Nursing Elites

1. Prior to a cardiac catheterization, what is the most important action for the nurse to take?

• A. Ensure that the client has been NPO for 6 hours before the procedure.
• B. Administer pre-procedure medications as ordered.
• C. Verify that informed consent has been obtained.
• D. Assess the client for any allergies, especially to iodine or shellfish.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Assessing the client for allergies, particularly to iodine or shellfish, is crucial before a cardiac catheterization because the contrast dye used during the procedure can lead to allergic reactions. Identifying any allergies beforehand allows the healthcare team to take necessary precautions to prevent potential adverse reactions and ensure the client's safety.

2. A client is prescribed albuterol (Proventil) via a metered-dose inhaler. Which action should the nurse take to ensure effective use of this medication?

• A. Instruct the client to inhale quickly while administering the medication.
• B. Have the client hold their breath for 10 seconds after inhaling the medication.
• C. Tell the client to exhale immediately after inhaling the medication.
• D. Encourage the client to use the inhaler as needed only when experiencing symptoms.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To ensure effective use of albuterol via a metered-dose inhaler, the nurse should have the client hold their breath for 10 seconds after inhaling the medication. This action allows the medication to reach deeper into the airways. Inhaling slowly and deeply, not quickly, is recommended for optimal drug delivery. Exhaling immediately after inhaling the medication would expel it before it can take effect. It's essential for the client to follow the prescribed regimen of medication usage, not just using the inhaler when symptoms are present.

3. 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.

4. A client has a three-chamber closed chest tube system, and the water seal chamber rises with client inspiration. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Continue to monitor the client.
• B. Immediately notify the healthcare provider.
• C. Reposition the client to the left side.
• D. Clamp the chest tube near the water seal.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a client with a three-chamber closed chest tube system, a rise in the water seal chamber with client inspiration is an expected finding. The nurse should continue to monitor the client as this indicates that the system is functioning correctly. There is no need to notify the healthcare provider, reposition the client, or clamp the chest tube as these actions are not indicated in response to a rise in the water seal chamber.

5. A client takes atorvastatin (Lipitor), with laboratory results showing a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 33 mg/dL and creatinine of 2.8 mg/dL. What action by the nurse is best?

• A. Ask if the client eats grapefruit.
• B. Assess the client for dehydration.
• C. Facilitate admission to the hospital.
• D. Obtain a random urinalysis.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: There is a drug-food interaction between statins and grapefruit that can lead to acute kidney failure. The client has elevated renal laboratory results, indicating kidney involvement. The nurse should ask if the client consumes grapefruit or grapefruit juice. While dehydration can elevate BUN, the increase in creatinine is more specific for kidney injury.

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