Nursing Elites

1. An adolescent's mother calls the clinic because the teen is having recurrent vomiting and has become combative in the last 2 days. The mother states that the teen takes vitamins, calcium, magnesium, and aspirin. Which nursing intervention has the highest priority?

• A. Advise the mother to withhold all medications by mouth.
• B. Instruct the mother to take the teen to the emergency room.
• C. Recommend that the teen withhold food and fluids for 2 hours.
• D. Suggest that the adolescent breathe slowly and deeply.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the mother to take the teen to the emergency room. The symptoms described, including recurrent vomiting and becoming combative after taking vitamins, calcium, magnesium, and aspirin, indicate a potential overdose or a serious condition. Therefore, immediate medical evaluation in the emergency room is crucial. Advising to withhold all medications by mouth (Choice A) may delay necessary treatment. Recommending to withhold food and fluids (Choice C) is not appropriate in this urgent situation. Suggesting deep breathing (Choice D) does not address the seriousness of the symptoms and the need for immediate medical attention.

2. The nurse is caring for a client with a chest tube following a pneumothorax. Which finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Oxygen saturation of 94%
• B. Crepitus around the insertion site
• C. Subcutaneous emphysema
• D. Drainage of 50 ml per hour

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Subcutaneous emphysema is the most critical finding requiring immediate intervention in a client with a chest tube following a pneumothorax. It may indicate a pneumothorax recurrence or air leak, which can lead to respiratory compromise. Oxygen saturation of 94% is slightly low but may not require immediate intervention. Crepitus around the insertion site can be a normal finding post-procedure. Drainage of 50 ml per hour is within the expected range for a chest tube output and does not indicate an immediate concern.

3. A 66-year-old woman is retiring and will no longer have health insurance through her place of employment. Which agency should the client be referred to by the employee health nurse for health insurance needs?

• A. Woman, Infants, and Children program
• B. Medicaid
• C. Medicare
• D. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act provision

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Medicare. Title XVII of the Social Security Act of 1965 created the Medicare Program to provide medical insurance for individuals who are 65 years or older, disabled, or have permanent kidney failure. Medicare is the appropriate agency to refer a 66-year-old woman who is retiring and losing her employment-based health insurance. Choice A, the Woman, Infants, and Children program, is not suitable for this scenario as it provides assistance for low-income pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and young children. Choice B, Medicaid, is a program that helps individuals with low income and resources cover medical costs, which may not be applicable to this woman's situation. Choice D, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act provision, known as COBRA, allows employees to continue their group health insurance coverage after leaving their job but may not be the best option for this woman in this case.

4. A young adult male is admitted to the emergency department with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). His pH is 7.25, HCO3 is 12 mEq/L, and blood glucose is 310 mg/dl. Which action should the nurse implement?

• A. Infuse sodium chloride 0.9% (normal saline)
• B. Prepare an emergency dose of glucagon
• C. Determine the last time the client ate
• D. Check urine for ketone bodies with a dipstick

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In DKA, restoring fluid balance with sodium chloride is a priority to address the dehydration and electrolyte imbalances present in this condition. Choice B, preparing an emergency dose of glucagon, is incorrect because DKA is characterized by insulin deficiency, not glucagon deficiency. Choice C, determining the last time the client ate, is not the immediate priority in managing DKA. Choice D, checking urine for ketone bodies with a dipstick, may help confirm the diagnosis of DKA but is not the most critical intervention at this time.

5. A client with hypertension receives a prescription for enalapril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. What instruction should the nurse include in the medication teaching plan?

• A. Increase intake of potassium-rich foods
• B. Report increased bruising or bleeding
• C. Stop medication if a cough develops
• D. Limit intake of leafy green vegetables

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Report increased bruising or bleeding.' Enalapril, an ACE inhibitor, can lead to thrombocytopenia, a condition characterized by a low platelet count, which increases the risk of bruising and bleeding. Instructing the client to report any signs of increased bruising or bleeding is crucial for monitoring and managing this potential side effect. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect: A - Increasing potassium-rich foods is not directly related to the side effects of enalapril. C - Developing a cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors, but it does not warrant stopping the medication unless advised by a healthcare provider. D - Limiting intake of leafy green vegetables is not necessary with enalapril unless specifically instructed by a healthcare provider for individual reasons.

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