Nursing Elites

1. A client is going to be admitted for a scheduled surgical procedure. Which action does the nurse explain is the most important thing the client can do to protect against errors?

• A. Bring a list of all medications and their purposes.
• B. Keep the doctor's phone number close by.
• C. Ensure all providers wash their hands before entering the room.
• D. Document the name of each caregiver who enters the room.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most important action a client can take to protect against errors is to bring a list of all medications and their purposes. This helps ensure that the healthcare team has accurate information about the client's medications, reducing the risk of medication errors, which are the most common type of healthcare mistake. Knowing the medications and their purposes can also aid in preventing drug interactions and adverse effects during the surgical procedure.

2. A healthcare professional is assessing a client who has postoperative atelectasis and is hypoxic. Which of the following manifestations should the healthcare professional expect?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Bradypnea
• C. Lethargy
• D. Intercostal retractions

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Postoperative atelectasis can lead to hypoxia, which causes respiratory distress. Intercostal retractions, where the muscles between the ribs pull inward during inspiration, are a common sign of respiratory distress in a client with atelectasis. Bradycardia (slow heart rate), Bradypnea (slow breathing rate), and lethargy are not typically associated with atelectasis and hypoxia.

3. During a home visit to an older client living alone post-coronary artery bypass graft, what finding prompts the nurse to consider additional referrals?

• A. Dirty carpets requiring vacuuming
• B. Expired food found in the refrigerator
• C. Outdated medications stored in the kitchen
• D. Presence of multiple cats in the home

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The presence of expired food in the refrigerator is concerning as it raises safety issues for the client and indicates potential financial constraints preventing them from buying fresh food. The nurse should consider referring the client to services like Meals on Wheels or other home-based food programs to address this issue and ensure the client's nutritional needs are met.

4. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen therapy. Which assessment finding requires the nurse to take immediate action?

• A. Oxygen saturation of 90%
• B. Respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute
• C. Client reports shortness of breath
• D. Client's respiratory rate decreases to 10 breaths per minute

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A decrease in the client's respiratory rate to 10 breaths per minute, while receiving oxygen therapy for COPD, is a concerning finding that may indicate carbon dioxide retention and respiratory depression. This situation requires immediate action to prevent further complications. An oxygen saturation of 90% is within an acceptable range for COPD patients on oxygen therapy. A respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute and reports of shortness of breath are common in clients with COPD and may not necessitate immediate action unless accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

5. A healthcare professional is caring for four clients on intravenous heparin therapy. Which lab value possibly indicates a serious side effect has occurred?

• A. Hemoglobin: 14.2 g/dL
• B. Platelet count: 82,000/µL
• C. RBC count: 4.8 x 10^6/µL
• D. WBC count: 8.7 x 10^3/µL

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A low platelet count, as seen in choice B, is concerning as it could indicate heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, a serious side effect of heparin therapy. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia can lead to an increased risk of blood clotting, potentially causing severe complications. Monitoring platelet counts is crucial during heparin therapy to promptly identify and manage this adverse effect.

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