Nursing Elites

1. Ralph has a history of alcohol abuse and has acute pancreatitis. Which lab value is most likely to be elevated?

• A. Calcium
• B. Glucose
• C. Magnesium
• D. Potassium

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a patient with acute pancreatitis and a history of alcohol abuse, glucose levels are most likely to be elevated.

2. You’re patient, post-op drainage of a pelvic abscess secondary to diverticulitis, begins to cough violently after drinking water. His wound has ruptured and a small segment of the bowel is protruding. What’s your priority?

• A. Ask the patient what happened, call the doctor, and cover the area with a water-soaked bedsheet.
• B. Obtain vital signs, call the doctor, and obtain emergency orders.
• C. Have a CAN hold the wound together while you obtain vital signs, call the doctor and flex the patient’s knees.
• D. Have the doctor called while you remain with the patient, flex the patient’s knees, and cover the wound with sterile towels soaked in sterile saline solution.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: For a patient with a ruptured wound and protruding bowel, call the doctor while remaining with the patient, flex the patient’s knees, and cover the wound with sterile towels soaked in sterile saline solution.

3. To accurately assess for jaundice in a patient with dark skin pigmentation, the nurse should examine which body areas?

• A. Nail beds
• B. Skin on the back of the hand
• C. Hard palate of the mouth
• D. Soles of the feet

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To accurately assess for jaundice in a patient with dark skin pigmentation, the nurse should examine the hard palate of the mouth. Jaundice is best assessed in the sclera; however, in dark-skinned patients, normal yellow pigmentation may be present in the sclera, making it difficult to detect jaundice. Inspection of the hard palate for a yellow color can confirm the presence of jaundice. Cyanosis is best observed in the nail beds, not indicative of jaundice. While skin on the palm of the hand can indicate jaundice, the back of the hand is not a typical area for assessment. Jaundice can be assessed on the soles of the feet in dark-skinned patients, but it is better visualized in the hard palate for accurate evaluation.

4. A client has just had surgery for colon cancer. Which of the following disorders might the client develop?

• A. Peritonitis
• B. Diverticulosis
• C. Partial bowel obstruction
• D. Complete bowel obstruction

Correct answer: C

Rationale: After surgery for colon cancer, the client may develop a partial bowel obstruction.

5. A client with viral hepatitis has no appetite, and food makes the client nauseated. Which of the following interventions would be most appropriate?

• A. Explain that high-fat diets usually are tolerated better.
• B. Encourage intake of foods high in protein.
• C. Explain that the majority of calories need to be consumed in the evening hours.
• D. Monitor for fluid and electrolyte imbalance.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: If nausea occurs and persists, the client will need to be assessed for fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Explaining to the client that the majority of calories should be eaten in the morning hours is important because nausea occurs most often in the afternoon and evening. Clients should select a diet high in calories because energy is required for healing. Protein increases the workload on the liver. Changes in bilirubin interfere with fat absorption, so low-fat diets are tolerated better.

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