Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is assessing a client with rheumatoid arthritis who is taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor?

• A. Potassium
• B. Hemoglobin
• C. Serum creatinine
• D. White blood cell count

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a client with rheumatoid arthritis is taking NSAIDs, the nurse should monitor serum creatinine levels. NSAIDs can potentially cause kidney damage, so monitoring creatinine levels helps assess for renal impairment. While monitoring hemoglobin, potassium, and white blood cell count may also be relevant in some cases, serum creatinine is the priority due to the risk of renal complications associated with NSAID use.

2. Which of these clients, all in the terminal stage of cancer, is least appropriate to suggest the use of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with a pump?

• A. A young adult with a history of Down syndrome
• B. A teenager who reads at a 4th-grade level
• C. An elderly client with numerous arthritic nodules on the hands
• D. A preschooler with intermittent alertness episodes

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A preschooler with intermittent alertness episodes is not a suitable candidate for patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) due to their inability to effectively manage the system. In the context of terminal cancer, it is crucial for the patient to be able to utilize the PCA system appropriately to manage pain effectively. Preschoolers may not have the cognitive ability or understanding to operate a PCA pump compared to the other clients. Choices A, B, and C present clients with conditions that do not inherently impede their ability to use a PCA pump effectively.

3. A client with a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia is admitted with chest pain. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Administer prescribed nitroglycerin.
• B. Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG).
• C. Check the client's vital signs.
• D. Place the client on continuous telemetry.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). This action is crucial in assessing the heart's electrical activity and helps in the evaluation of chest pain. Administering nitroglycerin (Choice A) may be necessary but should come after obtaining the ECG to confirm the diagnosis. Checking vital signs (Choice C) is important but does not provide direct information about the heart's electrical status. Placing the client on continuous telemetry (Choice D) may be appropriate later but does not provide immediate information on the heart's electrical activity as an ECG does.

4. A client was just taken off the ventilator after surgery and has a nasogastric tube draining bile-colored liquids. Which nursing measure will provide the most comfort to the client?

• A. Allow the client to melt ice chips in the mouth
• B. Provide mints to freshen the breath
• C. Perform frequent oral care with a tooth sponge
• D. Swab the mouth with glycerin swabs

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Performing frequent oral care with a tooth sponge is the most appropriate nursing measure in this scenario. This helps maintain comfort and prevent dryness in clients with nasogastric tubes. Allowing the client to melt ice chips in the mouth may not address oral care needs effectively. Providing mints to freshen the breath is not the priority when the client needs oral care. Swabbing the mouth with glycerin swabs may not be as effective as performing thorough oral care with a tooth sponge.

5. Which information is a priority for the RN to reinforce to an older client after intravenous pyelography?

• A. Eat a light diet for the remainder of the day
• B. Rest for the next 24 hours as the preparation and the test are tiring
• C. Drink at least 1 8-ounce glass of fluid every waking hour for the next 2 days
• D. Measure the urine output for the next day and promptly notify the healthcare provider if it decreases

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After intravenous pyelography, it is crucial for the client to measure urine output in the next day to monitor for any potential complications, such as kidney issues. Promptly notifying the healthcare provider in case of decreased urine output is essential for timely intervention. While rest and hydration are important post-procedure, monitoring urine output takes precedence due to its direct correlation with potential complications.

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