Nursing Elites

1. What are the signs of infection that should be monitored in a postoperative patient?

• A. Fever and chills
• B. All of the above
• C. Increased pain or tenderness
• D. Redness, swelling, and warmth at the surgical site

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Redness, swelling, and warmth at the surgical site.' These are specific signs of infection at the surgical site that a nurse should monitor for in a postoperative patient. While fever, chills, and increased pain can also indicate infection, the most direct signs are redness, swelling, and warmth at the surgical site. Therefore, 'D' is the best choice as it directly relates to the site of the surgery and is crucial to monitor for potential postoperative infections.

2. A nurse is reviewing the medication orders for a client with heart failure. Which of the following medications should the nurse clarify with the provider?

• A. Furosemide
• B. Spironolactone
• C. Digoxin
• D. Ibuprofen

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can worsen heart failure due to its effects on renal function and fluid retention. Therefore, the nurse should clarify the use of Ibuprofen with the provider. Choices A, B, and C (Furosemide, Spironolactone, and Digoxin) are commonly prescribed medications for heart failure that help manage symptoms and improve cardiac function, so they do not need clarification in this scenario.

3. The patient has been in bed for several days and needs to be ambulated. What action should the nurse take first?

• A. Dangle the patient at the bedside.
• B. Encourage isometric exercises.
• C. Suggest a high-calcium diet.
• D. Maintain a narrow base of support.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Dangle the patient at the bedside.' When a patient has been in bed for an extended period and needs to be ambulated, it is essential to dangle the patient at the bedside first. Dangling involves helping the patient sit on the edge of the bed with their legs over the side before standing up. This action helps prevent orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure when moving from lying down to standing up, which can lead to dizziness or fainting. Encouraging isometric exercises (choice B) or suggesting a high-calcium diet (choice C) are not the first actions to take before ambulating a patient. Maintaining a narrow base of support (choice D) is related to assisting with ambulation but is not the initial step that should be taken.

4. A healthcare provider is providing a report to a colleague about a client who weighs 210 lb and has a prescription for one-third weight bearing on the right leg. How many kg of weight should the client bear on the right leg?

• A. 32 kg
• B. 35 kg
• C. 40 kg
• D. 45 kg

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To calculate the weight-bearing limit, we first need to convert 210 lbs to kg. To do this, we use the conversion factor 1 lb = 0.453592 kg. So, 210 lbs is equal to 210 * 0.453592 = 95.254 kg. One-third of 95.254 kg is 31.7513 kg, which can be rounded to 32 kg. Therefore, the client should bear 32 kg of weight on the right leg. Choice A is the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the accurate calculation based on the client's weight and the prescribed weight-bearing limit.

5. A nurse is caring for a patient with heart failure who has developed pulmonary edema. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Administer a diuretic as prescribed.
• B. Place the patient in a high Fowler's position.
• C. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula.
• D. Monitor the patient's lung sounds every 2 hours.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to place the patient in a high Fowler's position. This position helps improve lung expansion and oxygenation in cases of pulmonary edema by reducing venous return to the heart and enhancing respiratory mechanics. Administering a diuretic (Choice A) can be important but is not the priority over positioning in this situation. Administering oxygen (Choice C) is essential, but the priority action for improving oxygenation is the positioning of the patient. Monitoring lung sounds (Choice D) is crucial for ongoing assessment but is not the priority action when the patient is in distress with pulmonary edema.

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