Nursing Elites

1. After placing a stethoscope to auscultate S1 and S2 heart sounds, what should the nurse do to check for an S3 heart sound?

• A. Switch to the diaphragm of the stethoscope to hear any abnormal sounds
• B. Listen with the bell of the stethoscope at the same location
• C. Listen at a different location over the aortic area
• D. Switch to the apical area and reassess for S3 sounds

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To assess for an S3 heart sound, the nurse should listen with the bell of the stethoscope. An S3 heart sound is often low-pitched and best heard with the bell. Choice A is incorrect because switching to the diaphragm is not ideal for detecting low-pitched sounds like an S3. Choice C is incorrect as the S3 heart sound is best heard over the apex of the heart, not the aortic area. Choice D is incorrect because moving to the apical area is appropriate, but the nurse should specifically use the bell of the stethoscope to listen for S3 sounds.

2. A client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is prescribed anticoagulants. What should the nurse monitor closely?

• A. Monitor for signs of bleeding, such as bruising.
• B. Monitor the client’s vital signs every hour.
• C. Monitor for pain in the affected limb.
• D. Assess for signs of pulmonary embolism, such as sudden shortness of breath.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In clients with DVT, assessing for pulmonary embolism is crucial as a clot in the lungs can be life-threatening. Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain are key signs of a pulmonary embolism. While monitoring for signs of bleeding is important due to anticoagulant therapy, the immediate concern is detecting a potential pulmonary embolism. Monitoring vital signs and pain in the affected limb are relevant aspects of care but are not as urgent as assessing for pulmonary embolism in this scenario.

3. A client with hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine. What assessment finding suggests the medication dosage is too high?

• A. Increased sensitivity to cold.
• B. Increased heart rate and palpitations.
• C. Improved energy levels.
• D. Improved tolerance to heat.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increased heart rate and palpitations. When a client with hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine, these symptoms may indicate that the dosage is too high, causing the client to develop hyperthyroidism. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Increased sensitivity to cold is a symptom of hypothyroidism, improved energy levels are an expected outcome of levothyroxine therapy for hypothyroidism, and improved tolerance to heat is not a common sign of levothyroxine overdose.

4. In the critical care unit, which client should receive the most care hours by a registered nurse (RN)?

• A. A client with a newly inserted Foley catheter and Alzheimer's disease
• B. A 55-year-old with chronic kidney disease
• C. An 82-year-old client with a newly fractured femur and soft wrist restraints
• D. A 72-year-old with pneumonia and sepsis on antibiotics

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The client with a newly fractured femur and soft wrist restraints should receive the most care hours as they have physical limitations due to the fracture and mental limitations due to being restrained. This client requires continuous monitoring, support, and frequent assessments to prevent complications. Choices A, B, and D do not have the same level of physical and mental care needs as the client with the newly fractured femur and soft wrist restraints.

5. A client is admitted with pneumonia and is started on antibiotics. After 3 days, the client reports difficulty breathing and a rash. What is the nurse's first action?

• A. Administer epinephrine
• B. Discontinue the antibiotic
• C. Assess the client's oxygen saturation
• D. Call the healthcare provider

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The client's difficulty breathing and rash suggest a possible allergic reaction to the antibiotic. The first action the nurse should take is to discontinue the antibiotic to prevent further exposure. Administering epinephrine should only be done in severe cases of anaphylaxis, which is not indicated solely by difficulty breathing and rash. While assessing the client's oxygen saturation is important, discontinuing the potential allergen takes precedence. Contacting the healthcare provider should be done after discontinuing the antibiotic and assessing the client to report the situation and seek further guidance.

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