Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is assessing a client who has returned from hemodialysis. Which finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Weight gain of 1 pound.
• B. Dizziness.
• C. Fatigue.
• D. Muscle cramps.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After hemodialysis, muscle cramps can indicate an electrolyte imbalance, such as low potassium or magnesium levels, which requires immediate intervention to prevent potential complications like cardiac arrhythmias. Weight gain of 1 pound, dizziness, and fatigue are common post-hemodialysis symptoms that may not necessarily require immediate intervention unless they are severe or persisting.

2. The nurse is preparing an orientation class for new employees at an inner-city clinic that serves a low-income population. Which information should the nurse include in the presentation to these new employees?

• A. A lack of transportation is the major impediment for the clinic's clients.
• B. Basic physiological needs are likely to be unmet in this clinic's client population.
• C. Printed material is less effective for this population that has limited reading skills.
• D. A group education class is often poorly attended by non-compliant clients.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Addressing transportation issues is crucial when working with low-income populations as lack of transportation can be a significant barrier to accessing healthcare services. This information is important for new employees to understand the challenges faced by the clinic's clients and to strategize ways to overcome this barrier. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while they may be relevant considerations, addressing transportation barriers should be a priority given its impact on accessing care for this specific population.

3. A client with a history of alcoholism is admitted with pancreatitis. Which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?

• A. Nausea and vomiting.
• B. Epigastric pain radiating to the back.
• C. Temperature of 102°F (38.9°C).
• D. Mild jaundice.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A temperature of 102°F (38.9°C) is the most important assessment finding to report to the healthcare provider in a client with pancreatitis and a history of alcoholism. Fever in this context can indicate infection, which is a serious complication requiring immediate intervention. Nausea and vomiting (choice A) are common symptoms of pancreatitis but may not require immediate intervention unless severe. Epigastric pain radiating to the back (choice B) is a classic symptom of pancreatitis and should be addressed, but a fever takes precedence. Mild jaundice (choice D) may be present in pancreatitis but is not as urgent as a high temperature signaling possible infection.

4. A male client who had abdominal surgery has a nasogastric tube for suction, oxygen via nasal cannula, and complains of dry mouth. Which action should the nurse implement?

• A. Apply a petroleum-based lubricant to the lips.
• B. Give sips of water.
• C. Provide ice chips.
• D. Apply a water-soluble lubricant to the lips, oral mucosa, and nares.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct action is to apply a water-soluble lubricant to the lips, oral mucosa, and nares. This helps in keeping the mucous membranes moist, which is essential for a client with a dry mouth due to the nasogastric tube and oxygen therapy. Choice A, applying a petroleum-based lubricant to the lips, is not suitable as it may not be safe for internal use. Choice B, giving sips of water, is contraindicated as the client has a nasogastric tube in place for suction. Choice C, providing ice chips, is also not recommended as the client needs proper lubrication to address dryness, not cold stimulation.

5. A client with a history of coronary artery disease is admitted with chest pain. Which finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Heart rate of 90 beats per minute.
• B. Blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg.
• C. Respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute.
• D. Chest pain radiating to the left arm.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Chest pain radiating to the left arm can be a sign of myocardial infarction (heart attack) and requires immediate intervention. This symptom is known as a classic presentation of a heart attack and warrants urgent medical attention to prevent further cardiac damage. Choices A, B, and C are not directly indicative of an acute cardiac event and may not require immediate intervention in this scenario. While heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate are important vital signs to monitor, they do not specifically indicate the urgency associated with chest pain radiating to the left arm in a patient with a history of coronary artery disease.

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