Nursing Elites

1. A client in the cardiac step-down unit requires suctioning for excess mucous secretions. The nurse should be most careful to monitor the client for which dysrhythmia during this procedure?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Tachycardia
• C. Premature ventricular beats
• D. Heart block

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During suctioning, a vagal response can be triggered leading to bradycardia. It is crucial for the nurse to monitor for this potential dysrhythmia. Tachycardia (Choice B) is less likely during suctioning and is not the priority. Premature ventricular beats (Choice C) and heart block (Choice D) can occur but are less common compared to bradycardia in this situation.

2. A woman asks, "How much alcohol can I safely drink while pregnant?"? The nurse's best response is:

• A. "The amount of alcohol that is safe during pregnancy is unknown."?
• B. "Consuming one or two beers or glasses of wine a day is considered safe for a healthy pregnant woman."?
• C. "Drinking three or more drinks on any given occasion is the only harmful type of drinking during pregnancy."?
• D. "You can have a drink to help you relax and get to sleep at night."?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is, "The amount of alcohol that is safe during pregnancy is unknown."? It is crucial for pregnant women to avoid alcohol as there is no known safe amount during pregnancy. Consuming any amount of alcohol can harm the developing fetus and increase the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome, a condition characterized by mental and physical abnormalities in infants. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they provide misleading information that can potentially harm the fetus. Pregnant women should abstain from alcohol to ensure the health and well-being of their baby.

3. When discussing the patterns of use of alcohol and other drugs, which piece of information should the nurse include?

• A. Lifetime prevalence and intensity of alcohol use are greater in men than in women.
• B. Caucasians report higher levels of alcohol use than African Americans or Hispanics.
• C. Overuse of alcohol and other drugs increases into the mid-20s, then levels off and decreases with age.
• D. Heavy use is more common in lower socioeconomic groups due to affordability.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is that overuse of alcohol and other drugs increases into the mid-20s, then levels off and decreases with age. Recent research indicates that alcohol and illicit drug use tends to rise into the mid-20s and then decline with age. Choices A and B are incorrect because lifetime prevalence and intensity of alcohol use are greater in men than in women, and Caucasians do not report higher levels of alcohol use compared to African Americans or Hispanics. Choice D is incorrect because heavy use is more common in lower socioeconomic groups due to factors like stress, coping mechanisms, and availability, not just affordability.

4. A home health nurse is planning for her daily visits. Which client should the home health nurse visit first?

• A. A client with AIDS being treated with Foscarnet
• B. A client with a fractured femur in a long leg cast
• C. A client with laryngeal cancer with a laryngectomy
• D. A client with diabetic ulcers on the left foot

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is the client with laryngeal cancer who had a laryngectomy. This client is at risk for airway obstruction due to the surgical procedure, making it a priority visit. Clients with AIDS (choice A), a fractured femur (choice B), and diabetic ulcers (choice D) do not have immediate life-threatening conditions that require urgent attention compared to a client with a recent laryngectomy.

5. In the emergency room, a nurse is responsible for triaging four clients injured in a motor vehicle accident. Which of the following clients should receive priority in care?

• A. A 10-year-old with lacerations on the face
• B. A 15-year-old with sternal bruises
• C. A 34-year-old with a fractured femur
• D. A 50-year-old with a dislocated elbow

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The 15-year-old with sternal bruises should receive priority in care as this client might be experiencing airway and oxygenation problems. Airway issues take precedence in triage. The 10-year-old with lacerations on the face, although looking bad, is not in immediate distress. The 34-year-old with a fractured femur should be immobilized but can be seen after the client with sternal bruising. The 50-year-old with a dislocated elbow can also be seen later as dislocated elbows are not life-threatening compared to potential airway compromise.

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