Nursing Elites

1. What is the most important nursing action for a patient presenting with confusion after surgery?

• A. Administer oxygen
• B. Reposition the patient
• C. Administer IV fluids
• D. Perform a neurological assessment

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering oxygen is crucial for a patient presenting with confusion after surgery because it helps alleviate potential hypoxia, which can be a common cause of confusion in the postoperative period. While repositioning the patient, administering IV fluids, and performing a neurological assessment are important nursing interventions in certain situations, addressing hypoxia by administering oxygen takes priority in this case to ensure an adequate oxygen supply to the brain and other vital organs.

2. A client who is 48 hours postoperative following abdominal surgery is being assessed by a nurse. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Heart rate of 80/min
• B. Sanguineous drainage on the surgical dressing
• C. Temperature of 37.5°C (99.5°F)
• D. Serous drainage on the surgical dressing

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Sanguineous drainage from the surgical site 48 hours after surgery could indicate a complication such as hemorrhage or infection and should be reported. Sanguineous drainage is typically seen in the early postoperative period due to the presence of blood. Serous drainage, on the other hand, is normal in the later stages of wound healing. A heart rate of 80/min is within the normal range for an adult. A temperature of 37.5°C (99.5°F) is slightly elevated but not a concerning finding in the absence of other symptoms.

3. A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for alendronate. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Take this medication at bedtime.
• B. Take this medication with food.
• C. Remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this medication.
• D. Avoid taking this medication with calcium-rich foods.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this medication.' This instruction is crucial when taking alendronate as it reduces the risk of esophagitis by preventing the medication from irritating the esophagus. Choice A is incorrect because alendronate should be taken in the morning, not at bedtime, to enhance absorption. Choice B is incorrect as alendronate should be taken on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning, with a full glass of water. Choice D is incorrect as there are no specific restrictions on taking alendronate with calcium-rich foods.

4. A client expresses fear of surgery. Which response should the nurse make?

• A. Explain the risks of the surgery in detail.
• B. Tell the client that many clients feel anxious before surgery.
• C. Reassure the client that the surgical team is highly experienced.
• D. Acknowledge the client's feelings and ask open-ended questions.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a client expresses fear of surgery, it is essential for the nurse to acknowledge their feelings and ask open-ended questions. This response shows empathy, validates the client's emotions, and encourages them to express their concerns further. Explaining the risks of the surgery in detail (Choice A) may increase the client's anxiety. Simply stating that many clients feel anxious before surgery (Choice B) does not address the client's specific fears. While reassuring the client about the surgical team's experience (Choice C) is important, it may not directly alleviate the client's fear.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving radiation therapy. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Weight gain
• B. Mouth sores
• C. Hyperpigmentation
• D. Increased saliva production

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mouth sores. Mouth sores are a common side effect of radiation therapy, especially when the treatment is focused on the head or neck area. Weight gain is not typically associated with radiation therapy; instead, clients may experience weight loss due to side effects like nausea and loss of appetite. Hyperpigmentation is not a common finding related to radiation therapy. Increased saliva production is not a typical side effect of radiation therapy; instead, clients may experience dry mouth.

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