Nursing Elites

1. What is the best way to assess for fluid overload in a patient with heart failure?

• A. Check daily weight
• B. Check blood pressure
• C. Monitor heart sounds
• D. Assess for jugular vein distention

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to 'Check daily weight.' Monitoring daily weight is the most accurate method to assess for fluid overload in patients with heart failure. Weight gain can indicate fluid retention, a common issue in heart failure patients. Checking blood pressure (Choice B) can provide information about hemodynamic status but may not be as specific for fluid overload as monitoring weight. Monitoring heart sounds (Choice C) can provide information about cardiac function but may not directly assess fluid overload. Assessing for jugular vein distention (Choice D) can be a sign of increased central venous pressure but may not always correlate with fluid overload as accurately as daily weight checks.

2. A charge nurse is teaching a group of newly licensed nurses about the correct use of restraints. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Placing a belt restraint on a school-age child who has seizures.
• B. Securing wrist restraints to the bed rails for an adolescent.
• C. Applying elbow immobilizers to an infant receiving cleft lip injury.
• D. Keeping the side rails of a toddler's crib elevated.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Keeping the side rails of a toddler's crib elevated is an appropriate use of restraints to prevent the child from falling, which is an essential safety measure. Placing a belt restraint on a school-age child with seizures (choice A) is not recommended as it can be dangerous during a seizure. Securing wrist restraints to the bed rails for an adolescent (choice B) may cause harm and should not be done routinely. Applying elbow immobilizers to an infant receiving a cleft lip injury (choice C) is not a standard practice for managing this condition and would not be appropriate.

3. A client is receiving chemotherapy and is being taught about preventing infection. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take your temperature daily.
• B. Avoid fresh fruits and vegetables.
• C. Limit your intake of high-protein foods.
• D. Increase your intake of high-fat foods.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Clients receiving chemotherapy are instructed to avoid fresh fruits and vegetables to lower the risk of infection. Fresh produce may harbor bacteria or other pathogens that could be harmful to individuals with compromised immune systems. Taking the temperature daily may be important but is not directly related to preventing infection. Limiting high-protein foods is not necessary unless there are specific dietary restrictions due to the treatment plan. Increasing the intake of high-fat foods is not recommended during chemotherapy as a high-fat diet may lead to other health issues.

4. How should signs of infection in a post-surgical patient be assessed?

• A. Check the surgical site
• B. Check the patient's vital signs
• C. Monitor for fever
• D. Check for abnormal breath sounds

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Assessing the surgical site is crucial in identifying early signs of infection post-surgery. Changes such as redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage may indicate an infection developing. While monitoring vital signs and fever are important in infection assessment, they are general indicators and may not show localized signs at the surgical site. Checking for abnormal breath sounds is more relevant when assessing respiratory issues rather than infection at the surgical site.

5. A client is receiving heparin therapy. Which of the following laboratory results indicates the client is receiving an effective dose of heparin?

• A. INR 1.5
• B. aPTT 60 seconds
• C. Platelets 150,000/mm³
• D. Potassium 4.0 mEq/L

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An aPTT of 60 seconds indicates the client is receiving an effective dose of heparin. The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) measures the time it takes for a clot to form, and a therapeutic range for heparin therapy is usually 1.5 to 2 times the control value, which is around 60-80 seconds. An INR of 1.5 is not related to heparin therapy, as it is commonly used to monitor warfarin therapy. Platelet count and potassium levels are not direct indicators of the effectiveness of heparin therapy.

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