Nursing Elites

1. Which of these findings should the nurse report immediately after a client has a liver biopsy?

• A. Temperature of 99.5 degrees F (37.5 degrees C)
• B. Blood pressure of 108/70
• C. Pulse oximetry reading of 96%
• D. Severe abdominal pain

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, severe abdominal pain. After a liver biopsy, severe abdominal pain is a critical finding that requires immediate reporting as it may indicate internal bleeding or damage to the liver. The other vital signs provided in choices A, B, and C are within normal limits and may not be directly related to complications post liver biopsy. Therefore, the priority is to address the severe abdominal pain promptly to prevent any further complications.

2. In assessing a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus, the nurse notes that the client's respirations have changed from 16 breaths/min with a normal depth to 32 breaths/min and deep, and the client becomes lethargic. Which assessment data should the nurse obtain next?

• A. Pulse oximetry
• B. Blood glucose
• C. Arterial blood gases
• D. Serum electrolytes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Deep, rapid respirations (Kussmaul respirations) and lethargy are signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which occurs in uncontrolled type 1 diabetes. Checking the blood glucose is the priority to confirm hyperglycemia and guide immediate treatment. Pulse oximetry is not the priority in this situation as the issue is related to altered glucose levels, not oxygenation. Arterial blood gases and serum electrolytes may be important later in the management of DKA but are not the initial priority compared to confirming and addressing the hyperglycemia.

3. The nurse is caring for a client with an acute myocardial infarction. Which symptom requires immediate intervention?

• A. Dizziness
• B. Shortness of breath
• C. Severe chest pain
• D. Nausea and vomiting

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Severe chest pain is the hallmark symptom of an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) and requires immediate intervention to prevent further damage to the heart muscle. Chest pain in this context is often described as crushing, pressure, tightness, or heaviness. It can radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, back, or upper abdomen. Other symptoms like dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, and vomiting may also occur in acute myocardial infarction, but chest pain is the most critical sign requiring prompt action as it signifies inadequate blood flow to the heart muscle. Shortness of breath may indicate heart failure, while nausea and vomiting can be associated with the sympathetic response to myocardial infarction. Dizziness could result from decreased cardiac output but is not as specific to myocardial infarction as severe chest pain.

4. A client is prescribed an inhaled corticosteroid for asthma management. Which instruction should the nurse provide to the client regarding the use of this medication?

• A. Rinse your mouth after using the inhaler
• B. Hold your breath for 5 seconds after inhaling the medication
• C. Use the inhaler during an acute asthma attack
• D. Take the medication only when symptoms occur

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client using an inhaled corticosteroid for asthma management is to rinse the mouth after using the inhaler. This helps prevent oral thrush, a common side effect of corticosteroid inhalers. Holding the breath for 5 seconds after inhaling the medication (Choice B) is not necessary for corticosteroid inhalers. Using the inhaler during an acute asthma attack (Choice C) is not the purpose of corticosteroids, which are used for long-term asthma management. Taking the medication only when symptoms occur (Choice D) is not correct as corticosteroids are typically used regularly to control asthma symptoms.

5. A client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is prescribed warfarin. What teaching should the nurse provide to the client?

• A. Avoid leafy green vegetables while taking warfarin.
• B. Report any unusual bruising or bleeding.
• C. Take warfarin at the same time every day.
• D. Avoid alcohol consumption while on warfarin.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Avoid alcohol consumption while on warfarin.' Alcohol can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin, so it should be avoided. Choice A is incorrect as leafy green vegetables contain vitamin K, which can interfere with the anticoagulant effects of warfarin. Choice B is important but not directly related to alcohol consumption. Choice C is a general instruction for medication adherence but not specifically related to the interaction with alcohol.

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