Nursing Elites

1. The client with high blood pressure is being taught by the nurse to avoid adding salt during cooking. What effect does sodium have on blood pressure?

• A. It decreases the viscosity of blood
• B. It leads to increased fluid retention
• C. It causes vasoconstriction of the blood vessels
• D. It enhances the excretion of potassium

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'It causes vasoconstriction of the blood vessels.' Sodium can lead to vasoconstriction, which narrows the blood vessels, increasing resistance to blood flow and subsequently raising blood pressure. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Sodium does not decrease blood viscosity, but it can lead to fluid retention, which increases blood volume and pressure. It does not enhance the excretion of potassium; instead, high sodium intake can lead to potassium excretion by the kidneys.

2. The nurse is teaching a client about the administration of a subcutaneous injection. Which site is most appropriate for this type of injection?

• A. Deltoid muscle
• B. Dorsogluteal muscle
• C. Ventrogluteal muscle
• D. Abdomen

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The abdomen is a common site for subcutaneous injections due to its accessibility and ample subcutaneous tissue. Subcutaneous injections are typically given in areas with a layer of fat between the skin and muscle, such as the abdomen, to allow for slow and consistent absorption of the medication. The deltoid muscle is more appropriate for intramuscular injections, not subcutaneous. The dorsogluteal muscle and ventrogluteal muscle are also more suited for intramuscular injections, not subcutaneous.

3. A client with a history of atrial fibrillation is prescribed warfarin. Which lab value should the nurse monitor to assess the effectiveness of this medication?

• A. Hemoglobin
• B. White blood cell count
• C. Platelet count
• D. INR

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, INR (International Normalized Ratio). The INR is used to monitor the effectiveness of warfarin therapy. Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication commonly prescribed for conditions like atrial fibrillation. Monitoring the INR helps healthcare providers ensure that the blood is clotting within a therapeutic range. Hemoglobin (Choice A), white blood cell count (Choice B), and platelet count (Choice C) are not directly related to monitoring the effectiveness of warfarin therapy in this context.

4. The nurse is providing preoperative teaching to a client who will undergo a thyroidectomy. What information should the nurse include about postoperative care?

• A. Importance of maintaining neck stability
• B. How to care for the surgical drain
• C. Pain management strategies
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Providing preoperative teaching for a client undergoing a thyroidectomy is essential to prepare them for postoperative care. Information about the importance of maintaining neck stability is crucial to prevent complications such as strain on the surgical site. Teaching the client how to care for the surgical drain is important to prevent infections, ensure proper wound healing, and aid in monitoring postoperative recovery. Pain management strategies are vital to ensure the client's comfort and promote optimal recovery. Including all these aspects in preoperative teaching ensures the client is well-prepared for comprehensive postoperative care. Therefore, the correct answer is D because all these elements are essential components of postoperative care for a client undergoing a thyroidectomy. Choices A, B, and C are all important aspects of postoperative care that the nurse should include in the preoperative teaching session.

5. A client with diabetes exhibits a blood sugar of 350 mg/dL. What is the nurse's best action?

• A. Administer insulin as prescribed
• B. Provide a carbohydrate-controlled snack
• C. Encourage physical activity
• D. Recheck the blood sugar

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a client with diabetes presenting with a blood sugar level of 350 mg/dL, the best action for the nurse is to administer insulin as prescribed. High blood sugar levels can lead to complications like diabetic ketoacidosis, making prompt insulin administration crucial to lower the blood glucose level. Providing a carbohydrate-controlled snack would be inappropriate as it may further elevate blood sugar levels. Encouraging physical activity is not advisable when the blood sugar is significantly high, as exercise can raise blood sugar levels. Rechecking the blood sugar is necessary after administering insulin to monitor the response to treatment.

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