Nursing Elites

1. What is a primary symptom of left-sided heart failure?

• A. Shortness of breath
• B. Edema
• C. Rapid heartbeat
• D. Confusion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Shortness of breath is a primary symptom of left-sided heart failure. In this condition, the heart's inability to pump effectively leads to fluid backing up into the lungs, causing difficulty breathing. Edema (swelling), rapid heartbeat, and confusion are more commonly associated with other conditions or right-sided heart failure. Edema is often seen in right-sided heart failure due to fluid accumulation in the body, rapid heartbeat can be a general sign of heart issues, and confusion is more related to decreased brain perfusion in severe heart failure cases.

2. What is the priority in managing a client diagnosed with delirium?

• A. Administer anti-anxiety medication
• B. Identify any underlying causes of delirium
• C. Reduce environmental stimulation to calm the client
• D. Encourage deep breathing exercises

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority in managing a client diagnosed with delirium is to identify any underlying causes. Delirium can be caused by various factors such as infections, medications, or metabolic imbalances. By determining the root cause, healthcare providers can address the issue effectively and tailor the treatment plan accordingly. Administering anti-anxiety medication (Choice A) may help manage symptoms but does not address the underlying cause of delirium. Similarly, reducing environmental stimulation (Choice C) and encouraging deep breathing exercises (Choice D) may provide some relief, but they do not target the primary concern of identifying and addressing the underlying causes of delirium.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who has pneumonia and new onset confusion. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Increase the client's oxygen flow rate
• B. Obtain the client's vital signs
• C. Administer an antibiotic
• D. Notify the provider

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: Increasing the client's oxygen flow rate should be the nurse's first action. Hypoxia is a common complication of pneumonia and can lead to confusion. Providing adequate oxygenation is essential in addressing hypoxia and improving the client's condition.\nOption B: Obtaining vital signs is important but addressing hypoxia takes precedence in the setting of new onset confusion.\nOption C: Administering an antibiotic is important for treating pneumonia but addressing hypoxia and confusion is the priority.\nOption D: Notifying the provider may be necessary but addressing the immediate physiological need of oxygenation should come first.

4. What are the potential complications of a patient receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN)?

• A. Infection and electrolyte imbalance
• B. Hyperglycemia and sepsis
• C. Kidney failure and hypovolemia
• D. Fluid overload and liver damage

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Infection and electrolyte imbalance are common complications of TPN. Infection can occur due to the invasive nature of TPN, which provides a direct route for pathogens. Electrolyte imbalances can arise from the composition of the TPN solution or improper monitoring. Hyperglycemia and sepsis (Choice B) are potential complications but are not as directly associated with TPN as infection and electrolyte imbalance. Kidney failure and hypovolemia (Choice C) are less common complications of TPN. Fluid overload and liver damage (Choice D) are potential complications but are not as frequently observed as infection and electrolyte imbalance.

5. An RN is making assignments for client care to an LPN at the beginning of the shift. Which of the following assignments should the LPN question?

• A. Assisting a client who is 24 hr postop to use an incentive spirometer
• B. Collecting a clean catch urine specimen from a client who was admitted on the previous shift
• C. Providing nasopharyngeal suctioning for a client who has pneumonia
• D. Replacing the cartridge and tubing on a PCA pump

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The LPN should question the assignment of replacing the PCA pump cartridge and tubing as it is outside the LPN's scope of practice. LPNs are not trained to handle tasks related to PCA pumps, which involve medication administration and monitoring that are typically within the RN's responsibilities. Assisting a postop client with an incentive spirometer (Choice A), collecting a clean catch urine specimen (Choice B), and providing nasopharyngeal suctioning for a client with pneumonia (Choice C) are all tasks that fall within the LPN's scope of practice and do not require questioning by the LPN.

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