Nursing Elites

1. The nurse would assess the client experiencing an acute episode of cholecystitis for pain that is located in the right:

• A. Upper quadrant and radiates to the left scapula and shoulder
• B. Upper quadrant and radiates to the right scapula and shoulder
• C. Lower quadrant and radiates to the umbilicus
• D. Lower quadrant and radiates to the back

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pain from cholecystitis is typically located in the right upper quadrant and may radiate to the right scapula and shoulder.

2. To accurately assess for jaundice in a patient with dark skin pigmentation, the nurse should examine which body areas?

• A. Nail beds
• B. Skin on the back of the hand
• C. Hard palate of the mouth
• D. Soles of the feet

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To accurately assess for jaundice in a patient with dark skin pigmentation, the nurse should examine the hard palate of the mouth. Jaundice is best assessed in the sclera; however, in dark-skinned patients, normal yellow pigmentation may be present in the sclera, making it difficult to detect jaundice. Inspection of the hard palate for a yellow color can confirm the presence of jaundice. Cyanosis is best observed in the nail beds, not indicative of jaundice. While skin on the palm of the hand can indicate jaundice, the back of the hand is not a typical area for assessment. Jaundice can be assessed on the soles of the feet in dark-skinned patients, but it is better visualized in the hard palate for accurate evaluation.

3. Dark, tarry stools indicate bleeding in which location of the GI tract?

• A. Upper colon.
• B. Lower colon.
• C. Upper GI tract.
• D. Small intestine.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Dark, tarry stools indicate bleeding in the upper GI tract.

4. The client is admitted to the hospital for treatment of acute hepatitis B. Which activity order would the nurse expect to be prescribed?

• A. Bedrest
• B. Encourage ambulation
• C. Out of bed in a chair
• D. No activity restrictions

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Fatigue is a normal response to hepatic cellular damage. During the acute stage, rest is an essential intervention to reduce the metabolic demands on the liver and its blood supply.

5. A 30-year-old woman is admitted to the hospital with complaints of severe abdominal cramping and diarrhea. The nurse evaluates the effectiveness of the patient's intravenous therapy. Which of the following laboratory tests BEST reflects hydration status?

• A. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
• B. White blood cell count.
• C. Hematocrit.
• D. Serum glucose.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hematocrit is the best indicator of hydration status because it reflects the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. An increased hematocrit indicates dehydration, as the blood becomes more concentrated due to fluid loss. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (Choice A) is a nonspecific marker of inflammation, not hydration status. White blood cell count (Choice B) is an indicator of infection or inflammation. Serum glucose (Choice D) is used to monitor blood sugar levels, not hydration status.

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