Nursing Elites

1. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient with a suspected infection?

• A. Monitor temperature and check for elevated white blood cells
• B. Monitor blood pressure and check for fever
• C. Assess for changes in mental status and monitor urine output
• D. Administer antibiotics and monitor for changes in mental status

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing a patient with a suspected infection, it is crucial to monitor temperature and check for elevated white blood cells. Elevated temperature indicates a potential infection, and increased white blood cells are a sign of inflammation and the body's response to an infection. Monitoring blood pressure (choice B) and checking for fever (choice B) are not as specific indicators of infection as monitoring temperature and white blood cell count. Assessing changes in mental status and monitoring urine output (choice C) are important aspects of patient assessment but may not directly indicate a suspected infection. Administering antibiotics (choice D) should only be done after a confirmed diagnosis of a bacterial infection, as unnecessary antibiotic use can lead to antibiotic resistance and other adverse effects.

2. A client with hypertension is receiving lifestyle education from a nurse. What should be emphasized?

• A. Encourage a low-sodium diet
• B. Advise the client to avoid caffeinated drinks
• C. Recommend increasing high-protein foods
• D. Advise the client to reduce fat intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to advise the client to avoid caffeinated drinks. Caffeine can temporarily increase blood pressure, so avoiding caffeinated drinks can help manage hypertension. Encouraging a low-sodium diet (Choice A) is essential for hypertension management as excess sodium can raise blood pressure. Increasing high-protein foods (Choice C) is not a primary focus in managing hypertension. While reducing fat intake (Choice D) can be beneficial for overall health, it is not the priority in lifestyle modifications for hypertension.

3. What is the most appropriate next step when a client with an NG tube attached to low suctioning becomes nauseated, and the nurse observes a decrease in the flow of gastric secretions?

• A. Increase the suction pressure
• B. Irrigate the NG tube with sterile water
• C. Turn the client on their side
• D. Replace the NG tube with a new one

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to irrigate the NG tube with sterile water. When a client with an NG tube attached to low suctioning becomes nauseated and there is a decrease in the flow of gastric secretions, it indicates a possible blockage in the tube. Irrigating the tube with sterile water can help clear the blockage, allowing for proper suctioning and relieving the client's nausea. Increasing the suction pressure (Choice A) can further worsen the issue by potentially causing harm to the client. Turning the client on their side (Choice C) may not address the underlying problem of tube blockage. Replacing the NG tube with a new one (Choice D) should only be considered if other interventions, like irrigation, fail to clear the blockage.

4. During an initial assessment of a client, a nurse notices a discrepancy between the client's current IV infusion and the information received during the shift report. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Complete an incident report and place it in the client's medical record.
• B. Compare the current infusion with the prescription in the client's medication record.
• C. Contact the charge nurse to see if the prescription was changed.
• D. Submit a written warning for the nurse involved in the incident.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when noticing a discrepancy between the client's current IV infusion and the information received during the shift report is to compare the current infusion with the prescription in the client's medication record. This step is crucial to ensure the accuracy of the prescribed treatment and to prevent any potential harm to the client. Option A is incorrect because completing an incident report should only be done after verifying the discrepancy. Option C is incorrect as contacting the charge nurse should come after confirming the details. Option D is incorrect as submitting a written warning is not appropriate without verifying the information first.

5. A nurse is teaching a client who is to undergo total knee arthroplasty about postoperative care. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Apply heat to the affected knee
• B. Avoid placing pillows under the knee
• C. Avoid moving the knee for 2-3 days
• D. Apply ice to the affected knee for 24-48 hours

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to apply ice to the affected knee for 24-48 hours. Applying ice helps to reduce inflammation and pain after knee surgery, promoting healing. Choice A is incorrect because heat is not recommended postoperatively, as it can increase swelling. Choice B is incorrect because pillows should be placed under the knee to keep it elevated. Choice C is incorrect because early mobilization is essential for preventing complications such as blood clots.

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