Nursing Elites

1. What are early indicators of dehydration?

• A. Dry mouth
• B. Increased thirst
• C. Decreased urine output
• D. Dizziness

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, dry mouth, and B, increased thirst are early indicators of dehydration. Dry mouth occurs when the body is dehydrated, and increased thirst is the body's way of trying to increase fluid intake to combat dehydration. Choices C and D, decreased urine output and dizziness, can be signs of severe dehydration but are not typically considered early indicators.

2. A nurse manager of a med surge unit is assigning care responsibilities for the oncoming shift. A client is waiting transfer back to the unit from the PACU following thoracic surgery. To which staff member should the nurse assign the client?

• A. Charge nurse
• B. RN
• C. LVN
• D. AP

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: RN. An RN is required for managing post-surgical care in the immediate postoperative period, especially for a client following thoracic surgery. The RN is equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to assess the client's condition, provide complex care, and recognize and respond to any complications that may arise. Assigning the client to the Charge nurse (A) may not be appropriate as the Charge nurse focuses more on administrative and managerial tasks rather than direct patient care. LVNs (C) and APs (D) may have limitations in their scope of practice when it comes to managing post-surgical care following thoracic surgery, which requires a higher level of assessment and intervention that an RN can provide.

3. What are the early signs of a pulmonary embolism?

• A. Chest pain, shortness of breath, and tachycardia
• B. Fever, nausea, and vomiting
• C. Cough, cyanosis, and fatigue
• D. Abdominal pain and bradycardia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Chest pain, shortness of breath, and tachycardia. These are classic early signs of a pulmonary embolism. Chest pain may be sudden and sharp, worsened by deep breathing or coughing. Shortness of breath can be sudden and severe. Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) is another common symptom. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent typical early signs of a pulmonary embolism.

4. A nurse is collecting data from a newly-admitted infant who is 3 months old and has diarrhea. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Weight gain
• B. Poor appetite
• C. Irritability
• D. Decreased urination

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Irritability in infants can indicate worsening dehydration, which needs to be reported. Weight gain (Choice A) would be a positive finding, indicating adequate fluid intake. Poor appetite (Choice B) is common with diarrhea but not as concerning as irritability. Decreased urination (Choice D) can also be a sign of dehydration, but irritability is more specific to worsening dehydration in this case.

5. A client who is 1 day postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty should be instructed to do which of the following?

• A. Avoid using a walker while walking.
• B. Keep the hip flexed at 90° while sitting.
• C. Place a pillow between your legs when turning.
• D. Cross your legs at the ankles when sitting.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Placing a pillow between the legs is essential post-total hip arthroplasty to prevent adduction of the hip joint, reducing the risk of dislocation. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Using a walker while walking is encouraged for support and stability. Keeping the hip flexed at 90° while sitting can increase the risk of hip dislocation. Crossing legs at the ankles when sitting may also lead to hip dislocation.

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