Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is counseling an older adult who describes having difficulty with several issues. Which of the following problems verbalized by the client should the nurse identify as the priority?

• A. “I spent my whole life dreaming about retirement, and now I wish I had my job back.”
• B. “It’s been so stressful for me to have to depend on my child to help around the house.”
• C. “I just heard my friend Al die. That’s the third one in 3 months.”
• D. “I keep forgetting which medications I have taken during the day.”

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The statement expressing the loss of friends is the priority issue as it indicates potential grief and emotional distress. Losing multiple friends within a short period can have a profound impact on an older adult's emotional well-being. Option A expresses regret but does not indicate an immediate emotional crisis. Option B focuses on stress related to dependence, which is important but not as urgent as coping with loss. Option D highlights a memory concern, which is significant but does not address the emotional impact of loss.

2. A healthcare professional is planning to assess the abdomen of a client who reports feeling bloated for several weeks. Which of the following methods of assessment should the healthcare professional use first?

• A. Inspection
• B. Palpation
• C. Auscultation
• D. Percussion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Inspection is the initial step in abdominal assessment as it allows the healthcare professional to visually observe any abnormalities or signs of bloating. Palpation, auscultation, and percussion are subsequent assessment techniques that follow inspection. Palpation involves feeling for tenderness, masses, or organ enlargement; auscultation is listening for bowel sounds; and percussion is used to assess the density of underlying tissues or detect the presence of fluid or air in the abdomen. In the context of a client reporting bloating, the first step should be visual inspection to gather initial information. Palpation, auscultation, and percussion come after inspection to provide a more comprehensive assessment.

3. A healthcare professional is preparing to perform denture care for a client. Which of the following actions should the professional plan to take?

• A. Pull down and out at the back of the upper denture to remove.
• B. Brush the dentures with a toothbrush and denture cleaner.
• C. Rinse the dentures with hot water after cleaning them.
• D. Place the dentures in a clean, dry storage container after cleaning them.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to brush the dentures with a toothbrush and denture cleaner. This action ensures effective cleaning of the dentures. Dentures should be rinsed with cool or lukewarm water, not hot water, to prevent damage. Placing the dentures in a clean, dry storage container is not the immediate next step after cleaning; they should be kept moist to prevent warping.

4. A postoperative client will need to perform daily dressing changes after discharge. Which outcome statement best demonstrates the client's readiness to manage his wound care after discharge?

• A. Asks relevant questions regarding the dressing change.
• B. States he will be able to complete the wound care regimen.
• C. Demonstrates the wound care procedure correctly.
• D. Has all the necessary supplies for wound care.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Demonstrating the wound care procedure correctly indicates the client's readiness to independently manage wound care. This action shows practical understanding and application of the necessary skills. Choice A, asking relevant questions, is important but does not directly demonstrate the ability to perform the procedure. Choice B, stating the ability to complete the regimen, is a good intention but does not confirm practical competence. Choice D, having necessary supplies, is essential but does not ensure the client's ability to execute proper wound care.

5. A healthcare professional is reviewing a client's fluid and electrolyte status. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional report to the provider?

• A. BUN 15 mg/dL
• B. Creatinine 0.8 mg/dL
• C. Sodium 143 mEq/L
• D. Potassium 5.4 mEq/L

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A potassium level of 5.4 mEq/L is above the expected reference range, indicating hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia can lead to serious complications such as dysrhythmias, making it important for the healthcare professional to report this finding to the provider for further evaluation and intervention. Choices A, B, and C fall within normal ranges and do not pose an immediate risk to the client's health, so they would not warrant immediate reporting to the provider. Elevated BUN or creatinine levels may indicate kidney dysfunction, while a sodium level of 143 mEq/L falls within the normal range for adults and does not typically require urgent intervention.

Similar Questions