Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare provider is planning care for a client who has fluid overload. Which of the following actions should the provider plan to take first?

• A. Assess for edema
• B. Evaluate electrolytes
• C. Restrict fluid intake
• D. Administer diuretics

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Evaluating electrolytes is crucial when addressing fluid overload as it helps determine the severity of the imbalance and guides treatment. Assessing for edema (Choice A) is important but not the priority over evaluating electrolytes. Restricting fluid intake (Choice C) and administering diuretics (Choice D) are interventions that may be necessary but should be based on the electrolyte evaluation to ensure safe and effective care.

2. A patient is being taught to use TD nitroglycerin patches to treat angina pectoris. What instructions should be included?

• A. Apply a patch every 12 hours
• B. Apply a new patch every morning
• C. Use it only when symptoms appear
• D. Rotate the application site weekly

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to apply a new patch every morning. Nitroglycerin patches should be applied in the morning and removed at bedtime to provide a 14-hour nitrate-free interval, preventing tolerance development. Choice A is incorrect because applying a patch every 12 hours may lead to tolerance. Choice C is incorrect because nitroglycerin patches are used prophylactically, not just when symptoms appear. Choice D is incorrect because rotating the application site weekly is not necessary; the same site can be used as long as there is no skin irritation.

3. While reviewing notes from a previous shift, a nurse finds incomplete documentation. What is the most appropriate action?

• A. Complete the missing documentation
• B. Notify the nurse manager of the issue
• C. Ask the nurse to complete the documentation
• D. Confront the nurse about the incomplete notes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate action when finding incomplete documentation is to notify the nurse manager of the issue. This ensures that accurate records are maintained and the situation can be addressed properly. Completing the missing documentation on behalf of someone else may lead to inaccuracies, asking the nurse to complete it may not guarantee timely correction, and confronting the nurse could create a confrontational situation that is not conducive to effective teamwork.

4. What are the clinical manifestations of left-sided heart failure, and how do they differ from right-sided heart failure?

• A. Jugular venous distention and hepatojugular reflex
• B. Hepatomegaly, ascites, and peripheral edema
• C. Dyspnea, cough, and orthopnea
• D. Pulmonary congestion and fatigue

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Clinical manifestations of left-sided heart failure include pulmonary symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and orthopnea. However, left-sided heart failure can also manifest as jugular venous distention and hepatojugular reflex due to the backflow of blood into the pulmonary circulation. Right-sided heart failure is characterized by systemic symptoms like hepatomegaly, ascites, and peripheral edema. Choice B is incorrect as it presents manifestations of right-sided heart failure. Choice C includes symptoms of left-sided heart failure. Choice D describes pulmonary congestion, which is more specific to left-sided heart failure, but it does not encompass the full range of clinical manifestations for left-sided heart failure.

5. A healthcare professional is assessing a patient's fluid balance. What is the most reliable indicator of fluid status?

• A. Monitor the patient's vital signs.
• B. Check the patient's weight daily.
• C. Measure the patient's intake and output.
• D. Monitor the patient's urine color.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Checking the patient's weight daily is the most reliable indicator of fluid status because weight changes can directly reflect fluid retention or loss. Monitoring vital signs (Choice A) can provide some information but is not as specific as weight changes. Measuring intake and output (Choice C) is crucial but may not always accurately reflect fluid balance. Monitoring urine color (Choice D) can give some insights into hydration levels, but it is not as reliable as daily weight checks for assessing overall fluid status.

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