Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is caring for a client receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which laboratory value should be monitored closely to assess for complications?

• A. Serum sodium
• B. Serum calcium
• C. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
• D. Blood glucose

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Blood glucose. Monitoring blood glucose levels is crucial for clients receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) due to the high glucose content in TPN solutions. TPN delivers essential nutrients, including glucose, directly into the bloodstream. Clients on TPN are at risk of developing hyperglycemia due to the concentrated glucose infusion. Therefore, close monitoring of blood glucose levels is necessary to detect and prevent hyperglycemia-related complications such as osmotic diuresis, hyperosmolarity, and electrolyte imbalances. While serum sodium, serum calcium, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels are important parameters in various clinical scenarios, they are not specifically associated with TPN administration. These values are not the primary indicators to assess for complications in clients receiving TPN.

2. An 80-year-old client admitted with a diagnosis of a possible cerebral vascular accident has had a blood pressure ranging from 180/110 to 160/100 over the past 2 hours. The nurse has also noted increased lethargy. Which assessment finding should the nurse report immediately to the healthcare provider?

• A. Slurred speech
• B. Incontinence
• C. Muscle weakness
• D. Rapid pulse

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Slurred speech is a classic sign of a worsening stroke, suggesting a potential blockage or hemorrhage affecting speech centers in the brain. Prompt reporting of this symptom to the healthcare provider is crucial for immediate evaluation and intervention. While incontinence (Choice B) is important to monitor, it is not considered an immediate priority over slurred speech in this context. Muscle weakness (Choice C) and rapid pulse (Choice D) are also relevant in stroke assessment, but slurred speech takes precedence due to its strong association with neurological deficits in the setting of a possible cerebral vascular accident.

3. When documenting client care, which of the following abbreviations should be used?

• A. SS for sliding scale
• B. BRP for bathroom privileges
• C. OJ for orange juice
• D. SQ for subcutaneous

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When documenting client care, it is crucial to use standardized abbreviations to ensure clear communication and prevent misunderstandings. BRP for bathroom privileges is a recognized and commonly used abbreviation in healthcare settings. Choice A, SS for sliding scale, is not a standard abbreviation and can lead to confusion as it could be mistaken for other meanings. Choice C, OJ for orange juice, is informal and may not be universally understood in a healthcare context. Choice D, SQ for subcutaneous, is a valid abbreviation but may not be as relevant in the context of documenting client care compared to BRP, which is more specific and widely accepted.

4. A client has a closed wound drainage system. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Avoid pressing the container down to create a vacuum
• B. Wear sterile gloves while handling the drainage system
• C. Reset the container with the drainage port closed
• D. Maintain the drain in a dependent position to facilitate drainage

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a closed wound drainage system, it is essential to maintain the drain in a dependent position to allow for proper drainage. Gravity aids in the flow of drainage, preventing fluid backflow or pooling. Avoiding pressing the container down to create a vacuum (Choice A) is crucial as it can lead to complications in the system. Wearing sterile gloves (Choice B) is important for infection control when handling the drainage system. Resetting the container with the drainage port closed (Choice C) is incorrect as it can cause spillage and contamination of the surrounding area.

5. During a client admission, how should the nurse conduct medication reconciliation?

• A. Compare the client’s home medications to the provider's prescriptions.
• B. Review the client’s medical history.
• C. Assess the client's current medications.
• D. Ask the client about their allergies.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During medication reconciliation, the nurse should compare the client’s home medications with the provider's prescriptions to ensure accuracy and prevent medication errors. Reviewing the client’s medical history (Choice B) is important but not the primary focus of medication reconciliation. Assessing the client's current medications (Choice C) is also vital but is not specific to the comparison between home and prescribed medications during reconciliation. Asking the client about their allergies (Choice D) is relevant for ensuring safe medication administration but is not the primary step in medication reconciliation, which involves comparing actual medications.

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