Nursing Elites

1. After a pericardiocentesis, what interventions should the nurse implement?

• A. Monitor vital signs every 15 minutes for the first hour
• B. Evaluate the client’s cardiac rhythm
• C. Record the amount of fluid removed as output
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After a pericardiocentesis, the nurse should implement multiple interventions to monitor the client's condition closely. Monitoring vital signs every 15 minutes for the first hour is crucial to detect any immediate changes that may indicate complications. Evaluating the client's cardiac rhythm is important to identify any arrhythmias that may occur due to the procedure. Recording the amount of fluid removed is essential to calculate fluid balance and ensure accurate monitoring of the client's status. Therefore, all the interventions mentioned are necessary to detect and manage any potential issues post-pericardiocentesis. Choices A, B, and C are all essential components of post-procedural care and should be implemented to ensure the client's safety and well-being.

2. For a patient on lithium therapy, which dietary recommendation is essential?

• A. Increase caffeine intake
• B. Increase sodium intake
• C. Increase protein intake
• D. Increase fiber intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to increase sodium intake. Maintaining consistent sodium levels is crucial for patients on lithium therapy to prevent fluctuations in drug levels. Increasing caffeine intake (Choice A) is not recommended as it can interfere with lithium levels. While protein intake (Choice C) is important, it is not the essential dietary recommendation for patients on lithium therapy. Similarly, increasing fiber intake (Choice D) is not a key recommendation for these patients.

3. The nurse on the medical/surgical unit cares for a client with a diagnosis of cerebrovascular accident (CVA). The nursing assessment of the client’s neurological status should include which of the following? (Select all that apply)

• A. Obtain the pulses in all four extremities
• B. Ask the client to grasp and squeeze two fingers on each of the nurse’s hands
• C. Determine the client’s orientation to person, place, and time
• D. B, C

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D' because assessing grasp strength (choice B) and orientation to person, place, and time (choice C) are crucial components of a neurological assessment following a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Pulse assessment in all four extremities (choice A) is not directly related to a neurological assessment and is more pertinent to vascular status. Therefore, choices A and D are incorrect in this context.

4. The client is diagnosed with pericarditis. When assessing the client, the nurse is unable to auscultate a friction rub. Which action should the nurse implement?

• A. Notify the healthcare provider
• B. Document that the pericarditis has resolved
• C. Ask the client to lean forward and listen again
• D. Prepare to insert a unilateral chest tube

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when unable to auscultate a pericardial friction rub in a client diagnosed with pericarditis is to ask the client to lean forward and listen again. This position brings the heart closer to the chest wall, making it easier to detect a friction rub if present. Notifying the healthcare provider is not necessary at this point as it may just be a matter of positioning for better auscultation. Documenting that the pericarditis has resolved is premature without proper assessment. Preparing to insert a unilateral chest tube is not indicated based on the absence of a friction rub.

5. Which nutrient deficiency is most likely to be seen in patients with chronic alcoholism?

• A. Vitamin C
• B. Vitamin D
• C. Vitamin B12
• D. Vitamin B1

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In patients with chronic alcoholism, the most likely nutrient deficiency is Vitamin B1 (thiamine), not Vitamin B12. Chronic alcoholism often leads to Vitamin B1 deficiency, causing conditions like Wernicke's encephalopathy. While other vitamin deficiencies can also occur in chronic alcoholism, such as Vitamin C and Vitamin D, Vitamin B1 deficiency is more commonly associated with alcoholism.

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