Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is completing an assessment of a newborn who is 2 hours old. Which of the following findings is indicative of cold stress?

• A. Respiratory rate of 60 per minute
• B. Jitteriness of the hands
• C. Diaphoresis
• D. Bounding peripheral pulses

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Jitteriness of the hands is a classic sign of cold stress in newborns, indicating that the infant is having difficulty maintaining a stable body temperature. Cold stress can lead to hypoglycemia and increased oxygen consumption. The other options (A, C, and D) are not directly associated with cold stress in newborns. A respiratory rate of 60 per minute may be within the normal range for a newborn. Diaphoresis (excessive sweating) and bounding peripheral pulses are not specific signs of cold stress in newborns.

2. A nurse is performing a focused assessment for a client who has dysrhythmias. What indicates ineffective cardiac contractions?

• A. Increased blood pressure
• B. Pulse deficit
• C. Normal heart rate
• D. Elevated oxygen saturation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pulse deficit. A pulse deficit is a significant finding in clients with dysrhythmias, indicating ineffective cardiac contractions. Pulse deficit occurs when there is a difference between the apical and radial pulses, suggesting that not all heart contractions are strong enough to produce a pulse that can be felt peripherally. Increased blood pressure (choice A) may occur due to various factors and is not a direct indicator of ineffective cardiac contractions. Similarly, a normal heart rate (choice C) and elevated oxygen saturation (choice D) do not specifically point towards ineffective cardiac contractions; they can be present in individuals with dysrhythmias but do not directly indicate ineffective cardiac contractions.

3. A nurse is planning care for four clients. Which client is the highest priority?

• A. Client with dry, black eschar on the heel
• B. Client wearing an arm cast and reporting numb fingers
• C. Client with reddened skin around the coccyx
• D. Client with frequent incontinence

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because numb fingers indicate neurovascular compromise, which can lead to serious complications if not addressed promptly. The priority in this situation is to assess and address any circulation issues affecting the extremity. Choices A, C, and D are of concern but not as immediate as neurovascular compromise, which requires urgent attention to prevent further complications.

4. A client with a new diagnosis of heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take the medication in the morning.
• B. Increase intake of potassium-rich foods.
• C. Report a decrease in urine output.
• D. Expect swelling in the lower extremities.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to increase their intake of potassium-rich foods. Furosemide, a loop diuretic, can lead to potassium loss, which may cause hypokalemia. Increasing potassium intake can help prevent this electrolyte imbalance. Choice A is incorrect because furosemide is usually taken in the morning to prevent sleep disturbances due to increased urination. Choice C is incorrect because a decrease in urine output could indicate a problem and should be reported immediately. Choice D is incorrect because furosemide is used to reduce swelling in the body, including the lower extremities, so expecting swelling is not appropriate.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has DVT. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Limit the client’s fluid intake to 1500 mL per day
• B. Massage the affected extremity to relieve pain
• C. Apply cold packs to the affected extremity
• D. Elevate the client’s affected extremity when in bed

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct instruction the nurse should include in the plan of care for a client with DVT is to elevate the affected extremity when in bed. Elevating the affected extremity helps improve venous return, reduces edema, alleviates discomfort, and promotes healing in clients with DVT. Limiting fluid intake can be detrimental as adequate hydration is important for circulation. Massaging the affected extremity can dislodge clots and worsen the condition. Applying cold packs can cause vasoconstriction, which is not recommended for DVT as it can impede blood flow further.

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