Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has a pressure ulcer. The nurse should identify an elevation in which of the following laboratory values as an indication that the client has developed an infection?
A. RBC count
An elevation in the red blood cell (RBC) count is not a specific indication of infection. It primarily reflects oxygen-carrying capacity.
B. WBC count
An elevation in the white blood cell (WBC) count is an indication of infection. When the body is fighting an infection, the number of white blood cells increases as part of the immune response.
C. Potassium
Potassium is an electrolyte and is not a specific marker for infection. Abnormal potassium levels may indicate a variety of conditions, but they do not directly indicate infection.
D. BUN
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is a marker of kidney function and is not a specific indicator of infection. Elevated BUN levels can be seen in various kidney and non-kidney-related conditions.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - RN Ati fundamental of nursing proctored exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
A. An elevation in the red blood cell (RBC) count is not a specific indication of infection. It primarily reflects oxygen-carrying capacity.
B. An elevation in the white blood cell (WBC) count is an indication of infection. When the body is fighting an infection, the number of white blood cells increases as part of the immune response.
C. Potassium is an electrolyte and is not a specific marker for infection. Abnormal potassium levels may indicate a variety of conditions, but they do not directly indicate infection.
D. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is a marker of kidney function and is not a specific indicator of infection. Elevated BUN levels can be seen in various kidney and non-kidney-related conditions.
Similar Questions
A nurse is preparing a client's evening dose of risperidone when the tablet falls on the countertop. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Wash the tablet off with alcohol and place it in a clean medication.
Washing the tablet off with alcohol and placing it in a clean medication may not effectively remove all potential contaminants and could alter the medication. It's safer to discard it.
B. Use the tablet's packaging to pick it up from the counter.
Using the tablet's packaging to pick it up may not guarantee that the tablet is still clean or free from contamination.
C. Discard the tablet and obtain another dose of medication.
Discarding the tablet and obtaining another dose of medication is the safest and most appropriate action. This ensures that the client receives a clean and uncontaminated dose of medication.
D. Place the tablet directly into a medication cup.
Placing the tablet directly into a medication cup without any further cleaning is not recommended, as it could introduce potential contaminants into the client's medication.
Full Explanation
A. Washing the tablet off with alcohol and placing it in a clean medication may not effectively remove all potential contaminants and could alter the medication. It's safer to discard it.
B. Using the tablet's packaging to pick it up may not guarantee that the tablet is still clean or free from contamination.
C. Discarding the tablet and obtaining another dose of medication is the safest and most appropriate action. This ensures that the client receives a clean and uncontaminated dose of medication.
D. Placing the tablet directly into a medication cup without any further cleaning is not recommended, as it could introduce potential contaminants into the client's medication.
A nurse is caring for a client who requires cold applications with an ice bag to reduce the swelling and pain of an ankle injury. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Apply the bag for 30 min at a time.
Applying the ice bag for 30 minutes at a time is a recommended duration for cold therapy. This helps prevent potential tissue damage from prolonged exposure to cold temperatures.
B. Place the bag directly on the skin.
Placing the bag directly on the skin is not recommended, as it can cause frostbite or skin damage. A barrier, such as a thin towel or cloth, should be placed between the ice bag and the skin.
C. Allow room for some air inside the bag.
Allowing room for some air inside the bag is important to allow the ice to conform to the shape of the injured area. However, the bag should not be overfilled with air.
D. Reapply the bag 30 min after removing it.
Reapplying the bag 30 minutes after removing it is a good practice, as it allows time for the tissues to warm up before reapplying the cold therapy.
Full Explanation
A. Applying the ice bag for 30 minutes at a time is a recommended duration for cold therapy. This helps prevent potential tissue damage from prolonged exposure to cold temperatures.
B. Placing the bag directly on the skin is not recommended, as it can cause frostbite or skin damage. A barrier, such as a thin towel or cloth, should be placed between the ice bag and the skin.
C. Allowing room for some air inside the bag is important to allow the ice to conform to the shape of the injured area. However, the bag should not be overfilled with air.
D. Reapplying the bag 30 minutes after removing it is a good practice, as it allows time for the tissues to warm up before reapplying the cold therapy.
A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client who requires home oxygen therapy.
Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as an indication that the client needs further teaching?
A. "I will wear synthetic clothing and woolen socks when using my oxygen."
Wearing synthetic clothing and woolen socks can generate static electricity, which poses a fire hazard in the presence of oxygen. The client should be advised to wear cotton or natural fiber clothing, which is less likely to generate static electricity.
B. "I will make sure my visitors smoke outside."
"I will make sure my visitors smoke outside" is a correct statement. It is important to avoid smoking or open flames near oxygen equipment, as oxygen is highly flammable.
C. "I will be able to tell how much oxygen I'm getting by looking at the flowmeter."
"I will be able to tell how much oxygen I'm getting by looking at the flowmeter" is a correct statement. The flowmeter indicates the rate of oxygen delivery in liters per minute.
D. "I should call my doctor if I find it harder to concentrate."
"I should call my doctor if I find it harder to concentrate" is a correct statement.Changes in mental alertness or concentration can be a sign of inadequate oxygenation and should be reported to the healthcare provider.
Full Explanation
A. Wearing synthetic clothing and woolen socks can generate static electricity, which poses a fire hazard in the presence of oxygen. The client should be advised to wear cotton or natural fiber clothing, which is less likely to generate static electricity.
B. "I will make sure my visitors smoke outside" is a correct statement. It is important to avoid smoking or open flames near oxygen equipment, as oxygen is highly flammable.
C. "I will be able to tell how much oxygen I'm getting by looking at the flowmeter" is a correct statement. The flowmeter indicates the rate of oxygen delivery in liters per minute.
D. "I should call my doctor if I find it harder to concentrate" is a correct statement.
Changes in mental alertness or concentration can be a sign of inadequate oxygenation and should be reported to the healthcare provider.