining the cause and appropriate treatment. This information helps in further assessment and diagnosis. Asking when the pain started (Choice A) may be important but determining the location provides more immediate insights. Inquiring about the severity of pain (Choice B) and what worsens it (Choice C) are also important but come after identifying the location to provide a comprehensive understanding of the client's condition.

2. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient with a suspected infection?

• A. Monitor temperature and check for elevated white blood cells
• B. Monitor blood pressure and check for fever
• C. Assess for changes in mental status and monitor urine output
• D. Administer antibiotics and monitor for changes in mental status

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing a patient with a suspected infection, it is crucial to monitor temperature and check for elevated white blood cells. Elevated temperature indicates a potential infection, and increased white blood cells are a sign of inflammation and the body's response to an infection. Monitoring blood pressure (choice B) and checking for fever (choice B) are not as specific indicators of infection as monitoring temperature and white blood cell count. Assessing changes in mental status and monitoring urine output (choice C) are important aspects of patient assessment but may not directly indicate a suspected infection. Administering antibiotics (choice D) should only be done after a confirmed diagnosis of a bacterial infection, as unnecessary antibiotic use can lead to antibiotic resistance and other adverse effects.

3. A client has an NG tube that needs to be irrigated every 8 hours. Which solution should the nurse use to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance?

• A. Tap water
• B. Sterile water
• C. 0.9% sodium chloride
• D. 0.45% sodium chloride

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct solution to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance during NG tube irrigation is 0.9% sodium chloride. This solution is isotonic and helps prevent electrolyte imbalances. Using tap water or sterile water can lead to electrolyte disturbances due to their hypotonic nature, while 0.45% sodium chloride is hypotonic and may cause further imbalances in the client's electrolyte levels.

4. A client is scheduled for a lumbar puncture. The nurse should assist the client into which of the following positions?

• A. Supine with head elevated
• B. Lateral recumbent
• C. Prone with arms at sides
• D. Sitting with back rounded

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct position for a lumbar puncture is the lateral recumbent position. This position allows the spine to curve naturally, widening the spaces between the vertebrae, making it easier and safer to perform the procedure. Supine with head elevated (Choice A) would not provide the proper positioning for a lumbar puncture as it does not allow for proper access to the lumbar area. Prone with arms at sides (Choice C) would not be suitable as it would not facilitate the procedure. Sitting with back rounded (Choice D) is also incorrect as it does not allow for the proper alignment of the spine needed for a lumbar puncture.

5. How should a healthcare professional respond to a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?

• A. Administer insulin
• B. Administer IV fluids
• C. Monitor blood glucose
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When managing a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), it is crucial to administer insulin to lower blood sugar levels, administer IV fluids to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, and monitor blood glucose levels regularly to ensure they are within the target range. Therefore, all of the above options are essential components of the comprehensive treatment plan for DKA. Administering insulin alone may lower blood sugar levels but will not address the fluid and electrolyte imbalances seen in DKA. Similarly, administering IV fluids alone may help with dehydration but will not address the high blood sugar levels or the need for insulin. Monitoring blood glucose alone is not sufficient to treat DKA; it must be accompanied by appropriate interventions to address the underlying causes and complications of the condition.

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