Nursing Elites

1. A 51-year-old woman had an incisional cholecystectomy 6 hours ago. The nurse will place the highest priority on assisting the patient to

• A. choose low-fat foods from the menu
• B. perform leg exercises hourly while awake
• C. ambulate the evening of the operative day
• D. turn, cough, and deep breathe every 2 hours

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Postoperative nursing care after a cholecystectomy focuses on preventing respiratory complications due to the surgical incision being high in the abdomen, which impairs coughing and deep breathing. Turning, coughing, and deep breathing every 2 hours help prevent respiratory complications, such as pneumonia. While choices A, B, and C are also important aspects of postoperative care, they are not as high a priority as ensuring proper ventilation and respiratory function in the immediate postoperative period.

2. A patient's nursing diagnosis is Insomnia. The desired outcome is: 'Patient will sleep for a minimum of 5 hours nightly by October 31.' On November 1, a review of the sleep data shows the patient sleeps an average of 4 hours nightly and takes a 2-hour afternoon nap. Which evaluation should be documented?

• A. Consistently demonstrated
• B. Often demonstrated
• C. Sometimes demonstrated
• D. Never demonstrated

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Never demonstrated.' Despite the patient sleeping a total of 6 hours daily, it is not achieved in one uninterrupted session at night as per the desired outcome. The patient's habit of taking a 2-hour afternoon nap also affects the evaluation. Therefore, the outcome should be evaluated as 'Never demonstrated.' Choice A, 'Consistently demonstrated,' is incorrect because the desired outcome of sleeping for a minimum of 5 hours nightly in one session is not met. Choice B, 'Often demonstrated,' is incorrect as the patient's sleep pattern does not consistently align with the desired outcome. Choice C, 'Sometimes demonstrated,' is also incorrect as the patient's sleep pattern does not meet the specific criteria set in the desired outcome.

3. A patient states, "I'm not worth anything. I have negative thoughts about myself. I feel anxious and shaky all the time. Sometimes I feel so sad that I want to go to sleep and never wake up."? Which nursing intervention should have the highest priority?

• A. Self-esteem-building activities
• B. Anxiety self-control measures
• C. Sleep enhancement activities
• D. Suicide precautions

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The highest priority nursing intervention in this scenario should be suicide precautions. The patient's statement indicates suicidal ideation, which poses an immediate risk to their safety. By implementing suicide precautions, the nurse can ensure constant monitoring and intervention to prevent any self-harm. While addressing self-esteem, anxiety, and sleep issues are essential, ensuring the patient's safety by prioritizing suicide precautions is crucial. Self-esteem-building activities, anxiety self-control measures, and sleep enhancement activities are important interventions but should follow the immediate concern of preventing harm from suicidal thoughts.

4. What type of blood pressure measurement error is most likely to occur if the nurse does not check for the presence of an auscultatory gap?

• A. Diastolic blood pressure may not be heard.
• B. Diastolic blood pressure may be falsely low.
• C. Systolic blood pressure may be falsely low.
• D. Systolic blood pressure may be falsely high.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: If an auscultatory gap is undetected, a falsely low systolic reading may occur. This gap can lead to an underestimation of the systolic blood pressure, causing potential misinterpretation of the patient's condition. The diastolic blood pressure may not be heard due to the gap, but the critical issue in this scenario is the risk of underestimating systolic blood pressure, which can impact clinical decision-making. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the key concern in this context is the potential for a falsely low systolic blood pressure reading when an auscultatory gap is not assessed.

5. A client is suspected of having carbon monoxide poisoning. Which of the following symptoms are associated with this condition?

• A. Red rash across the trunk and extremities
• B. Nausea, vomiting, seizures
• C. Flushing of the face and neck
• D. Abdominal pain radiating to the back

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Nausea, vomiting, seizures.' Carbon monoxide poisoning can present with symptoms such as headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and confusion. Severe cases can progress to seizures, coma, and even death. It is crucial for healthcare providers to recognize these symptoms promptly to initiate appropriate treatment. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because a red rash, flushing of the face and neck, and abdominal pain radiating to the back are not typically associated with carbon monoxide poisoning. It is essential to be aware of the common manifestations of carbon monoxide poisoning to ensure timely intervention and prevent adverse outcomes.

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