What is the best way to assess a client's nutritional status?
- A. Obtain a dietary history
- B. Monitor serum albumin levels
- C. Monitor the client's weight
- D. Provide a meal plan
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitoring serum albumin levels. This is because serum albumin is a protein synthesized by the liver that reflects long-term protein intake and overall nutritional status. Low levels indicate malnutrition or inflammation. Obtaining a dietary history (choice A) is important but may not always reflect the actual nutritional status. Monitoring weight (choice C) is helpful but may not provide a comprehensive view of the client's nutritional status. Providing a meal plan (choice D) is a proactive approach but does not directly assess the client's current nutritional status.
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What is the most important intervention for a client with a wound infection?
- A. Administer antibiotics
- B. Apply a cold compress
- C. Apply heat to the wound
- D. Administer IV fluids
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer antibiotics. Antibiotics are crucial in treating wound infections as they target and eliminate the infection-causing bacteria, preventing the infection from spreading and promoting healing. Applying a cold compress (choice B) or heat (choice C) may provide temporary relief but do not address the underlying infection. Administering IV fluids (choice D) may be necessary for hydration, but it does not directly treat the infection. Antibiotics directly target the infection, making it the most important intervention for a client with a wound infection.
Which condition places a client at risk for elevated ammonia levels?
- A. Renal failure
- B. Cirrhosis
- C. Psoriasis
- D. Lupus
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Lupus. Lupus can affect the kidneys, leading to renal impairment. Renal impairment can decrease the body's ability to excrete ammonia, resulting in elevated levels. Renal failure (choice A) can also lead to elevated ammonia levels, but lupus specifically contributes to renal issues. Cirrhosis (choice B) primarily affects the liver, not kidneys. Psoriasis (choice C) is a skin condition and does not directly impact ammonia levels.
Which medication should be administered first for a client with acute asthma exacerbation?
- A. Albuterol
- B. Epinephrine
- C. Levalbuterol
- D. IV corticosteroids
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for choosing Albuterol as the correct answer:
1. Albuterol is a rapid-acting bronchodilator that provides immediate relief by relaxing the airway muscles during asthma exacerbation.
2. It is the first-line medication recommended by guidelines for acute asthma attacks due to its quick onset of action.
3. Albuterol helps in opening the airways, improving airflow, and relieving symptoms like shortness of breath and wheezing.
4. Epinephrine is not the first choice for asthma exacerbation as it can have more systemic side effects.
5. Levalbuterol is a similar medication to Albuterol but may not be as widely available or cost-effective.
6. IV corticosteroids are important for long-term control but take longer to show effects, making them less suitable as the initial treatment for acute exacerbation.
A newly admitted patient is in acute pain, has not been sleeping well lately, and is having difficulty breathing. How should the nurse prioritize these problems?
- A. Breathing, pain, sleep
- B. Breathing, sleep, pain
- C. Sleep, breathing, pain
- D. Sleep, pain, breathing
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Breathing, pain, sleep. Prioritizing breathing is crucial as it is a life-threatening issue. Pain should be addressed next to ensure the patient's comfort and well-being. Sleep can be addressed last as it is a lower priority compared to breathing and pain. Prioritizing in this order ensures the patient's immediate needs are met first.
Choice B is incorrect because sleep should not take precedence over pain when the patient is in acute pain. Choice C is incorrect because addressing sleep before breathing and pain can be detrimental to the patient's health. Choice D is incorrect because breathing should be the top priority over both pain and sleep.
Which nursing intervention should be prioritized for a client with congestive heart failure (CHF)?
- A. Administer diuretics
- B. Limit fluid intake
- C. Promote activity
- D. Maintain fluid balance
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (C): Promoting activity is the most prioritized nursing intervention for a client with CHF. Activity helps improve cardiac function, decreases fluid accumulation, and enhances overall cardiovascular health. It also prevents complications like muscle weakness and deconditioning. It is crucial in managing CHF symptoms and improving the client's quality of life.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
A: Administering diuretics helps in reducing fluid overload but does not address the underlying issue of improving cardiac function through physical activity.
B: Limiting fluid intake is important, but promoting activity takes precedence as it directly impacts cardiac function and fluid accumulation.
D: Maintaining fluid balance is necessary but is a broad concept that includes various interventions, with promoting activity being more focused and critical in CHF management.