Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client with a traumatic brain injury who is receiving mechanical ventilation. Which assessment finding indicates that the client may be experiencing increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?

• A. Client becomes increasingly lethargic
• B. Client's respiratory rate is 16 breaths per minute
• C. Client responds to verbal stimuli
• D. Client's pupils are equal and reactive

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Increased lethargy is a sign of worsening intracranial pressure, which can be life-threatening in clients with brain injuries. As ICP rises, it can lead to decreased level of consciousness, such as lethargy or even coma. Choices B, C, and D are not indicative of increased ICP. A normal respiratory rate, response to verbal stimuli, and equal reactive pupils do not specifically point towards increased intracranial pressure.

2. After an older client receives treatment for drug toxicity, the healthcare provider prescribes a 24-hour creatinine clearance test. Before starting the urine collection, the nurse noted that the client's serum creatinine was 0.3 mg/dL. Which action should the nurse implement?

• A. Check the client's urine output hourly
• B. Instruct the client to increase fluid intake
• C. Notify the healthcare provider of the results
• D. Start the 24-hour urine collection

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A serum creatinine level of 0.3 mg/dL is abnormally low, indicating potential issues with the interpretation of the creatinine clearance test. It is crucial for the nurse to notify the healthcare provider of this result before proceeding with the 24-hour urine collection. Checking urine output, instructing the client to increase fluid intake, or starting the urine collection without consulting the healthcare provider could lead to incorrect test results and misinterpretation of the client's renal function.

3. Prior to obtaining a trapeze bar for a client with limited mobility, which client assessment is most important for the nurse to obtain?

• A. Balance and coordination
• B. Cognitive status
• C. Level of pain
• D. Upper body muscle strength

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Upper body muscle strength. The ability to use a trapeze bar requires adequate upper body strength to support the weight and facilitate repositioning. While assessing pain, coordination, and cognitive status are important, the priority is determining if the client can physically manage the trapeze bar safely. Without sufficient upper body muscle strength, the client may not be able to use the trapeze bar effectively and safely. Assessing balance and coordination is also important but secondary to ensuring the client has the required upper body strength. Cognitive status is crucial for understanding instructions related to using the trapeze bar, but it is not the most critical assessment in this scenario. Pain assessment is essential for overall care but does not directly impact the client's ability to use a trapeze bar like upper body muscle strength does.

4. The nurse is caring for a client who had a myocardial infarction 6 hours ago. The primary goal of care at this time is to

• A. Limit the effects of tissue damage
• B. Relieve pain and anxiety
• C. Prevent arrhythmias
• D. Reduce anxiety

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Limit the effects of tissue damage.' After a myocardial infarction, the primary goal of care is to limit the damage to the heart muscle. This includes interventions to improve blood flow, oxygenation, and prevent further complications. Choice B ('Relieve pain and anxiety') is important but secondary to addressing tissue damage. Choice C ('Prevent arrhythmias') is also crucial but falls under the broader goal of limiting tissue damage. Choice D ('Reduce anxiety') is essential for holistic care but is not the primary goal immediately after a myocardial infarction.

5. The nurse prepares a discharge plan for an older adult client following cataract extraction. What instructions should the nurse provide?

• A. Avoid straining, bending, or lifting heavy objects.
• B. Limit exposure to sunlight for the first 2 weeks.
• C. Irrigate the conjunctiva with saline before applying ointment.
• D. Read without direct lighting for 6 weeks.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to provide after cataract extraction is to advise the client to avoid straining, bending, or lifting heavy objects. These activities can increase intraocular pressure, which should be minimized post-surgery to promote healing and prevent complications. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because limiting sunlight exposure, irrigating the conjunctiva with saline, and reading without direct lighting are not primary instructions following cataract extraction.

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