Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following actions would be of highest priority with regards to the external shunt?

• A. Avoid taking blood pressure or blood sample from the arm with the shunt
• B. Instruct the patient not to exercise the arm with the shunt
• C. Heparinize the shunt daily
• D. Change the dressing of the shunt daily

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Heparinizing the shunt daily (choice C) is the highest priority action as it prevents the formation of blood clots that can occlude the shunt, leading to potential complications such as thrombosis. Avoiding taking blood pressure or blood samples from the arm with the shunt (choice A) is also important, but secondary to heparinizing the shunt. Similarly, instructing the patient not to exercise the arm with the shunt (choice B) can help prevent unnecessary strain on the shunt, but it is not as critical as preventing clot formation. Changing the dressing of the shunt daily (choice D) is a standard nursing care practice to prevent infection, but again, it is not as critical as ensuring the shunt remains patent through daily heparinization.

2. Which of the following interventions should be considered the highest priority when caring for June, who has hemiparesis secondary to a stroke?

• A. Position June in an upright lateral position
• B. Perform range of motion exercises
• C. Apply antiembolic stockings
• D. Use hand rolls or pillows for support

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Apply antiembolic stockings'. In the case of a patient who has experienced a stroke and is suffering from hemiparesis, the highest priority intervention is to prevent further complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can be life-threatening. Antiembolic stockings are used to increase venous blood flow velocity and reduce the risk of DVT. Choice 'A', positioning June in an upright lateral position, while important for overall care, is not the highest priority. Choice 'B', performing range of motion exercises, is an important part of recovery but not the immediate priority. Choice 'D', using hand rolls or pillows for support, is also a valuable intervention but does not address the most pressing risk of further complications.

3. Keeping Conrad’s head and neck alignment results in:

• A. increased intrathoracic pressure
• B. increased venous outflow
• C. decreased venous outflow
• D. increased intraabdominal pressure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Effective nursing care involves comprehensive assessments that address all aspects of a patient's condition, ensuring that interventions are appropriately targeted and outcomes are optimized.

4. The most energy-rich nutrient is:

• A. carb
• B. fat
• C. protein
• D. water

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Fat provides 9 kcal per gram, making it the most energy-rich nutrient compared to carbohydrates and proteins, which provide 4 kcal per gram.

5. A client who is 2 days postoperative following abdominal surgery is about to progress from a clear liquid diet to full liquids. Which of the following items should the nurse tell the client he may now request to have on his meal tray?

• A. Cranberry juice
• B. Flavored gelatin
• C. Skim milk
• D. Chicken broth

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Cranberry juice is an appropriate choice for a client transitioning from a clear liquid diet to full liquids post abdominal surgery. It provides hydration and some essential nutrients. Flavored gelatin is usually allowed on a clear liquid diet and may not be suitable for a full liquids phase. Skim milk and chicken broth are typically introduced in a later stage of the diet progression, closer to a soft diet, due to their higher protein and fat content.

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