Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is assessing a client with Raynaud's phenomenon. Which finding should the healthcare provider expect?

• A. Thickened and hardened skin.
• B. Painless ulcers on the fingertips.
• C. Episodes of cyanosis and pallor in the fingers.
• D. Red, scaly patches on the hands.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Raynaud's phenomenon is characterized by vasospasm, leading to episodes of cyanosis (bluish discoloration) and pallor (pale color) in the fingers or toes, often triggered by cold temperatures or stress. This occurs due to the reduced blood flow during vasospastic episodes, causing the discoloration. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect findings associated with other conditions and are not typical of Raynaud's phenomenon.

2. A client's healthcare provider has ordered a 'liver panel' in response to the client's development of jaundice. When reviewing the results of this laboratory testing, the nurse should expect to review what blood tests? Select one that doesn't apply.

• A. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
• B. C-reactive protein (CRP)
• C. Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)
• D. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A 'liver panel' is a group of blood tests used to evaluate liver function. The components typically include ALT, GGT, and AST. While C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of inflammation and not part of a standard liver panel, it may be ordered for other diagnostic purposes.

3. A 65-year-old man presents with weight loss, jaundice, and a palpable mass in the right upper quadrant. Laboratory tests reveal elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels. What is the most likely diagnosis?

• A. Gallstones
• B. Hepatitis
• C. Pancreatic cancer
• D. Primary biliary cirrhosis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The combination of weight loss, jaundice, a palpable mass in the right upper quadrant, and elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels strongly suggests pancreatic cancer. The presentation is classic for pancreatic malignancy, which commonly presents with obstructive jaundice due to the tumor blocking the common bile duct, leading to elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels. Weight loss is a common symptom of advanced pancreatic cancer. The palpable mass in the right upper quadrant corresponds to the location of the pancreas. Gallstones typically manifest with different symptoms, while hepatitis and primary biliary cirrhosis are less likely to present with a palpable mass and weight loss in this scenario.

4. A client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide (Lasix). Which instruction should the nurse include in the client's teaching plan?

• A. Take the medication before bedtime.
• B. Report any weight gain of more than 2 pounds in a day.
• C. Increase your intake of high-sodium foods.
• D. Limit your fluid intake to less than 1 liter per day.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In heart failure, fluid retention is a concern. Furosemide helps manage this by promoting diuresis. Instructing the client to report weight gain exceeding 2 pounds in a day is crucial as it can indicate fluid accumulation, prompting timely intervention to prevent worsening heart failure symptoms and complications.

5. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is experiencing severe dyspnea. What position should the nurse encourage the patient to assume?

• A. Supine
• B. Prone
• C. High Fowler's
• D. Trendelenburg

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The High Fowler's position is the most appropriate position for a patient with COPD experiencing severe dyspnea. This position helps improve lung expansion and reduce dyspnea by allowing the diaphragm to move more freely and increasing the efficiency of breathing. It also helps reduce the work of breathing and enhances oxygenation in patients with COPD. Supine position (Choice A) may worsen dyspnea by limiting lung expansion. Prone position (Choice B) is not ideal for COPD patients experiencing severe dyspnea as it may restrict breathing. Trendelenburg position (Choice D) is not recommended for COPD patients with dyspnea as it can further compromise breathing.

Similar Questions