Nursing Elites

1. A client is admitted to the hospital with second and third degree burns to the face and neck. How should the nurse best position the client to maximize function of the neck and face and prevent contracture?

• A. The neck extended backward using a rolled towel behind the neck
• B. Prone position using pillows to support both arms outward from the torso
• C. Side-lying position using pillows to support the abdomen and back
• D. The neck forward using pillows under the head and sandbags on both sides

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After sustaining burns to the face and neck, positioning is crucial to maintain functional posture, reduce pain, and prevent contractures. Placing the neck forward using pillows under the head and sandbags on both sides is the best option in this scenario. This position helps prevent neck and facial contractures, allowing for optimal function and healing. Choices A, B, and C do not adequately address the specific needs of a client with burns to the face and neck. Choice A could potentially exacerbate neck contractures, Choice B focuses on arm support rather than neck and face positioning, and Choice C does not directly address the needs of the burned face and neck, making them less effective in preventing contractures in these critical areas.

2. A client with a history of asthma is experiencing wheezing and shortness of breath. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administer a bronchodilator as prescribed
• B. Encourage the client to drink fluids
• C. Place the client in an upright position
• D. Assess the client's peak flow rate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering a bronchodilator as prescribed is the priority nursing intervention for a client experiencing wheezing and shortness of breath due to asthma. Bronchodilators help relieve bronchoconstriction, allowing better airflow and improving breathing. Encouraging the client to drink fluids may be beneficial in certain situations, but it is not the priority when the client is in respiratory distress. Placing the client in an upright position, not supine, can facilitate easier breathing by allowing the chest to expand fully. While assessing the client's peak flow rate is important in asthma management, in this acute situation, the priority is to provide immediate relief by administering the bronchodilator.

3. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving home oxygen therapy. What is the most important instruction the nurse should provide?

• A. Use oxygen at the highest flow rate tolerated
• B. Avoid wearing oxygen during physical activity
• C. Do not smoke while using oxygen
• D. Store oxygen tanks in a cool, dark place

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Do not smoke while using oxygen.' Smoking while using oxygen can lead to a serious fire hazard, as oxygen supports combustion. This instruction is crucial to prevent potential harm to the client. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Using oxygen at the highest flow rate tolerated can be harmful, avoiding wearing oxygen during physical activity may limit the client's mobility unnecessarily, and storing oxygen tanks in a cool, dark place, although important, is not as critical as the instruction to avoid smoking while using oxygen.

4. A client with diabetes mellitus is scheduled for surgery. What is the most important preoperative instruction the nurse should provide?

• A. Take your insulin as usual
• B. Do not eat or drink after midnight
• C. Monitor your blood glucose closely
• D. Bring your glucose meter to the hospital

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important preoperative instruction for a client with diabetes mellitus scheduled for surgery is to instruct them not to eat or drink after midnight. This instruction is crucial to maintain NPO (nothing by mouth) status before surgery, reducing the risk of aspiration during anesthesia. While taking insulin as usual (Choice A) is important, doses can be adjusted by the healthcare team. Monitoring blood glucose closely (Choice C) is essential but not as critical preoperatively. Bringing a glucose meter to the hospital (Choice D) can be helpful but is not as vital as maintaining NPO status.

5. The nurse is caring for a client postoperatively following a thyroidectomy. Which assessment finding should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately?

• A. Hoarseness of the voice.
• B. Slight swelling at the incision site.
• C. Tingling around the mouth.
• D. Mild fever.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Tingling around the mouth should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately as it may indicate hypocalcemia, a potential complication after thyroidectomy. Hoarseness of the voice is common postoperatively due to surgical manipulation, slight swelling at the incision site is a normal response, and a mild fever can be expected after surgery. However, tingling around the mouth suggests a potential calcium imbalance, which requires prompt attention to prevent serious complications.

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