Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is performing triage on a group of clients in the emergency department. Which of the following clients should the nurse see first?

• A. A 12-year-old oozing blood from a laceration on the left thumb due to a cut from a rusty metal can
• B. A 19-year-old with a fever of 103.8°F who is able to identify her sister but not the place and time
• C. A 49-year-old with a compound fracture of the right leg who is complaining of severe pain
• D. A 65-year-old with a flushed face, dry mucous membranes, and a blood sugar of 470 mg/dL

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. A 19-year-old with a fever of 103.8°F who is confused and unable to orient to place and time likely has a severe infection or a serious medical condition affecting the central nervous system. This client needs immediate attention as altered mental status combined with a high fever can indicate a life-threatening situation. Choices A, C, and D present important conditions that require medical care, but they are not as urgent as the 19-year-old with a high fever and confusion. The 12-year-old with a laceration may require treatment for bleeding and a tetanus shot, the 49-year-old with a compound fracture needs urgent orthopedic intervention, and the 65-year-old with a high blood sugar is concerning for hyperglycemia but can wait momentarily compared to the client with a fever and altered mental status.

2. A healthcare provider is reviewing the medical record of a client who has coronary artery disease (CAD) and a prescription for aspirin. Which of the following findings should the healthcare provider report to the provider?

• A. History of gastrointestinal bleeding
• B. History of asthma
• C. History of liver disease
• D. History of hypertension

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A history of gastrointestinal bleeding is a critical finding to report to the healthcare provider because it is a contraindication for aspirin use in individuals with CAD. Aspirin can further increase the risk of bleeding in individuals with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding. Choices B, C, and D are not directly contraindications for aspirin use in this scenario. Asthma, liver disease, and hypertension are not typically contraindications for prescribing aspirin to patients with CAD.

3. A client reports difficulty having a bowel movement. What is the most appropriate intervention?

• A. Administer a laxative to relieve constipation
• B. Encourage the client to increase fiber intake
• C. Advise the client to rest in bed to avoid straining
• D. Encourage the client to exercise to stimulate bowel movement

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to encourage the client to increase fiber intake. Fiber helps promote regular bowel movements by adding bulk to the stool, making it easier to pass. Administering a laxative (Choice A) should not be the first-line intervention as it can lead to dependency and may not address the underlying cause of constipation. Advising the client to rest in bed (Choice C) may worsen constipation as physical activity helps stimulate bowel movements. Encouraging the client to exercise (Choice D) is beneficial, but increasing fiber intake is more directly related to improving bowel movements in this scenario.

4. What are the signs of an acute myocardial infarction?

• A. Chest pain radiating to the arm and shortness of breath
• B. Nausea, vomiting, and high fever
• C. Headache, confusion, and low blood pressure
• D. Increased heart rate and bradycardia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Chest pain radiating to the arm and shortness of breath. These are classic signs of an acute myocardial infarction. Choice B is incorrect because nausea, vomiting, and high fever are not typical signs of a heart attack. Choice C is incorrect as headache, confusion, and low blood pressure are not specific to myocardial infarction. Choice D is incorrect because an acute myocardial infarction typically presents with an increased heart rate, not bradycardia.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has diabetes mellitus and is receiving insulin. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. A fasting blood glucose of 90 mg/dL
• B. A blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL
• C. A hemoglobin A1c of 6%
• D. A fasting blood glucose of 100 mg/dL

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. A blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL indicates hyperglycemia, which may necessitate insulin adjustment to better control the client's blood sugar levels. A fasting blood glucose of 90 mg/dL (choice A) is within the normal range, a hemoglobin A1c of 6% (choice C) is indicative of good long-term blood sugar control, and a fasting blood glucose of 100 mg/dL (choice D) is also within the normal range. Therefore, these findings do not require immediate reporting to the provider.

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