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 provider care for a patient with a nasogastric (NG) tube?

• A. Check tube placement and assess for signs of aspiration
• B. Flush the tube with water regularly to maintain patency
• C. Monitor for bowel sounds and administer medications
• D. Administer medications through the tube

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When caring for a patient with a nasogastric (NG) tube, it is crucial to check the tube placement and assess for signs of aspiration. This ensures that the tube is correctly positioned and that the patient is not at risk of complications such as aspiration pneumonia. Choice B is incorrect as flushing the tube with water regularly is not a standard practice and may not be appropriate for all patients. Choice C is incorrect as monitoring for bowel sounds is not directly related to NG tube care, and administering medications is not the primary focus of caring for the tube itself. Choice D is incorrect because administering medications through the NG tube is a specific action that may be taken based on a healthcare provider's order, not a general care guideline for the NG tube.

3. What are the key steps in administering oral medications to a patient with dysphagia?

• A. Crush medications and mix with food
• B. Use a straw to facilitate swallowing
• C. Encourage the patient to drink thickened liquids
• D. Have the patient lie flat during administration

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Crush medications and mix with food. When administering oral medications to a patient with dysphagia, crushing the medications and mixing them with food is a common method to aid in swallowing. Choice B is incorrect because using a straw could pose a choking hazard for patients with dysphagia. Choice C is incorrect as thickened liquids may not always be suitable for all medications. Choice D is incorrect because having the patient lie flat can increase the risk of aspiration, which is not recommended for patients with dysphagia.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Monitor the client's temperature every 4 hours
• B. Monitor blood glucose levels every 6 hours
• C. Administer insulin as prescribed
• D. Monitor daily fluid intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Monitoring blood glucose levels is crucial in clients receiving TPN because the solution has a high glucose content. This monitoring helps prevent hyperglycemia and allows for timely adjustments in the TPN formulation if needed. Monitoring the client's temperature (Choice A) is not directly related to TPN administration. Administering insulin (Choice C) should be based on blood glucose levels and the healthcare provider's orders; it is not a standard intervention for all clients on TPN. Monitoring daily fluid intake (Choice D) is important for overall fluid balance but is not as critical as monitoring blood glucose levels specifically for clients on TPN.

5. How should a healthcare provider assess a patient for fluid overload?

• A. Monitor weight and assess for shortness of breath
• B. Auscultate lung sounds and monitor blood pressure
• C. Assess for edema in the extremities
• D. Assess for jugular venous distension

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correctly, the answer is to monitor weight and assess for shortness of breath when assessing a patient for fluid overload. Weight monitoring is crucial as sudden weight gain can indicate fluid retention. Shortness of breath can be a sign of fluid accumulation in the lungs. While auscultating lung sounds and monitoring blood pressure are important assessments in overall patient care, they may not be specific to fluid overload. Assessing for edema in the extremities is relevant, but it is not as sensitive as monitoring weight for detecting fluid overload. Assessing for jugular venous distension is more specific to assessing fluid status in heart failure rather than a general assessment for fluid overload.

Similar Questions