Nursing Elites

1. A client complains of difficulty swallowing when the nurse tries to administer capsule medication. Which of the following measures should the nurse take?

• A. Dissolve the capsule in a glass of water
• B. Break the capsule and give the contents with applesauce
• C. Check the availability of a liquid preparation
• D. Crush the capsule and place it under the tongue

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a client has difficulty swallowing capsule medication, the nurse should check the availability of a liquid preparation. This is a safer approach and ensures that the medication's integrity is maintained, providing an alternative form that is easier for the client to take. Dissolving the capsule in water (choice A) may alter the medication's effectiveness, breaking the capsule and mixing the contents with applesauce (choice B) is not recommended as it may cause an unpleasant taste, and crushing the capsule and placing it under the tongue (choice D) can be unsafe and affect the medication's absorption.

2. In the emergency department, a nurse is assessing a client involved in a motor vehicle crash. Findings include absent breath sounds in the left lower lobe with dyspnea, blood pressure 118/68 mm Hg, heart rate 124/min, respirations 38/min, temperature 38.6 C (101.4 F), and SaO2 92% on room air. What action should the nurse take first?

• A. Obtain a chest X-ray.
• B. Prepare for chest tube insertion.
• C. Administer oxygen via high-flow mask.
• D. Initiate IV access.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the client is presenting with signs of respiratory distress, including absent breath sounds, dyspnea, and a low SaO2 level. The priority action should be to improve oxygenation by administering oxygen via a high-flow mask. This intervention aims to increase the oxygen supply to the client's lungs, helping to address the hypoxemia. Once oxygenation is optimized, further interventions, such as obtaining a chest X-ray, preparing for chest tube insertion, or initiating IV access, can be considered based on the client's condition and healthcare provider's orders.

3. Which hormone is secreted by the Islets of Langerhans?

• A. Progesterone
• B. Testosterone
• C. Insulin
• D. Hemoglobin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Insulin is the correct answer. It is the hormone secreted by the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. These specialized cells regulate blood sugar levels by releasing insulin in response to high blood glucose levels. Insulin aids in glucose absorption by cells, lowering blood sugar levels. Progesterone, testosterone, and hemoglobin are not secreted by the Islets of Langerhans and do not play a role in blood sugar regulation.

4. Examples of patients suffering from impaired awareness include all of the following except:

• A. A semiconscious or overfatigued patient
• B. A disoriented or confused patient
• C. A patient who cannot care for themselves at home
• D. A patient demonstrating symptoms of drug or alcohol withdrawal

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Patients with impaired awareness may exhibit symptoms such as being semiconscious, overfatigued, disoriented, confused, or demonstrating symptoms of drug or alcohol withdrawal. A patient who cannot care for themselves at home does not necessarily indicate impaired awareness, as this could be due to physical limitations or lack of support, rather than a cognitive deficit.

5. A client is receiving brachytherapy for treatment of prostate cancer. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Cleanse equipment before removal from the client's room.
• B. Limit the client's visitors to 30 minutes per day.
• C. Discard the client's linens in a double bag.
• D. Discard the radioactive source in a biohazard bag

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When caring for a client receiving brachytherapy, it is crucial to handle radioactive sources appropriately. Discarding the radioactive source in a biohazard bag is essential to prevent exposure to radiation. Cleaning equipment before removal, limiting client's visitors, or discarding linens in a double bag are not specific to the management of radioactive sources in brachytherapy.

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