Nursing Elites

1. An 86-year-old nursing home resident who has decreased mental status is hospitalized with pneumonic infiltrates in the right lower lobe. When the nurse assists the client with a clear liquid diet, the client begins to cough. What should the nurse do next?

• A. Add a thickening agent to the fluids
• B. Check the client's gag reflex
• C. Feed the client only solid foods
• D. Increase the rate of intravenous fluids

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Checking the client's gag reflex is the appropriate action in this scenario. It helps assess the client's ability to swallow safely without the risk of aspiration. Adding a thickening agent to the fluids (Choice A) may be considered later if swallowing difficulties persist. Feeding the client only solid foods (Choice C) can increase the risk of aspiration in this case, and increasing the rate of intravenous fluids (Choice D) does not address the swallowing concern.

2. Which statement best describes the effects of immobility in children?

• A. Immobility prevents the progression of language and fine motor development
• B. Immobility in children has similar physical effects to those found in adults
• C. Children are more susceptible to the effects of immobility than adults are
• D. Children are likely to have prolonged immobility with subsequent complications

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Immobility in children indeed has physical effects similar to those found in adults. However, it can also significantly impact their development and growth. Choice A is incorrect because immobility does not solely prevent language and fine motor development but affects various aspects. Choice C is incorrect as susceptibility to the effects of immobility may vary between children and adults depending on individual factors. Choice D is incorrect as not all children are likely to have prolonged immobility with subsequent complications.

3. The nurse assesses a 72-year-old client who was admitted for right-sided congestive heart failure. Which of the following would the nurse anticipate finding?

• A. Decreased urinary output
• B. Jugular vein distention
• C. Pleural effusion
• D. Bibasilar crackles

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In right-sided congestive heart failure, the nurse would anticipate finding jugular vein distention. This occurs due to increased venous pressure, leading to the distention of the jugular veins in the neck. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Decreased urinary output is not typically associated with right-sided heart failure; pleural effusion and bibasilar crackles are more commonly seen in conditions like left-sided heart failure.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for a low-sodium diet. The client's family has requested to bring in some of the client's favorite foods. Which of the following food items should the nurse recommend the family members to omit?

• A. Boiled rice
• B. Italian bread
• C. Broiled salmon filet
• D. Pickled beets

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Pickled beets. Pickled foods often contain high levels of sodium, which should be avoided in a low-sodium diet. Boiled rice, Italian bread, and broiled salmon filet are generally lower in sodium compared to pickled beets, making them more suitable choices for a client on a low-sodium diet.

5. Discharge instructions for a client taking alprazolam (Xanax) should include which of the following?

• A. Sedative hypnotics are effective analgesics
• B. Sudden cessation of alprazolam (Xanax) can cause rebound insomnia and nightmares
• C. Caffeine beverages can increase the effect of sedative hypnotics
• D. Avoidance of excessive exercise and high temperature is recommended

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Alprazolam should not be stopped abruptly as it can cause rebound insomnia and nightmares; gradual tapering is necessary. Choice A is incorrect as sedative hypnotics are not primarily used as analgesics. Choice C is incorrect as caffeine can decrease the effects of sedative hypnotics rather than increase them. Choice D is incorrect as there is no specific recommendation to avoid excessive exercise or high temperature related to alprazolam use.

Similar Questions