Nursing Elites

1. A client has a pulmonary embolism & is started on oxygen. The student nurse asks why the client's oxygen saturation has not significantly improved. What response by the nurse is best?

• A. Breathing so rapidly interferes with oxygenation.
• B. Maybe the client has respiratory distress syndrome.
• C. The blood clot interferes with perfusion in the lungs.
• D. The client needs immediate intubation & mechanical ventilation.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A large blood clot in the lungs will significantly impair gas exchange & oxygenation. Unless the clot is dissolved, this process will continue unabated.

2. A healthcare professional is auscultating the lungs of a client who has pleurisy. Which of the following adventitious breath sounds should the professional expect to hear?

• A. Loud, scratchy sounds
• B. Squeaky, musical sounds
• C. Popping sounds
• D. Snoring sounds

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When auscultating the lungs of a client with pleurisy, the healthcare professional should expect to hear loud, scratchy sounds. These sounds are characteristic of pleurisy, which is an inflammation of the pleura, causing a rough, grating sound during breathing.

3. A healthcare professional wishes to provide client-centered care in all interactions. Which action by the healthcare professional best demonstrates this concept?

• A. Assesses for cultural influences affecting healthcare
• B. Ensures that all the client's basic needs are met
• C. Informs the client and family about all upcoming tests
• D. Thoroughly orients the client and family to the room

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Client-centered care focuses on individualizing care to meet the client's unique needs, preferences, and values. Assessing for cultural influences affecting healthcare allows the healthcare professional to provide culturally sensitive and competent care, respecting the client's beliefs and practices. It promotes effective communication, understanding, and collaboration, essential components of client-centered care.

4. A client with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is receiving hemodialysis. Which assessment finding indicates a need for immediate action?

• A. Weight gain of 1 kg since the last dialysis session
• B. Blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg
• C. Potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L
• D. Hemoglobin level of 10 g/dL

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L is critically high and can lead to life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias, requiring immediate intervention. Hyperkalemia is a common complication in clients with ESRD due to the kidneys' inability to excrete potassium effectively. High potassium levels can result in serious cardiac consequences such as arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, and death. Prompt action is necessary to prevent these severe complications.

5. A client just had a flexible bronchoscopy. Which of the following nursing actions is appropriate?

• A. Withhold food and liquids until the client's gag reflex returns.
• B. Irrigate the client's throat every 4 hours.
• C. Have the client refrain from talking for 24 hours.
• D. Suction the client's oropharynx frequently.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: After a flexible bronchoscopy, it is crucial to withhold food and liquids until the client's gag reflex returns to prevent aspiration. Irrigating the client's throat every 4 hours, having the client refrain from talking for 24 hours, and frequent suctioning of the oropharynx are not indicated post-bronchoscopy and may even pose risks to the client's recovery.

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