Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is preparing an older client for discharge. Which method is best for the provider to use when evaluating the client's ability to perform a dressing change at home?

• A. Determine the client's feelings about changing the dressing.
• B. Ask the client to write a description of the procedure.
• C. Have a family member evaluate the client's ability to change the dressing.
• D. Observe the client performing an unassisted dressing change.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Direct observation of the client performing the skill is the most effective method to assess the client's ability to independently change the dressing. This allows the healthcare provider to evaluate the client's technique, understanding, and readiness to perform the task at home. Choices A, B, and C are not as reliable as directly observing the client performing the dressing change. Determining the client's feelings may not accurately reflect their ability, asking the client to write about the procedure may not demonstrate their practical skills, and having a family member evaluate might not provide an accurate assessment of the client's ability.

2. When faced with caring for a close friend in a professional setting, which action should the staff member take first?

• A. Notify the friend that all medical information will be kept confidential.
• B. Explain the relationship to the charge nurse and ask for reassignment.
• C. Approach the client and ask if the assignment is uncomfortable.
• D. Accept the assignment but protect the client's confidentiality.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When faced with caring for a close friend in a professional setting, the staff member should first explain the relationship to the charge nurse and ask for reassignment. This is important to maintain professional boundaries, prevent conflicts of interest, and ensure that the care provided is unbiased and without compromising the friend's confidentiality. Choice A is incorrect because the priority should be on professional boundaries rather than informing the friend about confidentiality. Choice C is not appropriate as it puts the burden on the client to address any discomfort. Choice D is incorrect as accepting the assignment without addressing the potential conflict of interest could lead to compromised care.

3. A client has an elevated AST 24 hours following chest pain and shortness of breath. This is suggestive of which of the following?

• A. Gallbladder disease
• B. Liver disease
• C. Myocardial infarction
• D. Skeletal muscle injury

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An elevated AST level following chest pain and shortness of breath is suggestive of myocardial infarction. AST is released from damaged heart muscle cells during a heart attack, indicating cardiac involvement. This enzyme is not specific to liver disease, gallbladder disease, or skeletal muscle injury in this clinical context.

4. When assessing a male client, the nurse finds that he is fatigued and experiencing muscle weakness, leg cramps, and cardiac dysrhythmias. Based on these findings, the nurse plans to check the client’s laboratory values to validate the existence of which condition?

• A. Hyperphosphatemia
• B. Hypocalcemia
• C. Hypermagnesemia
• D. Hypokalemia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The symptoms of fatigue, muscle weakness, leg cramps, and cardiac dysrhythmias are classic manifestations of hypokalemia. Potassium plays a vital role in muscle function and cardiac conduction, so a deficiency can lead to these symptoms. Checking the client’s laboratory values for potassium levels will help confirm the presence of hypokalemia.

5. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of fluid volume excess. Which intervention should the nurse include in the client's plan of care?

• A. Encourage increased fluid intake.
• B. Place the client in a high Fowler's position.
• C. Measure the client's intake and output.
• D. Restrict dietary sodium intake.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Restricting dietary sodium intake (D) is the most critical intervention for a client with fluid volume excess to prevent further fluid retention. Encouraging increased fluid intake (A) would exacerbate the issue by adding more fluid to the body. Placing the client in a high Fowler's position (B) is more relevant for respiratory issues than fluid volume excess. While measuring intake and output (C) is important for assessing fluid balance, restricting sodium intake is the priority as it helps manage fluid levels more effectively by reducing fluid retention.

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