Nursing Elites

1. Postoperative orders for a client undergoing a mitral valve replacement include monitoring pulmonary artery pressure together with pulmonary capillary wedge pressure with a pulmonary artery catheter. This action by the nurse will assess

• A. Right ventricular pressure
• B. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure
• C. Acid-Base balance
• D. Coronary artery stability

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure is used to assess left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. This measurement provides valuable information on the filling pressure of the left ventricle. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because monitoring pulmonary capillary wedge pressure does not directly assess right ventricular pressure, acid-base balance, or coronary artery stability.

2. A client with cirrhosis of the liver is experiencing ascites. The nurse should implement which of the following interventions?

• A. Restrict fluid intake
• B. Increase sodium intake
• C. Encourage high-protein diet
• D. Administer diuretics

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Ascites, the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, is a common complication of cirrhosis. Diuretics are the primary intervention to manage ascites by promoting the excretion of excess fluid from the body, thus reducing abdominal swelling. Restricting fluid intake (Choice A) would not be appropriate as it may lead to dehydration. Increasing sodium intake (Choice B) is contraindicated as it can worsen fluid retention. Encouraging a high-protein diet (Choice C) is not directly related to managing ascites.

3. In planning for the nursing care of the sick person in the home, the major point that the nurse must keep in mind is:

• A. who will be responsible for the patient during the nurse's absence from the home
• B. economic level of the family
• C. the availability of the nearest hospital
• D. whether or not the patient is under a private physician

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because ensuring someone is responsible for the patient is crucial for continuous care. The presence of a caregiver during the nurse's absence ensures the patient's safety and well-being. Choice B, economic level of the family, is important but not the major point when planning nursing care in the home. Choice C, the availability of the nearest hospital, is significant but doesn't address the day-to-day care in the home. Choice D, whether or not the patient is under a private physician, is relevant but not as critical as ensuring someone is available to care for the patient at all times.

4. You are teaching a client about the patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) planned for post-operative care. Which statement indicates further teaching may be needed by the client?

• A. ''I will be receiving continuous doses of medication.''
• B. ''I should call the nurse before I take additional doses.''
• C. ''I will call for assistance if my pain is not relieved.''
• D. ''The machine will prevent an overdose.''

Correct answer: B

Rationale: PCA allows patients to self-administer pain medication within prescribed limits, without the need to call the nurse before taking an additional dose. Choice B suggests a misunderstanding of how PCA works, as the patient should be educated that they can self-administer doses within the safety parameters set by the healthcare provider. Choices A, C, and D demonstrate proper understanding of PCA, hence are not indicative of needing further teaching.

5. When a nurse from the surgical department is reassigned to the pediatric unit, the charge nurse should recognize that the child at highest risk for cardiac arrest and is the least likely to be assigned to this nurse is which child?

• A. Congenital cardiac defects
• B. An acute febrile illness
• C. Prolonged hypoxemia
• D. Severe multiple trauma

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Prolonged hypoxemia.' Prolonged hypoxemia is a critical condition that requires specialized pediatric care due to the high risk of cardiac arrest. The other choices, such as congenital cardiac defects, acute febrile illness, and severe multiple trauma, may also require attention, but prolonged hypoxemia poses the highest risk for cardiac arrest and demands specialized expertise in managing pediatric patients with this condition.

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