Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client who has heart failure. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the medication has been effective?

• A. Cardiac workload decreases
• B. Blood pressure increases
• C. Respiratory rate increases
• D. Temperature decreases

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cardiac workload decreases. Digoxin helps reduce cardiac workload in clients with heart failure, improving symptoms. This reduction in workload indicates that the medication is effective. Choice B, blood pressure increases, is incorrect because digoxin typically does not directly affect blood pressure. Choice C, respiratory rate increases, is incorrect as an increased respiratory rate is not a typical indicator of digoxin effectiveness. Choice D, temperature decreases, is also incorrect as digoxin does not typically affect body temperature.

2. After sustaining a closed head injury and numerous lacerations and abrasions to the face and neck, a five-year-old child is admitted to the emergency room. The client is unconscious and has minimal response to noxious stimuli. Which of the following assessments, if observed by the nurse three hours after admission, should be reported to the physician?

• A. The client has slight edema of the eyelids
• B. There is clear fluid draining from the client's right ear
• C. There is some bleeding from the child's lacerations
• D. The client withdraws in response to painful stimuli

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Clear fluid draining from the ear can indicate cerebrospinal fluid leakage, which is a serious concern after a head injury. This leakage can signify a skull fracture or damage to the meninges, potentially leading to infection. Therefore, it should be reported immediately for further evaluation and management. Choices A, C, and D are typical findings after head trauma and are not as urgent as the presence of clear fluid draining from the ear.

3. A nurse is teaching a client who has diabetes mellitus about foot care. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Soak feet in hot water daily
• B. Use a heating pad on the feet daily
• C. Cut toenails straight across
• D. Massage feet with lotion daily

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Cut toenails straight across.' This instruction is crucial for clients with diabetes to prevent ingrown toenails and potential foot complications. Soaking feet in hot water daily (Choice A) can lead to skin damage and is not recommended for diabetic individuals. Using a heating pad on the feet daily (Choice B) can cause burns or injuries due to reduced sensation in the feet that often accompanies diabetes. Massaging feet with lotion daily (Choice D) is generally safe but may not address the specific preventive measure of cutting toenails correctly.

4. How should a healthcare professional manage a patient with an indwelling urinary catheter?

• A. Monitor urine output and ensure proper drainage
• B. Administer antibiotics and change the catheter regularly
• C. Monitor for signs of infection and provide catheter care
• D. Provide high-sodium diet and monitor hydration

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Monitoring urine output and ensuring proper catheter drainage are crucial aspects of managing a patient with an indwelling urinary catheter. This helps in assessing the patient's renal function, fluid balance, and the patency of the catheter. Administering antibiotics and changing the catheter regularly (Choice B) may not be necessary unless there is an infection present. While monitoring for signs of infection and providing catheter care (Choice C) are important, the primary focus should be on urine output and drainage. Providing a high-sodium diet and monitoring hydration (Choice D) are not directly related to managing an indwelling urinary catheter.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following hip replacement surgery. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent dislocation of the prosthesis?

• A. Cross the client's legs at the knees
• B. Maintain the client's legs in a neutral position
• C. Avoid placing a pillow under the client's knees
• D. Elevate the client's legs

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action to prevent dislocation of the prosthesis after hip replacement surgery is to avoid placing a pillow under the client's knees. Placing a pillow can cause hip adduction, leading to dislocation. Crossing the client's legs at the knees and elevating the client's legs can also increase the risk of hip dislocation. Maintaining the client's legs in a neutral position is important to prevent complications.

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