Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is reinforcing teaching about using a cane with a client who has left-leg weakness. What instruction should the nurse give?

• A. Use the cane on the weaker side
• B. Advance the cane and the strong leg together
• C. Maintain two points of support on the floor at all times
• D. Advance the cane 30 to 45 cm with each step

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client with left-leg weakness using a cane is to maintain two points of support on the floor at all times. This technique provides stability and support while walking. Choice A is incorrect because the cane should be used on the stronger side to support the weaker leg. Choice B is incorrect as advancing the cane and the strong leg together may not provide adequate support and balance. Choice D is incorrect as the distance to advance the cane with each step can vary depending on the individual's needs and abilities.

2. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who is taking furosemide. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L
• B. Sodium level of 135 mEq/L
• C. Magnesium level of 1.6 mEq/L
• D. Calcium level of 8.5 mg/dL

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A magnesium level of 1.6 mEq/L is within the normal range, but monitoring potassium levels is crucial for clients taking furosemide. Furosemide can cause hypokalemia (low potassium levels), which can lead to adverse effects such as cardiac dysrhythmias. Sodium and calcium levels are not typically affected by furosemide, so they are not the priority findings to report to the provider in this case.

3. What are the early signs of a pulmonary embolism?

• A. Chest pain, shortness of breath, and tachycardia
• B. Fever, nausea, and vomiting
• C. Cough, cyanosis, and fatigue
• D. Abdominal pain and bradycardia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Chest pain, shortness of breath, and tachycardia. These are classic early signs of a pulmonary embolism. Chest pain may be sudden and sharp, worsened by deep breathing or coughing. Shortness of breath can be sudden and severe. Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) is another common symptom. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent typical early signs of a pulmonary embolism.

4. Which intervention is most important for a client with rheumatoid arthritis?

• A. Massage inflamed joints with creams and oils
• B. Provide support to flexed joints with pillows and pads
• C. Position the client on their abdomen several times a day
• D. Assist with heat application and range of motion exercises

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most important intervention for a client with rheumatoid arthritis is to assist with heat application and range of motion exercises. Heat application helps reduce stiffness and improve joint flexibility, while range of motion exercises help maintain mobility and prevent contractures. Massaging inflamed joints with creams and oils may provide temporary relief but does not address the root cause of stiffness and limited mobility in rheumatoid arthritis. Providing support to flexed joints with pillows and pads can be helpful for comfort but does not actively promote mobility. Positioning the client on their abdomen several times a day is not a standard intervention for managing rheumatoid arthritis.

5. What advice should be given to a client experiencing constipation?

• A. Encourage the client to drink water frequently
• B. Increase dietary fiber to relieve constipation
• C. Administer a laxative to relieve discomfort
• D. Encourage the client to increase physical activity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct advice to give to a client experiencing constipation is to increase dietary fiber. Dietary fiber helps relieve constipation by promoting regular bowel movements. Encouraging the client to drink water frequently (Choice A) is also important for overall bowel health, but increasing dietary fiber is more directly related to relieving constipation. Administering a laxative (Choice C) should not be the first-line recommendation and should only be considered if dietary and lifestyle changes do not work. Encouraging the client to increase physical activity (Choice D) can be beneficial for overall health but may not directly address the issue of constipation.

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