Nursing Elites

1. An older client with long-term type 2 diabetes Mellitus (DM) is seen in the clinic for a routine health assessment. Which assessment would the nurse complete to determine if a patient with type 2 diabetes Mellitus (DM) is experiencing long-term complications?

• A. Signs of respiratory tract infection
• B. Sensation in feet and legs
• C. Skin condition of lower extremities
• D. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Assessing sensation in the feet and legs is crucial for detecting diabetic neuropathy, a common long-term complication of diabetes. While signs of respiratory tract infection, skin condition of lower extremities, and serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels are important assessments in diabetic care, they are not specific for detecting long-term complications like neuropathy.

2. The nurse assumes care for a patient who is currently receiving a dose of intravenous vancomycin (Vancocin) infusing at 20 mg/min. The nurse notes red blotches on the patient’s face, neck, and chest and assesses a blood pressure of 80/55 mm Hg. Which action will the nurse take?

• A. Request an order for IV epinephrine to treat anaphylactic shock.
• B. Slow the infusion to 10 mg/min and observe the patient closely.
• C. Stop the infusion and obtain an order for a BUN and serum creatinine.
• D. Suspect Stevens-Johnson syndrome and notify the provider immediately.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When vancomycin is infused too rapidly, “red man” syndrome may occur; the rate should be 10 mg/min to prevent this. This is a toxic reaction, not an allergic one, so epinephrine is not indicated. Stevens-Johnson syndrome is characterized by a rash and fever. Red man syndrome is not related to renal function.

3. Which of the following medications is typically used to treat asthma?

• A. Aspirin
• B. Metformin
• C. Albuterol
• D. Lisinopril

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Albuterol. Albuterol is a bronchodilator commonly used to treat asthma by relaxing the muscles around the airways, helping to relieve symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Aspirin (Choice A) is not typically used to treat asthma and can actually trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals. Metformin (Choice B) is a medication for managing type 2 diabetes and is not indicated for asthma treatment. Lisinopril (Choice D) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor primarily used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, not asthma.

4. After undergoing a renal biopsy, a client reports pain radiating to the front of the abdomen from the biopsy site. What finding should the nurse assess the client for?

• A. Bleeding
• B. Renal colic
• C. Infection at the site
• D. Increased temperature

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bleeding. Pain radiating to the front of the abdomen from the renal biopsy site suggests bleeding, which should be promptly assessed and managed. Bleeding can lead to serious complications if not addressed timely. Renal colic (choice B) is associated with kidney stones and typically presents with severe flank pain. Infection at the site (choice C) would more likely present with localized signs such as redness, swelling, warmth, and tenderness. Increased temperature (choice D) alone is not specific to the issue described and may be indicative of various conditions.

5. A confused client with pneumonia is admitted with an indwelling catheter in place. During interdisciplinary rounds the following day, which question should the nurse ask the primary health care provider?

• A. Do you want daily weights on this client?
• B. Will the client be able to return home?
• C. Can we discontinue the indwelling catheter?
• D. Should we get another chest x-ray today?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An indwelling catheter dramatically increases the risks of urinary tract infection and urosepsis. Nursing staff should ensure that catheters are left in place only as long as they are medically needed. The nurse should inquire about removing the catheter. All other questions might be appropriate, but because of client safety, this question takes priority.

Similar Questions