Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare provider is reviewing the medical record of a client who is scheduled for surgery. Which of the following findings should the provider report?

• A. White blood cell count of 8,000/mm³
• B. Potassium level of 4.0 mEq/L
• C. Creatinine level of 1.0 mg/dL
• D. Hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An elevated creatinine level indicates impaired kidney function, which may affect the client's ability to undergo surgery. The other laboratory values (white blood cell count, potassium level, and hemoglobin level) are within normal ranges and do not directly impact the client's readiness for surgery.

2. A client with a tracheostomy is exhibiting signs of respiratory distress. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Notify the healthcare provider
• B. Suction the tracheostomy
• C. Administer a bronchodilator
• D. Increase the oxygen flow rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client with a tracheostomy is experiencing respiratory distress, the priority action is to suction the tracheostomy to clear the airway and improve breathing. This helps remove secretions or blockages that may be causing the distress. Notifying the healthcare provider (Choice A) can be done after ensuring immediate airway clearance. Administering a bronchodilator (Choice C) would not address the primary issue of airway clearance in a tracheostomy patient. Increasing the oxygen flow rate (Choice D) may be necessary but should come after ensuring the airway is clear.

3. What are the complications of untreated Type 1 diabetes?

• A. Diabetic ketoacidosis and retinopathy
• B. Hypoglycemia and neuropathy
• C. Hypotension and kidney failure
• D. Infection and fluid overload

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Diabetic ketoacidosis and retinopathy are indeed common complications of untreated Type 1 diabetes. Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when the body starts breaking down fat for fuel, leading to a dangerous buildup of ketones in the blood. Retinopathy refers to damage to the blood vessels of the retina due to high blood sugar levels over time. The other choices, hypoglycemia and neuropathy (choice B), hypotension and kidney failure (choice C), and infection and fluid overload (choice D) are not typically the primary complications associated with untreated Type 1 diabetes.

4. A client who is at 38 weeks of gestation and has a history of hepatitis C asks the nurse if she will be able to breastfeed. Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?

• A. You may breastfeed unless your nipples are cracked or bleeding.
• B. You must use a breast pump to provide breast milk.
• C. You must use a nipple shield when breastfeeding.
• D. You may breastfeed after your baby develops antibodies.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct response is A: 'You may breastfeed unless your nipples are cracked or bleeding.' In the case of hepatitis C, breastfeeding is generally safe unless the mother's nipples are cracked or bleeding, which could increase the risk of transmission to the baby. Choice B is incorrect as using a breast pump is not a mandatory requirement for breastfeeding with hepatitis C. Choice C is incorrect as a nipple shield is not necessary in this situation. Choice D is incorrect because the baby developing antibodies does not impact the decision to breastfeed in the context of hepatitis C.

5. What is the most important action when providing wound care to a client with a pressure ulcer?

• A. Apply a dry, sterile dressing to the wound
• B. Cleanse the wound with normal saline
• C. Perform a wound culture before applying ointment
• D. Cover the wound with a wet-to-dry dressing

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Performing a wound culture before applying ointment is crucial when providing wound care to a client with a pressure ulcer. This action helps identify any underlying infections, allowing healthcare providers to select the most appropriate treatment. Options A, B, and D are not as critical as performing a wound culture, as they focus on wound dressing and cleansing rather than identifying potential infections.

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