Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is planning care for a school-age child who is 4 hr postoperative following perforated appendicitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Offer small amounts of clear liquids 6 hr following surgery.
• B. Give cromolyn nebulizer solution every 6 hr.
• C. Apply a warm compress to the operative site every 4 hr.
• D. Administer analgesics on a scheduled basis for the first 24 hr.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Administering analgesics on a scheduled basis for the first 24 hours is crucial to ensure adequate pain control in the immediate postoperative period. Choice A is incorrect because clear liquids are typically initiated gradually and advanced as tolerated but not specifically at 6 hours post-surgery. Choice B is incorrect as cromolyn nebulizer solution is not indicated for postoperative pain management in this scenario. Choice C is incorrect as applying a warm compress may not be appropriate for the operative site after appendicitis surgery and can potentially increase the risk of infection.

2. How should a healthcare provider assess a patient for fluid overload?

• A. Monitor weight and assess for shortness of breath
• B. Auscultate lung sounds and monitor blood pressure
• C. Assess for edema in the extremities
• D. Assess for jugular venous distension

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correctly, the answer is to monitor weight and assess for shortness of breath when assessing a patient for fluid overload. Weight monitoring is crucial as sudden weight gain can indicate fluid retention. Shortness of breath can be a sign of fluid accumulation in the lungs. While auscultating lung sounds and monitoring blood pressure are important assessments in overall patient care, they may not be specific to fluid overload. Assessing for edema in the extremities is relevant, but it is not as sensitive as monitoring weight for detecting fluid overload. Assessing for jugular venous distension is more specific to assessing fluid status in heart failure rather than a general assessment for fluid overload.

3. A client with hypertension is receiving lifestyle education from a nurse. What should be emphasized?

• A. Encourage a low-sodium diet
• B. Advise the client to avoid caffeinated drinks
• C. Recommend increasing high-protein foods
• D. Advise the client to reduce fat intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to advise the client to avoid caffeinated drinks. Caffeine can temporarily increase blood pressure, so avoiding caffeinated drinks can help manage hypertension. Encouraging a low-sodium diet (Choice A) is essential for hypertension management as excess sodium can raise blood pressure. Increasing high-protein foods (Choice C) is not a primary focus in managing hypertension. While reducing fat intake (Choice D) can be beneficial for overall health, it is not the priority in lifestyle modifications for hypertension.

4. A nurse is assisting with the admission of a client who has major depressive disorder. Which of the following communication techniques should the nurse use to establish a trusting relationship with the client?

• A. Offer medical advice
• B. Offer general leads
• C. Ask open-ended questions
• D. Use assertive communication

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the context of establishing a trusting relationship with a client who has major depressive disorder, offering general leads is the most appropriate communication technique. General leads encourage clients to express themselves by providing subtle prompts or cues, which can help build rapport and trust. Offering medical advice (Choice A) is not suitable as it may come across as imposing and could hinder the establishment of trust. Asking open-ended questions (Choice C) is beneficial for eliciting detailed responses but may not be as effective at initially establishing trust as general leads. Using assertive communication (Choice D) can be perceived as aggressive and intimidating, which is not conducive to building a trusting relationship with a client who has major depressive disorder.

5. What are the key signs of infection after surgery?

• A. Redness
• B. Swelling
• C. Fever
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After surgery, key signs of infection include redness, swelling, and fever. Redness and swelling can indicate inflammation at the surgical site, while fever is a systemic response to infection. Choosing 'All of the above' (Option D) is the correct answer because all three signs are commonly associated with post-surgical infections. Options A, B, and C are incorrect as each of them individually can be a sign of infection, but considering all three together provides a more comprehensive assessment for post-operative infection.

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