Nursing Elites

1. What are the key signs of infection after surgery?

• A. Redness
• B. Swelling
• C. Fever
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After surgery, key signs of infection include redness, swelling, and fever. Redness and swelling can indicate inflammation at the surgical site, while fever is a systemic response to infection. Choosing 'All of the above' (Option D) is the correct answer because all three signs are commonly associated with post-surgical infections. Options A, B, and C are incorrect as each of them individually can be a sign of infection, but considering all three together provides a more comprehensive assessment for post-operative infection.

2. What is the most appropriate intervention for a client with phlebitis at the IV site?

• A. Apply a warm compress to the site
• B. Discontinue the IV and notify the provider
• C. Increase the IV flow rate to prevent dehydration
• D. Monitor the site for signs of infection

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate intervention for a client with phlebitis at the IV site is to discontinue the IV and notify the provider. Phlebitis is inflammation of the vein, and continuing the IV can lead to complications such as infection or thrombosis. Applying a warm compress may provide symptomatic relief but does not address the root cause. Increasing the IV flow rate is not indicated and may worsen the inflammation. Monitoring for signs of infection is important, but the priority is to remove the source of inflammation by discontinuing the IV.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and is receiving digoxin. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a sign of digoxin toxicity?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Tachycardia
• C. Hypotension
• D. Increased appetite

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Bradycardia is a common sign of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin, a medication used to treat heart failure, works by slowing down the heart rate and increasing the force of heart contractions. Excessive levels of digoxin can lead to toxicity, causing bradycardia (slow heart rate), among other symptoms. Tachycardia (fast heart rate) and hypotension (low blood pressure) are not typically associated with digoxin toxicity. Increased appetite is not a recognized sign of digoxin toxicity; instead, gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and anorexia are more common.

4. A client has an NG tube that needs to be irrigated every 8 hours. Which solution should the nurse use to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance?

• A. Tap water
• B. Sterile water
• C. 0.9% sodium chloride
• D. 0.45% sodium chloride

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct solution to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance during NG tube irrigation is 0.9% sodium chloride. This solution is isotonic and helps prevent electrolyte imbalances. Using tap water or sterile water can lead to electrolyte disturbances due to their hypotonic nature, while 0.45% sodium chloride is hypotonic and may cause further imbalances in the client's electrolyte levels.

5. A nurse is assessing a client who has a brainstem injury. The nurse should expect the client to exhibit which of the following findings?

• A. Decerebrate posturing.
• B. Hypervigilance.
• C. Absence of deep tendon reflexes.
• D. Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decerebrate posturing. Decerebrate posturing is an abnormal body posture characterized by rigid extension of the arms and legs, which indicates severe brainstem injury affecting the midbrain and pons. This posture suggests dysfunction or damage to neural pathways controlling muscle tone. Choice B, hypervigilance, is not typically associated with brainstem injury but rather with increased alertness and arousal. Choice C, absence of deep tendon reflexes, is not a specific finding related to brainstem injury. Choice D, a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15, indicates a fully awake and alert state, which is not expected in a client with a brainstem injury.

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