Nursing Elites

1. While measuring a client’s vital signs, the nurse notices an irregularity in the heart rate. Which nursing action is appropriate?

• A. Count the apical pulse rate for 1 full minute, and describe the rhythm in the chart
• B. Measure the blood pressure
• C. Perform an ECG
• D. Recheck the heart rate after 5 minutes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The appropriate nursing action when an irregularity in the heart rate is observed is to count the apical pulse rate for a full minute and describe the rhythm in the chart. This approach helps in obtaining an accurate assessment of the irregularities present. Measuring the blood pressure (Choice B) is important but not the immediate priority when an irregular heart rate is noted. Performing an ECG (Choice C) may be necessary but is a more advanced intervention that should follow the initial assessment. Rechecking the heart rate after 5 minutes (Choice D) may delay potential interventions for addressing the irregularity, making it less appropriate than the immediate assessment and documentation of the pulse rhythm.

2. A child is postoperative following a tonsillectomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Administer analgesics to the child on a routine schedule throughout the day and night.
• B. Offer fluids to the child immediately after surgery.
• C. Allow the child to return to solid foods gradually.
• D. Avoid administering any medication until the child is fully awake.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering analgesics to the child on a routine schedule throughout the day and night is crucial for managing postoperative pain effectively and ensuring the child's comfort. Pain management is a priority in the postoperative period to promote healing and prevent complications. Offering fluids to the child immediately after surgery (Choice B) is essential to prevent dehydration, but pain control takes precedence. Allowing the child to return to solid foods gradually (Choice C) is important, but initially, the child may need to start with clear liquids and progress to soft foods post-tonsillectomy. Avoiding administering any medication until the child is fully awake (Choice D) is not advisable because timely pain relief is essential for the child's comfort and recovery.

3. A client has a sodium level of 125 mEq/L. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Abdominal cramping
• B. Increased thirst
• C. Elevated blood pressure
• D. Elevated heart rate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Abdominal cramping is a common manifestation of hyponatremia (low sodium levels). When sodium levels drop, it can lead to changes in the body's water balance, affecting cell function and causing symptoms like abdominal cramping. Increased thirst (choice B) is more commonly associated with hypernatremia (high sodium levels) due to the body's attempt to dilute the excess sodium. Elevated blood pressure (choice C) and elevated heart rate (choice D) are not typically direct manifestations of low sodium levels and are more commonly seen in conditions like dehydration or shock.

4. A client has been coughing for 3 weeks and is beginning to cough up blood. The client has manifestations of which of the following conditions?

• A. Allergic reaction
• B. Ringworm
• C. Systemic lupus erythematosus
• D. Tuberculosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Tuberculosis. Coughing up blood (hemoptysis) is a key symptom of tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is a respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The other options are incorrect because an allergic reaction typically involves symptoms like itching, hives, or swelling, not coughing up blood. Ringworm is a fungal skin infection characterized by a red, circular rash, and systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects joints and skin without causing hemoptysis.

5. A nurse overhears a colleague informing a client that he will administer her medication by injection if she refuses to swallow her pills. The nurse should recognize that the colleague is committing which of the following torts?

• A. Defamation - harming someone's reputation through false statements.
• B. Malpractice - professional negligence or misconduct.
• C. Assault - threatening to cause harm to someone.
• D. Battery - intentional harmful or offensive physical contact.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the colleague's action of informing the client that he will administer medication by injection if she refuses to swallow her pills constitutes assault. Assault is the act of threatening harm that causes fear of imminent harm. It does not involve physical contact but rather the apprehension of an imminent harmful or offensive act. Defamation, choice A, is incorrect as it involves harming someone's reputation through false statements. Malpractice, choice B, is also incorrect as it refers to professional negligence or misconduct in performing duties. Battery, choice D, is not the correct answer as it involves intentional harmful or offensive physical contact with the person.

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