Nursing Elites

1. A client with a fractured femur has a BP of 140/94 mmHg and denies any history of HTN. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Request a prescription for an antihypertensive medication.
• B. Ask the client if they are having pain.
• C. Request a prescription for an antianxiety medication.
• D. Return in 30 minutes to recheck the client’s BP.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action is to ask the client if they are having pain. Pain can lead to temporary increases in blood pressure. Addressing pain as a potential cause is the initial step before considering medication adjustments. Requesting an antihypertensive medication or an antianxiety medication without assessing pain first would not address the immediate concern. Returning to recheck the BP can be done after addressing the potential pain issue.

2. A healthcare professional is administering 1 L of 0.9% sodium chloride to a client who is postoperative and has fluid-volume deficit. Which of the following changes should the healthcare professional identify as an indication that the treatment was successful?

• A. Increase in hematocrit
• B. Increase in respiratory rate
• C. Decrease in heart rate
• D. Decrease in capillary refill time

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Fluid-volume deficit causes tachycardia. With correction of the imbalance, the heart rate should return to the expected range. An increase in hematocrit (Choice A) would indicate hemoconcentration, not a successful fluid replacement. An increase in respiratory rate (Choice B) could indicate respiratory distress or hypoxia, not improvement in fluid volume status. A decrease in capillary refill time (Choice D) may indicate improved peripheral perfusion but is not a direct indicator of fluid replacement success.

3. A charge nurse is assigning tasks to a nurse and assistive personnel for a group of clients. Which of the following tasks should the charge nurse delegate to the AP?

• A. Report ABG results to the provider
• B. Instruct a client about how to use an incentive spirometer
• C. Administer an enteral feeding to a client who has an established gastrostomy tube
• D. Monitor the color of a client’s urinary output

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because monitoring the color of a client's urinary output is a task that can be safely delegated to assistive personnel. This task involves basic observation and does not require specialized nursing knowledge or skills. Choice A is incorrect because reporting ABG results to the provider requires interpretation and critical thinking skills typically performed by a nurse. Choice B is incorrect as instructing a client about how to use an incentive spirometer involves educating and assessing the client, which is a nursing responsibility. Choice C is incorrect as administering enteral feeding to a client with a gastrostomy tube requires nursing expertise to ensure proper technique and monitoring for complications.

4. A healthcare provider is assessing a client with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Which laboratory value would be most concerning?

• A. Serum amylase of 200 U/L
• B. Serum lipase of 250 U/L
• C. Blood glucose of 200 mg/dL
• D. Serum calcium of 7.5 mg/dL

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In acute pancreatitis, hypocalcemia (low serum calcium) is a critical finding that is associated with a poor prognosis and requires immediate attention. Serum amylase and lipase are typically elevated in acute pancreatitis due to pancreatic inflammation, but they are not indicators of severity. Blood glucose levels may be elevated due to stress or underlying conditions but are not directly related to the severity of acute pancreatitis. Therefore, the most concerning value in this scenario is the low serum calcium level, which can have significant implications for the client's prognosis.

5. A nurse receives a prescription for an antibiotic for a client with cellulitis. The nurse checks the client’s medical record, discovers the client's allergy to the antibiotic, and calls the provider for a different prescription. Which of the following critical thinking attitudes did the nurse demonstrate?

• A. Fairness
• B. Responsibility
• C. Risk-taking
• D. Creativity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse demonstrated responsibility by recognizing the potential harm of administering an antibiotic the client is allergic to and taking the necessary steps to ensure the client's safety. Choice A, 'Fairness,' is not applicable in this scenario as it does not involve treating individuals equitably. Choice C, 'Risk-taking,' is incorrect as the nurse's actions aimed to minimize risks rather than taking them. Choice D, 'Creativity,' is not the best fit as the nurse's actions focused on following established protocols and ensuring patient safety rather than thinking innovatively.

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