Nursing Elites

1. During an assessment, a client with a long history of smoking and suspected laryngeal cancer will most likely report which early manifestation?

• A. Dysphagia
• B. Hoarseness
• C. Dyspnea
• D. Weight loss

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In clients with laryngeal cancer, hoarseness is often one of the earliest manifestations due to vocal cord involvement. The irritation and inflammation caused by the tumor affect the vocal cords, leading to changes in voice quality. Dysphagia (choice A) typically occurs later as the tumor grows and interferes with swallowing. Dyspnea (choice C) and weight loss (choice D) may occur as the cancer progresses, but hoarseness is usually among the first signs to manifest in laryngeal cancer.

2. A nursing student is providing tracheostomy care. What action by the student requires intervention by the instructor?

• A. Holding the device securely when changing ties
• B. Suctioning the client first if secretions are present
• C. Tying a square knot at the back of the neck
• D. Using half-strength peroxide for cleansing

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When providing tracheostomy care, it is important to ensure the client's safety and prevent pressure ulcers. When securing ties that require knotting, the knot should be placed at the side of the client's neck, not at the back. Tying a square knot at the back of the neck could lead to discomfort, pressure ulcers, or accidental tightening. Holding the device securely, suctioning the client as needed, and using appropriate cleansing solutions are all essential components of tracheostomy care.

3. A client has a chest tube in place connected to a closed chest drainage system. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client's lung has re-expanded?

• A. Oxygen saturation of 95%
• B. No fluctuations in the water seal chamber
• C. No reports of pleuritic chest pain
• D. Occasional bubbling in the water-seal chamber

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The absence of fluctuations in the water seal chamber indicates that the client's lung has re-expanded. This finding suggests that the negative pressure in the pleural space is restored, preventing air from entering the system. Oxygen saturation, absence of pleuritic chest pain, and occasional bubbling in the water-seal chamber are important assessments but do not specifically indicate lung re-expansion.

4. A nurse is caring for four hospitalized clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse identify as being at risk for fluid volume deficit?

• A. The client who has been NPO since midnight for endoscopy
• B. The client who has left-sided heart failure and has a brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level of 600 pg/mL
• C. The client who has end-stage renal failure and is scheduled for dialysis today
• D. The client who has gastroenteritis and is febrile

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Gastroenteritis can lead to fluid loss through vomiting and diarrhea, especially when accompanied by fever. Fever can increase insensible water loss through sweating as well. Both vomiting and diarrhea can significantly contribute to fluid volume deficit, making the client with gastroenteritis and fever at higher risk compared to the other clients described in the options.

5. While dining at a restaurant, a person begins to choke. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Instruct the person to call 911.
• B. Ask the person if he/she can speak.
• C. Use the jaw-thrust maneuver.
• D. Perform abdominal thrusts.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When encountering a choking individual, the nurse should first assess the person's ability to speak. If the person can speak, it indicates that their airway is partially obstructed, allowing some air to pass. In this case, encouraging the person to continue coughing and monitoring them closely may be appropriate. If the person cannot speak, it may suggest a complete airway obstruction and immediate intervention is required. Instructing the person to call 911 (Choice A) may be necessary if the situation worsens. Using the jaw-thrust maneuver (Choice C) is not appropriate for a choking victim. Performing abdominal thrusts (Choice D) is typically recommended for conscious choking victims, not chest compressions.

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