Nursing Elites

1. The charge nurse on a cardiac unit tells you a patient is exhibiting signs of right-sided heart failure. Which of the following would not indicate right-sided heart failure?

• A. Muscle tetany
• B. Syncope
• C. Numbness
• D. Anxiety

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Anxiety.' Anxiety is not a typical sign of right-sided heart failure. Right-sided heart failure usually presents with symptoms such as muscle tetany, syncope, and numbness. Muscle tetany can occur due to electrolyte imbalances seen in heart failure. Syncope can result from decreased cardiac output, leading to decreased perfusion to the brain. Numbness can occur due to poor circulation. While anxiety can be present in patients with various medical conditions, it is more commonly associated with respiratory acidosis or other psychological factors rather than right-sided heart failure.

2. Which of the following food selections would need to be removed from a tray for a client recovering from thyroidectomy?

• A. Fresh apple
• B. V8 juice
• C. Mustard greens
• D. Ice cream

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is a fresh apple. After a thyroidectomy, it is important to avoid hard and crunchy foods like apples due to the proximity of the esophagus to the surgical site. Apples can be difficult to chew and swallow, posing a risk of injury or discomfort to the patient. V8 juice, mustard greens, and ice cream are softer options that would be more suitable for a client recovering from thyroidectomy.

3. The power a healthcare professional exerts when working to accomplish goals and effect change in an agency or policy is considered what type of power?

• A. political
• B. personal
• C. positional
• D. professional

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Political power is the correct answer in this scenario. It stems from the ability to navigate systems, agencies, or policies to bring about change. Personal power is related to charisma and self-confidence in informal leadership roles. Positional power comes from holding a specific authority in a formal position. Professional power is derived from expertise in a particular area of practice. Therefore, in the context of effecting change in an agency or policy, political power is the most relevant type of power.

4. When administering intravenous electrolyte solution, what precaution should the nurse take?

• A. Infuse hypertonic solutions cautiously.
• B. Mix no more than 60 mEq of potassium per liter of fluid.
• C. Prevent infiltration of calcium, which causes tissue necrosis and sloughing.
• D. Monitor the client's digitalis dosage for adjustments due to IV calcium.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When administering intravenous electrolyte solutions, preventing the infiltration of calcium is crucial to avoid tissue necrosis and sloughing, making choice C the correct answer. Choice A is revised to 'Infuse hypertonic solutions cautiously' because hypertonic solutions should be infused cautiously to prevent adverse effects. Choice B is corrected to 'Mix no more than 60 mEq of potassium per liter of fluid' as exceeding this limit can lead to hyperkalemia. Choice D is modified to 'Monitor the client's digitalis dosage for adjustments due to IV calcium' as it is essential to monitor the digitalis dosage for potential adjustments when IV calcium is administered; however, this choice is incorrect here as it inaccurately suggests adjusting the digitalis dosage due to IV calcium, which could lead to harmful effects.

5. The client with peripheral vascular disease is reviewing self-care measures. Which of the following statements indicates proper self-care measures?

• A. "I like to soak my feet in the hot tub every day."?
• B. "I walk to the mailbox in my bare feet."?
• C. "I stopped smoking and only use chewing tobacco."?
• D. "I have my wife examine the soles of my feet each day."?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is, "I have my wife examine the soles of my feet each day."? Clients with peripheral vascular disease should examine their feet daily for any signs of redness, dryness, or cuts. If the client is unable to do this themselves due to decreased sensation in their feet, a caregiver or family member should assist. Soaking feet in a hot tub should be avoided as the client may not be able to sense if the water is too hot, potentially causing burns. Walking barefoot can lead to injuries, so wearing shoes or slippers is recommended to minimize trauma. While quitting smoking is a positive step, using chewing tobacco can still constrict blood vessels, adversely affecting circulation in the extremities.

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