Nursing Elites

1. A client with acute diverticulitis should have which intervention included in the care plan?

• A. Administer a cleansing enema.
• B. Initiate a low-fiber diet.
• C. Apply moist heat to the abdomen.
• D. Provide a clear liquid diet.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with acute diverticulitis is to initiate a low-fiber diet. A low-fiber diet helps manage acute diverticulitis by reducing irritation to the colon, allowing it to heal. Administering a cleansing enema (Choice A) can worsen diverticulitis by increasing pressure within the colon. Applying moist heat to the abdomen (Choice C) may provide comfort but does not address the underlying cause. Providing a clear liquid diet (Choice D) is not ideal for diverticulitis management as it lacks the necessary nutrients for healing and may not provide enough bulk to prevent further irritation.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 hours postoperative following a cholecystectomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent postoperative complications?

• A. Instruct the client to perform deep breathing and coughing exercises.
• B. Have the client wear sequential compression devices (SCDs).
• C. Place the client in a supine position with the head of the bed flat.
• D. Encourage the client to ambulate every 2 hours.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Have the client wear sequential compression devices (SCDs). Following a cholecystectomy, the client is at risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) due to reduced mobility and surgical stress. SCDs help prevent VTE by promoting venous return and reducing the risk of blood clots. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. While deep breathing and coughing exercises are essential postoperatively, SCDs take precedence in preventing VTE. Placing the client in a supine position with the head of the bed flat can increase the risk of respiratory complications. Encouraging ambulation is important, but SCDs are a higher priority in this situation to prevent VTE.

3. A client with asthma is prescribed a corticosteroid inhaler. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Use the inhaler as needed for acute symptoms.
• B. Rinse the mouth after each use.
• C. Take the medication only during asthma attacks.
• D. Administer a bronchodilator after using the corticosteroid.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction is to rinse the mouth after each use of a corticosteroid inhaler to prevent oral candidiasis (thrush). Choice A is incorrect because corticosteroid inhalers are usually used on a regular schedule to control asthma symptoms, not just for acute symptoms. Choice C is incorrect as corticosteroid inhalers are typically used for long-term management, not just during asthma attacks. Choice D is incorrect as administering a bronchodilator after using a corticosteroid is not a standard practice and is not necessary for the effectiveness of the corticosteroid inhaler.

4. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has a prescription for spironolactone. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Potassium 5.0 mEq/L
• B. Blood pressure 136/84 mm Hg
• C. Sodium 140 mEq/L
• D. Calcium 9.5 mg/dL

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A potassium level of 5.0 mEq/L is at the upper limit of normal and should be monitored closely in clients taking spironolactone, which is potassium-sparing. Elevated potassium levels can lead to hyperkalemia, especially in individuals on potassium-sparing diuretics like spironolactone. Monitoring and reporting high potassium levels are crucial to prevent potential complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Blood pressure (choice B), sodium level (choice C), and calcium level (choice D) are not directly related to the use of spironolactone and do not require immediate reporting in this scenario.

5. A nurse is assessing a client who has left-sided heart failure. Which of the following should the nurse identify as a manifestation of pulmonary congestion?

• A. Frothy, pink sputum
• B. Jugular vein distention
• C. Weight gain
• D. Bradypnea

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct! Frothy, pink sputum is a classic sign of pulmonary congestion in left-sided heart failure. This occurs due to the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, leading to the coughing up of frothy, pink-tinged sputum. Jugular vein distention (choice B) is more indicative of right-sided heart failure, where fluid backs up into the systemic circulation. Weight gain (choice C) may occur due to fluid retention, but it is not a direct manifestation of pulmonary congestion. Bradypnea (choice D) refers to abnormally slow breathing and is not specifically associated with pulmonary congestion.

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