Nursing Elites

1. A client with cirrhosis is at risk for bleeding. Which laboratory test is most important to monitor?

• A. Blood glucose
• B. Serum creatinine
• C. Prothrombin time (PT)
• D. Electrolytes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In clients with cirrhosis, monitoring the Prothrombin time (PT) is crucial as it assesses the blood's ability to clot. Cirrhosis can lead to impaired liver function, affecting the synthesis of clotting factors, hence increasing the risk of bleeding. Maintaining a close watch on PT levels helps in timely intervention to prevent excessive bleeding episodes. Blood glucose (Choice A) is not directly related to the clotting function; serum creatinine (Choice B) and electrolytes (Choice D) are important, but in cirrhosis, monitoring PT takes precedence due to the increased bleeding risk.

2. What instructions should the nurse give to a patient with cervical cancer who is planned to receive external-beam radiation to prevent complications from the effects of the radiation?

• A. Test stools for the presence of blood.
• B. Maintain a low-residue, high-fiber diet.
• C. Clean the perianal area carefully after every bowel movement.
• D. Inspect the mouth and throat daily for signs of thrush.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a patient with cervical cancer is receiving external-beam radiation, the radiation to the abdomen can affect organs in its path, such as the bowel, leading to complications like frequent diarrhea. Cleaning the perianal area carefully after each bowel movement is crucial to decrease the risk of skin breakdown and infection. Testing stools for blood is not necessary since inflammation associated with radiation may lead to occult blood in stools. Maintaining a low-residue diet is actually recommended to prevent bowel irritation. Radiation to the abdomen does not cause stomatitis, so inspecting the mouth and throat for thrush is not directly related to the effects of external-beam radiation in this context.

3. A patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus is admitted to the hospital with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). What is the priority nursing action?

• A. Administer regular insulin intravenously.
• B. Give oral hypoglycemic agents.
• C. Administer sodium bicarbonate.
• D. Provide a high-calorie diet.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing action for a patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is to administer regular insulin intravenously. Insulin helps to lower blood glucose levels and correct acidosis, which are critical in managing DKA. Administering oral hypoglycemic agents is not appropriate in the acute setting of DKA as they may not work quickly enough compared to intravenous insulin. While sodium bicarbonate may be used to correct acidosis, insulin administration is the priority to address both hyperglycemia and acidosis simultaneously. Providing a high-calorie diet is not suitable initially in DKA management; the main focus is on stabilizing the patient's condition through insulin therapy and fluid/electrolyte correction.

4. During the initial assessment of a client with a history of substance abuse admitted for detoxification, which intervention is most important?

• A. Obtain a detailed substance use history.
• B. Establish a trusting nurse-client relationship.
• C. Evaluate the client's physical health status.
• D. Determine the client's readiness for change.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Assessing the client's physical health status is the most critical intervention during the initial assessment of a client with a history of substance abuse admitted for detoxification. This evaluation helps identify and address any immediate health risks, such as withdrawal symptoms or medical complications, to ensure the client's safety and well-being during the detoxification process. Option A, obtaining a detailed substance use history, is important but not the most critical initially. Option B, establishing a trusting nurse-client relationship, is important but assessing physical health takes precedence. Option D, determining the client's readiness for change, is valuable but assessing physical health for immediate risks is the priority.

5. In planning the turning schedule for a bedfast client, it is most important for the nurse to consider what assessment finding?

• A. 4+ pitting edema of both lower extremities.
• B. A Braden risk assessment scale rating score of ten.
• C. Warm, dry skin with a fever of 100° F.
• D. Hypoactive bowel sounds with infrequent bowel movements.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A low Braden score indicates a high risk for pressure ulcers, making regular turning crucial to prevent skin breakdown.

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