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. A healthcare professional is caring for a client with a chest tube. Which observation requires immediate intervention?

• A. Constant bubbling in the suction control chamber
• B. Intermittent bubbling in the water seal chamber
• C. Drainage of 50 ml per hour
• D. Crepitus around the insertion site

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Crepitus around the chest tube insertion site may indicate subcutaneous emphysema, a serious condition that requires immediate attention. It can be a sign of an air leak in the lung or surrounding tissues. Constant bubbling in the suction control chamber is expected in a functioning chest tube system as it indicates proper suction. Intermittent bubbling in the water seal chamber is also normal, showing that the system is functioning correctly, allowing air to escape but not re-enter. Drainage of 50 ml per hour is within the expected range for chest tube output and does not require immediate intervention unless there are other concerning signs such as rapid increase or a sudden change in color or consistency.

3. A client has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Which of the following interventions is a priority?

• A. Teach the client to use progressive relaxation techniques.
• B. Help the client find a local support group.
• C. Discuss the client's prior coping mechanisms.
• D. Develop a list of goals with the client.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a client receives a terminal cancer diagnosis, it is crucial to prioritize developing a list of goals with the client. This process helps the client focus on what is important to them, set achievable objectives, and maintain a sense of purpose and control. Teaching relaxation techniques (choice A) may be beneficial for symptom management but is not the priority when confronting a terminal illness. While finding a local support group (choice B) can be valuable for emotional support, it does not directly address setting goals. Discussing prior coping mechanisms (choice C) can provide insights into the client's coping strategies but may not be as essential as establishing future goals in the face of a terminal illness.

4. A 2-year-old child is brought to the health care provider's office with a chief complaint of mild diarrhea for 2 days. Nutritional counseling by the nurse should include which statement?

• A. Place the child on clear liquids and gelatin for 24 hours
• B. Continue with the regular diet and include oral rehydration fluids
• C. Give bananas, apples, rice, and toast as tolerated
• D. Place NPO for 24 hours, then rehydrate with milk and water

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In managing mild diarrhea in a 2-year-old child, it is important to maintain their regular diet and include oral rehydration fluids. Choice A of placing the child on clear liquids and gelatin for 24 hours may not provide adequate nutrition and can lead to further electrolyte imbalances. Choice C of giving bananas, apples, rice, and toast as tolerated is a part of the BRAT diet, which is not recommended as the primary approach anymore due to its limited nutritional value. Choice D of placing the child NPO for 24 hours and then rehydrating with milk and water is not appropriate as it can worsen dehydration and delay recovery. Therefore, the best option is to continue the child's regular diet while incorporating oral rehydration fluids to prevent dehydration and maintain nutritional status.

5. The nurse is caring for an adult who has fluid volume excess. When weighing the client, the nurse should:

• A. Weigh the client upon rising
• B. Weigh the client at different times of the day
• C. Weigh the client after meals
• D. Weigh the client weekly

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Weighing the client upon rising is the correct approach when caring for a client with fluid volume excess. Weighing the client in the morning upon rising provides a consistent and accurate measure of weight, as it helps to eliminate the influence of daily fluctuations that can occur throughout the day. Weighing at different times of the day (choice B) may lead to inconsistent measurements due to variations in food intake, hydration status, and other factors. Weighing the client after meals (choice C) can also lead to inaccurate readings as food and fluid intake can affect weight. Weighing the client weekly (choice D) is not frequent enough to monitor changes in weight accurately for a client with fluid volume excess.

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