Nursing Elites

1. A client with hypertension is being educated on lifestyle changes by a nurse. Which recommendation is the most important to reduce blood pressure?

• A. Increase water intake
• B. Avoid alcohol consumption
• C. Exercise regularly
• D. Reduce sodium intake

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Reducing sodium intake is crucial in managing hypertension as high sodium levels can lead to fluid retention and increased blood pressure. While increasing water intake is beneficial for overall health, reducing sodium has a more significant impact on blood pressure. Regular exercise is important for cardiovascular health but does not have as direct an impact on blood pressure as sodium reduction. Avoiding alcohol is also important, but in terms of managing blood pressure, reducing sodium intake takes precedence.

2. The healthcare provider is caring for a client with severe anemia. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Pale skin
• B. Increased heart rate
• C. Shortness of breath
• D. Fatigue

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Shortness of breath is a critical sign in severe anemia as it indicates inadequate oxygenation, which can be life-threatening. Immediate intervention is necessary to address this condition. Pale skin (choice A) is a common finding in anemia but not as urgent as shortness of breath. Increased heart rate (choice B) is a compensatory mechanism in anemia to maintain oxygen delivery and is important but not as urgent as addressing inadequate oxygenation. Fatigue (choice D) is a common symptom in anemia but does not indicate an immediate life-threatening situation like shortness of breath does.

3. A client with hyperthyroidism is admitted to the postoperative unit after a subtotal thyroidectomy. Which of the client's serum laboratory values requires intervention by the nurse?

• A. Blood glucose 90 mg/dL
• B. Sodium 138 mEq/L
• C. Total calcium 5.0 mg/dL
• D. Potassium 4.2 mEq/L

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A total calcium level of 5.0 mg/dL is critically low and indicates possible hypocalcemia, a common complication after thyroid surgery. This condition can lead to tetany and requires immediate intervention. Blood glucose within normal range, sodium, and potassium levels are not indicative of an immediate postoperative complication like hypocalcemia in this case.

4. Which statement made by the client indicates an understanding of the instructions regarding the administration of alendronate (Fosamax)?

• A. I will take the medication at bedtime to avoid stomach upset.
• B. I will take the medication with a full glass of water first thing in the morning.
• C. I will lie down for 30 minutes after taking the medication.
• D. I will take the medication with food to reduce stomach irritation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Alendronate (Fosamax) should be taken with a full glass of water in the morning to prevent esophageal irritation and ensure proper absorption. Choice A is incorrect because taking alendronate at bedtime increases the risk of esophageal irritation due to lying down. Choice C is incorrect because patients should remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate to prevent esophageal irritation. Choice D is incorrect because alendronate should be taken on an empty stomach, not with food, to enhance absorption.

5. A client undergoing chemotherapy reports extreme fatigue. What should the nurse recommend to manage this symptom?

• A. Increase the dose of chemotherapy.
• B. Rest when needed and maintain a balanced diet.
• C. Perform light physical activity to reduce fatigue.
• D. Consider delaying the chemotherapy treatment.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct recommendation for managing chemotherapy-induced fatigue is to advise the client to rest when needed and maintain a balanced diet. Increasing the dose of chemotherapy (Choice A) would exacerbate the fatigue and other side effects. While light physical activity (Choice C) can be beneficial, extreme fatigue may require more rest initially. Delaying chemotherapy treatment (Choice D) should only be considered after consultation with the healthcare provider, as timely treatment is usually crucial in cancer care.

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