Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is preparing to discharge a client who has a new diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Which of the following referrals should the nurse plan to initiate?

• A. Respiratory therapy
• B. Hospice care
• C. Occupational therapy
• D. Dietary services

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Dietary services. Referring the client to dietary services is essential for managing nutrition, including monitoring sodium, potassium, and protein intake, which are crucial aspects of managing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Respiratory therapy (choice A) focuses on managing respiratory conditions, which are not directly related to CKD. Hospice care (choice B) is not appropriate for a new diagnosis of CKD as it is designed for end-of-life care. Occupational therapy (choice C) is beneficial for improving activities of daily living but is not the priority referral for a new CKD diagnosis.

2. A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client who has sustained multiple injuries. The nurse observes the client's thorax moving inward during inspiration and outward during expiration. The nurse should suspect which of the following injuries?

• A. Flail chest
• B. Hemothorax
• C. Pulmonary contusion
• D. Pneumothorax

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Flail chest. Flail chest results from multiple rib fractures, causing paradoxical chest movement where the injured part moves inward during inspiration and outward during expiration, interfering with ventilation. Choice B, Hemothorax, involves blood in the pleural cavity and does not typically cause paradoxical chest movement. Choice C, Pulmonary contusion, is a bruise to the lung tissue and does not present with paradoxical chest movement. Choice D, Pneumothorax, is the presence of air in the pleural space, leading to lung collapse, but it does not demonstrate paradoxical chest movement like in flail chest.

3. A patient is admitted with an air leak in a chest tube system. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Tighten the connections of the chest tube system
• B. Continue monitoring the patient
• C. Replace the chest tube system
• D. Clamp the chest tube

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When caring for a patient with an air leak in the chest tube system, the nurse should tighten the connections of the chest tube system. This action can help resolve the air leak by ensuring there are no loose connections or leaks in the system. Continuing to monitor the patient (Choice B) is important, but addressing the air leak is a priority. Replacing the chest tube system (Choice C) may not be necessary if tightening the connections resolves the issue. Clamping the chest tube (Choice D) is not appropriate as it can lead to tension pneumothorax.

4. When caring for a patient with hypokalemia, what should the nurse monitor for?

• A. Monitor for muscle weakness
• B. Check for cardiac dysrhythmias
• C. Monitor for bradycardia
• D. Monitor for seizures

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Answer: Muscle weakness is a common sign of hypokalemia. The nurse should monitor for muscle weakness as potassium plays a crucial role in muscle function. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because although hypokalemia can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias, bradycardia, and even seizures in severe cases, muscle weakness is a more common and specific sign directly related to potassium levels.

5. What is the primary concern for a patient with a CD4 T-cell count below 180 cells/mm³?

• A. Increased risk of severe infection
• B. Increased risk of anemia
• C. Increased risk of bleeding
• D. Increased risk of dehydration

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A CD4 T-cell count below 180 cells/mm³ indicates a severely immunocompromised state, leading to an increased risk of severe infection. In individuals with low CD4 counts, the immune system is significantly weakened, making them more susceptible to opportunistic infections. Anemia (choice B), bleeding (choice C), and dehydration (choice D) are not the primary concerns associated with a low CD4 T-cell count. While these conditions may occur as secondary effects or complications, the primary focus is on preventing and managing severe infections in patients with severely compromised immune systems.

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