Nursing Elites

1. What assessment technique should the nurse use to monitor a client for a common untoward effect of phenytoin (Dilantin)?

• A. Bladder palpation
• B. Inspection of the mouth
• C. Blood glucose monitoring
• D. Auscultation of breath sounds

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Inspection of the mouth. This assessment technique is crucial for monitoring gingival hyperplasia, a common side effect of phenytoin. Bladder palpation (choice A) is not relevant to monitoring for phenytoin's side effects. Blood glucose monitoring (choice C) is important for clients with diabetes but is not specifically related to phenytoin. Auscultation of breath sounds (choice D) is more relevant for assessing respiratory conditions, not side effects of phenytoin.

2. A client who is 12-hours post-op following a left hip replacement has an indwelling urinary catheter. The nurse determines that the client's urinary output is 60 ml in the past 3 hours. What action should the nurse take first?

• A. Assess the client's vital signs
• B. Irrigate the catheter with 30 ml of sterile normal saline
• C. Notify the healthcare provider
• D. Replace the catheter with a larger size

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a client post-op with low urinary output, the first action the nurse should take is to assess the client's vital signs. Vital signs can provide valuable information about the client's overall condition, fluid status, and potential complications. Assessing the vital signs can help the nurse to determine if the low urine output is indicative of a larger issue that needs immediate attention. Irrigating the catheter with normal saline may be necessary but should not be the first action without assessing the client. Notifying the healthcare provider should follow assessment if there are concerns. Replacing the catheter with a larger size is not indicated solely based on low urinary output and should not be the first action taken.

3. A client who is gravida 1, para 0, is admitted to the birthing suite in early labor and requests pain relief. Which action should the nurse implement?

• A. Encourage the client to use distraction techniques
• B. Offer to teach the client relaxation techniques
• C. Determine the client’s pain level and location
• D. Administer an opioid analgesic as prescribed

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct action for the nurse to implement is to administer an opioid analgesic as prescribed. Since the client is in early labor and requesting pain relief, opioids are commonly used to provide effective pain relief during labor. Encouraging distraction or teaching relaxation techniques may not be sufficient for pain management during labor, especially in the early stages when the pain intensity can increase rapidly. Determining the pain level and location is important but administering the prescribed opioid is the most appropriate action to address the client's request for pain relief.

4. The healthcare provider prescribes a diet high in vitamin C for a client with a leg wound. Which food should the nurse encourage the client to eat?

• A. Bananas and pineapple
• B. Cottage cheese and crackers
• C. Peanut butter and jelly
• D. Tomato and lettuce salad

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Tomatoes and lettuce are high in vitamin C, making them suitable choices for a diet prescribed for wound healing. Bananas and pineapple (Choice A) are not particularly high in vitamin C compared to tomatoes and lettuce. Cottage cheese and crackers (Choice B) as well as peanut butter and jelly (Choice C) do not provide significant amounts of vitamin C, which is essential for wound healing.

5. The nurse preceptor is orienting a new graduate nurse to the critical care unit. The preceptor asks the new graduate to state symptoms that most likely indicate the beginning of a shock state in a critically ill client. What findings should the new graduate nurse identify?

• A. Tachycardia, mental status change, and low urine output
• B. Warm skin, hypertension, and constricted pupils
• C. Bradycardia, hypotension, and respiratory acidosis
• D. Mottled skin, tachypnea, and hyperactive bowel sounds

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tachycardia, mental status change, and low urine output are early signs of shock. Tachycardia is the body's compensatory mechanism to maintain perfusion, mental status changes can indicate decreased cerebral perfusion, and low urine output reflects poor renal perfusion. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Warm skin, hypertension, and constricted pupils are not typical findings in the early stages of shock. Bradycardia, hypotension, and respiratory acidosis are more indicative of late-stage shock. Mottled skin, tachypnea, and hyperactive bowel sounds can be seen in various conditions but are not specific early signs of shock.

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