Nursing Elites

1. After receiving a report, the nurse receives the laboratory values for four clients. Which client requires the nurse’s immediate intervention? The client who is...

• A. Short of breath after a shower and has a hemoglobin of 8 grams
• B. Bleeding from a finger stick and has a prothrombin time of 30 seconds
• C. Febrile and has a WBC count of 14,000/mm3
• D. Trembling and has a glucose level of 50 mg/dL

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A glucose level of 50 mg/dL is indicative of hypoglycemia, which requires immediate intervention to prevent further complications. Hypoglycemia can lead to serious consequences such as altered mental status, seizures, and even coma if not promptly addressed. The other options do not present immediate life-threatening conditions that require urgent intervention. Shortness of breath with a hemoglobin of 8 grams may indicate anemia but does not require immediate intervention. Bleeding from a finger stick with a prothrombin time of 30 seconds may suggest clotting issues, which are important but not as immediately critical as hypoglycemia. Being febrile with an elevated WBC count could indicate infection, which is concerning but not as urgently critical as hypoglycemia.

2. During a bed bath, the nurse observes that a client's IV site is red and swollen. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Discontinue the IV under physician's guidance
• B. Apply a warm compress to the site
• C. Notify the physician
• D. Document the appearance of the site and continue the bath

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct first action when a nurse observes a red and swollen IV site during a bed bath is to notify the physician. This is crucial because prompt reporting allows for immediate intervention to prevent further complications. Discontinuing the IV (Choice A) should only be done under the physician's guidance to avoid any adverse effects and ensure proper care. Applying a warm compress (Choice B) may not address the underlying issue and could potentially worsen the situation if the cause is an infection or infiltration. Documenting the site's appearance and continuing the bath (Choice D) without immediate action might delay necessary treatment, leading to potential complications.

3. A client with cirrhosis is experiencing pruritus. Which intervention should the nurse include in the care plan?

• A. Administer antihistamines as prescribed
• B. Apply alcohol-based lotions to the skin
• C. Encourage frequent baths with hot water
• D. Limit fluid intake

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer antihistamines as prescribed. Pruritus, or itching, is a common symptom in clients with cirrhosis. Antihistamines can help relieve itching by blocking the effects of histamine. Applying alcohol-based lotions (choice B) can further dry out the skin and exacerbate itching. Encouraging frequent baths with hot water (choice C) can also worsen pruritus by stripping the skin of natural oils. Limiting fluid intake (choice D) is not directly related to managing pruritus in cirrhosis.

4. The nurse is caring for a client with cirrhosis of the liver. Which clinical finding is most concerning?

• A. Jaundice.
• B. Ascites.
• C. Spider angiomas.
• D. Asterixis.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Asterixis. Asterixis, also known as liver flap, is a sign of hepatic encephalopathy, a severe complication of liver disease that necessitates immediate attention. While jaundice (choice A), ascites (choice B), and spider angiomas (choice C) are common clinical findings in cirrhosis, asterixis is the most concerning due to its association with hepatic encephalopathy, which can lead to altered mental status and even coma. Jaundice, ascites, and spider angiomas are also important signs in cirrhosis, but asterixis indicates a more critical condition requiring urgent intervention.

5. The nurse is assessing a client with left-sided heart failure. Which symptom should the nurse expect to find?

• A. Peripheral edema
• B. Jugular vein distention
• C. Shortness of breath
• D. Weight gain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Shortness of breath is a characteristic symptom of left-sided heart failure. In this condition, the heart's inability to effectively pump blood forward causes blood to back up into the lungs, leading to fluid accumulation. This fluid accumulation results in pulmonary congestion, manifesting as shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Peripheral edema (choice A) is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure, where fluid accumulates in the extremities. Jugular vein distention (choice B) is a sign of increased central venous pressure and is more indicative of right-sided heart failure. Weight gain (choice D) can be a general symptom of heart failure due to fluid retention, but shortness of breath is specifically related to left-sided heart failure.

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