Nursing Elites

1. A 14-year-old male client with a spinal cord injury (SCI) at T-10 is admitted for rehabilitation. During the morning assessment, the nurse determines that the adolescent's face is flushed, his forehead is sweating, his heart rate is 54 beats/min, and his blood pressure is 198/118. What action should the nurse implement first?

• A. Determine if the urinary bladder is distended
• B. Irrigate the indwelling urinary catheter
• C. Review the temperature graph for the last day
• D. Administer an antihypertensive agent

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Autonomic dysreflexia is a potentially life-threatening emergency that can be triggered by a distended bladder in clients with spinal cord injuries at T-6 or above. The priority action is to determine if the urinary bladder is distended as this could be the cause of the symptoms observed in the adolescent. Flushing, sweating, bradycardia, and severe hypertension are classic signs of autonomic dysreflexia. Irrigating the urinary catheter, reviewing temperature graphs, or administering an antihypertensive agent are not the initial actions to take when suspecting autonomic dysreflexia.

2. The nurse is providing care for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which intervention is most appropriate to include in the care plan?

• A. Instruct the client to use pursed-lip breathing
• B. Recommend a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet
• C. Limit physical activity to prevent shortness of breath
• D. Encourage the client to drink large amounts of fluids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Instruct the client to use pursed-lip breathing. Pursed-lip breathing helps improve ventilation and reduce shortness of breath in COPD clients. This technique involves inhaling slowly through the nose and exhaling through pursed lips. Choice B is incorrect because a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet is not recommended for individuals with COPD as it can lead to weight gain and worsen respiratory function. Choice C is incorrect as limiting physical activity can lead to deconditioning and worsen COPD symptoms. Regular, moderate exercise is beneficial for individuals with COPD. Choice D is incorrect as excessive fluid intake can strain the heart in COPD clients. It is important to maintain adequate but not excessive fluid intake to prevent dehydration and maintain optimal lung function.

3. Based on the information provided in this client’s medical record during labor, which intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Apply oxygen at 10 L per minute via mask
• B. Stop the oxytocin infusion
• C. Turn the client to the right lateral position
• D. Continue monitoring the progress of labor

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Turning the client to the right lateral position is essential as it can improve fetal oxygenation and uterine blood flow, promoting better labor outcomes. This intervention helps relieve pressure on blood vessels, enhancing blood flow to the placenta and improving oxygen supply to the fetus. Applying oxygen at a specific rate may not address the underlying issue of compromised blood flow and oxygenation. Stopping the oxytocin infusion is not the priority unless medically indicated as it can affect labor progression. While monitoring the progress of labor is important, actively addressing the compromised fetal oxygenation and uterine blood flow by changing the client's position takes precedence in this scenario.

4. The nurse is making assignments for a new graduate from a practical nursing program who is orienting to the unit. Because the unit is particularly busy this day, there will be little time to provide supervision of this new employee. Which client is the best for the nurse to assign this newly graduate practical nurse? A client

• A. Whose discharge has been delayed because of a postoperative infection
• B. With poorly controlled type 2 diabetes who is on a sliding scale for insulin administration
• C. Newly admitted with a head injury who requires frequent assessments
• D. Who is receiving IV heparin that is regulated based on protocol

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is option A because this client is the most stable and requires less supervision. Assigning a client whose discharge has been delayed due to a postoperative infection to the newly graduate practical nurse would be appropriate during a busy day as they are likely to need routine care and monitoring rather than immediate intensive interventions. Option B involves a client with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes on a sliding scale for insulin administration, which requires close monitoring and prompt intervention, making it a less suitable assignment for a new graduate who may need more guidance. Option C, a newly admitted patient with a head injury requiring frequent assessments, would demand a higher level of vigilance and expertise, which may be challenging for a new graduate nurse to handle without adequate supervision. Option D, a patient receiving IV heparin regulated based on protocol, involves complex medication management that may be too advanced for a new graduate nurse without sufficient oversight.

5. The nurse is managing the care of a client with Cushing's syndrome. Which interventions should the nurse delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? (Select all that apply)

• A. Evaluate the client for sleep disturbances
• B. limit client exercise
• C. Report any client complaint of pain or discomfort
• D. Note and report the client's food and liquid intake during meals and snacks

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Weighing the client and monitoring food and liquid intake are appropriate tasks to delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) when managing a client with Cushing's syndrome. These tasks provide essential information for evaluating the client's condition and response to treatment. Evaluating for sleep disturbances and reporting client complaints of pain or discomfort require a higher level of assessment and interpretation, which should be performed by licensed healthcare providers. Therefore, options A and C are tasks that involve assessment and interpretation beyond the scope of practice for UAP.

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