Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is assessing a client who has just been admitted with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Which finding is most important for the LPN/LVN to report to the healthcare provider immediately?

• A. Elevated serum lipase level
• B. Severe abdominal pain
• C. Nausea and vomiting
• D. Hypotension

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Hypotension is a critical finding that should be reported immediately in a client with acute pancreatitis as it may indicate severe complications such as hemorrhage or shock. While elevated serum lipase level, severe abdominal pain, and nausea/vomiting are common manifestations of acute pancreatitis, hypotension is a more urgent sign requiring immediate attention to prevent further deterioration. Hypotension can be a sign of significant fluid loss, hemorrhage, or sepsis, which are potentially life-threatening conditions that need prompt intervention. Elevated serum lipase levels, severe abdominal pain, and nausea/vomiting are important in the assessment of pancreatitis but do not indicate the same level of immediate danger as hypotension does.

2. A nurse is preparing to check a client's blood pressure. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Apply the cuff above the client's antecubital fossa.
• B. Use a cuff with a width that is about 60% of the client's arm circumference.
• C. Have the client sit with their arm resting at the level of their heart.
• D. Release the pressure on the client's arm at a rate of 5 to 6 mm per second.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action when checking a client's blood pressure is to apply the cuff above the client's antecubital fossa. Placing the cuff above this area allows for an accurate measurement of blood pressure. Choice B is incorrect because the cuff width should be approximately 40% of the arm circumference, not 60%. Choice C is incorrect as the client's arm should rest at heart level, not above it, to ensure an accurate reading. Choice D is incorrect as the pressure on the client's arm should be released at a rate of 2 to 3 mm per second, not 5 to 6 mm per second.

3. A client is hospitalized for an infection of a surgical wound following abdominal surgery. To promote healing and fight wound infection, the nurse plans to arrange to increase the client's intake of:

• A. Vitamin C and Zinc
• B. Vitamin B12 and Calcium
• C. Vitamin D and Iron
• D. Vitamin A and Potassium

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Vitamin C and Zinc. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, which is important for wound healing. Zinc plays a crucial role in immune function and also aids in wound healing. Vitamin B12 and Calcium (Choice B) are not directly associated with wound healing properties. Vitamin D and Iron (Choice C) are important for overall health but are not specifically targeted for wound healing. Vitamin A and Potassium (Choice D) do not have direct wound healing properties and are not the best choices to promote wound healing and fight infection.

4. A healthcare professional is planning to assess the abdomen of a client who reports feeling bloated for several weeks. Which of the following methods of assessment should the healthcare professional use first?

• A. Inspection
• B. Palpation
• C. Auscultation
• D. Percussion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Inspection is the initial step in abdominal assessment as it allows the healthcare professional to visually observe any abnormalities or signs of bloating. Palpation, auscultation, and percussion are subsequent assessment techniques that follow inspection. Palpation involves feeling for tenderness, masses, or organ enlargement; auscultation is listening for bowel sounds; and percussion is used to assess the density of underlying tissues or detect the presence of fluid or air in the abdomen. In the context of a client reporting bloating, the first step should be visual inspection to gather initial information. Palpation, auscultation, and percussion come after inspection to provide a more comprehensive assessment.

5. A healthcare professional is preparing a care plan for a patient who is immobile. Which psychosocial aspect will the professional assess for?

• A. Loss of bone mass
• B. Loss of strength
• C. Loss of weight
• D. Loss of hope

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Correct. Loss of hope is a significant psychosocial aspect that healthcare professionals should assess for in patients who are immobile. Immobility can lead to feelings of hopelessness and depression, impacting the patient's mental well-being. Assessing for loss of hope allows healthcare professionals to provide appropriate support and interventions to address the patient's emotional needs. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they primarily relate to physical changes (bone mass, strength, weight) rather than the psychosocial aspect of hope.

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