Nursing Elites

1. While taking the health history of a 70-year-old patient being treated for a Duodenal Ulcer, the nurse learns that the patient is complaining of epigastric pain. What assessment finding would the nurse expect to note?

• A. Melena
• B. Nausea
• C. Hernia
• D. Hyperthermia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Melena is the passage of black, tarry stools due to the presence of blood in the gastrointestinal tract, usually originating from the upper digestive system. In the context of a Duodenal Ulcer, melena can occur as a result of bleeding in the duodenum or the upper part of the small intestine. This finding is significant as it indicates potential gastrointestinal bleeding, which is a common complication of duodenal ulcers. Nausea (Choice B) is a nonspecific symptom that may be present with various gastrointestinal conditions but is not specific to duodenal ulcers. Hernia (Choice C) involves the protrusion of an organ through the wall of the cavity that normally contains it and is not directly related to the symptoms of a duodenal ulcer. Hyperthermia (Choice D), which refers to an elevated body temperature, is not typically associated with duodenal ulcers unless there are severe complications present.

2. A patient is found unconscious in their room with rhythmic jerking of all four extremities and heavy foaming at the mouth. The patient was on seizure precautions with bedrails up and padded. What is the priority action for the nurse to take?

• A. Administer Lorazepam (Ativan)
• B. Turn the patient to his/her side
• C. Call the physician
• D. Suction the patient

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse's priority action should be to turn the patient to his/her side. This position helps maintain an open airway and prevents aspiration of secretions or vomitus. Administering Lorazepam (Ativan) without ensuring a clear airway could lead to further complications. Calling the physician is important, but immediate interventions to protect the airway take precedence. Suctioning the patient may be necessary but should not be the initial action; positioning for airway protection is the priority.

3. The patient's symptoms, lack of antibodies for hepatitis, and the abrupt onset of symptoms suggest toxic hepatitis, which can be caused by commonly used over-the-counter drugs such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). Travel to a foreign country and a history of IV drug use are risk factors for viral hepatitis. Corticosteroid use does not cause the symptoms listed.

• A. Hemoglobin
• B. Temperature
• C. Activity level
• D. Albumin level

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The low oncotic pressure caused by hypoalbuminemia is a major pathophysiologic factor in the development of edema. In this case, monitoring the albumin level is crucial to assess the patient's fluid balance and potential for edema. While hemoglobin, temperature, and activity level are important parameters to monitor in a patient's assessment, they are not directly associated with the patient's current symptoms of toxic hepatitis and edema development. Therefore, the correct choice is the albumin level.

4. The nurse is caring for clients in the pediatric unit. A 6-year-old patient is admitted with 2nd and 3rd degree burns on his arms. The nurse should assign the new patient to which of the following roommates?

• A. A 4-year-old with sickle-cell disease
• B. A 12-year-old with chickenpox
• C. A 6-year-old undergoing chemotherapy
• D. A 7-year-old with a high temperature

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should be concerned about the burn patient's vulnerability to infection due to compromised skin integrity. Sickle cell disease is not a communicable disease, so rooming the burn patient with a 4-year-old with sickle-cell disease would not pose an increased risk of infection transmission. Rooming the burn patient with a 12-year-old with chickenpox would increase the risk of infection for the burn patient. Rooming with a 6-year-old undergoing chemotherapy may expose the burn patient to potential infections. A 7-year-old with a high temperature could potentially have a contagious illness, which could be risky for the burn patient.

5. The nurse is caring for a 36-year-old patient with pancreatic cancer. Which nursing action is the highest priority?

• A. Offer psychological support for depression.
• B. Offer high-calorie, high-protein dietary choices.
• C. Administer prescribed opioids to relieve pain as needed.
• D. Teach about the need to avoid scratching any pruritic areas.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer prescribed opioids to relieve pain as needed. Pain management is the highest priority in this scenario as effective pain control is essential for the patient's overall well-being. Pain relief will not only improve the patient's comfort but also enhance their ability to eat, follow dietary recommendations, and be open to psychological support. Offering psychological support for depression (Choice A) is important but addressing pain takes precedence. While providing high-calorie, high-protein dietary choices (Choice B) is crucial, it is secondary to managing pain. Teaching about the need to avoid scratching pruritic areas (Choice D) is relevant but not the highest priority in this situation where pain management is critical for the patient's quality of life.

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