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. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

• A. Monitor for leg pain, swelling, and redness
• B. Check for calf tenderness and administer anticoagulants
• C. Check for discoloration and monitor oxygen saturation
• D. Check for numbness and provide thrombolytic therapy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: The correct way to assess a patient with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is to monitor for leg pain, swelling, and redness. These are common clinical manifestations of DVT. Choice B is incorrect because administering anticoagulants should be based on a confirmed diagnosis, not just suspicion. Choice C is incorrect because discoloration and oxygen saturation are not primary indicators of DVT. Choice D is incorrect because numbness is not a typical symptom of DVT, and thrombolytic therapy is not the first-line treatment for suspected DVT.

3. What is the initial step a nurse should take when irrigating a wound?

• A. Wear sterile gloves while removing the old dressing
• B. Cleanse the wound from the center outward
• C. Apply a warm compress to the wound
• D. Use a 20 mL syringe to irrigate the wound

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action when irrigating a wound is to cleanse the wound from the center outward. This method helps remove debris and pathogens effectively, reducing the risk of infection. Choice A is incorrect because wearing sterile gloves should be done before starting the wound irrigation but is not the first action in the process. Choice C is incorrect as applying a warm compress is not the initial step in wound irrigation. Choice D is also incorrect as using a syringe to irrigate the wound comes after cleansing the wound.

4. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for a client who has Cushing's disease. The nurse should expect the client to have an increase in which of the following laboratory values?

• A. Serum glucose level.
• B. Serum calcium level.
• C. Lymphocyte count.
• D. Serum potassium level.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Serum glucose level. In Cushing's disease, there is an excess production of cortisol, leading to hyperglycemia. This results in an increase in serum glucose levels. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because Cushing's disease does not directly affect serum calcium levels, lymphocyte count, or serum potassium levels.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has coronary artery disease (CAD) and is receiving aspirin therapy. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. History of gastrointestinal bleeding
• B. Prothrombin time of 12 seconds
• C. Platelet count of 180,000/mm³
• D. Creatinine level of 1.0 mg/dL

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: History of gastrointestinal bleeding. Aspirin therapy is contraindicated in clients with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding because aspirin can further increase the risk of bleeding. Option B, prothrombin time of 12 seconds, is within the normal range and does not indicate a concern related to aspirin therapy. Option C, platelet count of 180,000/mm³, is also within the normal range and does not suggest a need for reporting to the provider in the context of aspirin therapy. Option D, creatinine level of 1.0 mg/dL, is within the normal range and is not directly related to aspirin therapy in this scenario.

Similar Questions