Nursing Elites

1. A client with a cold is taking the antitussive benzonatate (Tessalon). Which assessment data indicates to the nurse that the medication is effective?

• A. Reports reduced nasal discharge.
• B. Denies having coughing spells.
• C. Able to sleep through the night.
• D. Expectorating bronchial secretions.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Denying having coughing spells indicates the effectiveness of benzonatate, an antitussive that suppresses coughing. The goal of antitussive medications like benzonatate is to reduce or eliminate coughing, so the absence of coughing spells signifies the drug's efficacy. The other options do not directly reflect the medication's intended effect and are not specific indicators of benzonatate's effectiveness.

2. A 60-year-old man presents with fatigue, weight gain, and constipation. Laboratory tests reveal low TSH and high free T4 levels. What is the most likely diagnosis?

• A. Hypothyroidism
• B. Hyperthyroidism
• C. Thyroiditis
• D. Thyroid cancer

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The combination of low TSH and high free T4 levels is characteristic of hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is associated with symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, and diarrhea, contrasting with the typical presentation of hypothyroidism. Therefore, in this case, the most likely diagnosis is hyperthyroidism.

3. Which signs or symptoms are characteristic of an adult client diagnosed with Cushing's syndrome?

• A. Husky voice and complaints of hoarseness.
• B. Warm, soft, moist, salmon-colored skin.
• C. Visible swelling of the neck, with no pain.
• D. Central-type obesity, with thin extremities.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Cushing's syndrome is characterized by central-type obesity with thin extremities, often referred to as 'truncal obesity.' This pattern of weight distribution is a key feature of Cushing's syndrome due to excessive cortisol levels, leading to fat accumulation in the face, neck, and abdomen, while the extremities remain relatively thin. The other options listed, such as husky voice, hoarseness, warm, soft, moist, salmon-colored skin, and visible swelling of the neck, are not typical findings associated with Cushing's syndrome.

4. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is experiencing respiratory distress. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Administer bronchodilators as prescribed.
• B. Encourage pursed-lip breathing.
• C. Position the client in a high Fowler's position.
• D. Obtain a stat arterial blood gas (ABG) sample.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a client with COPD experiencing respiratory distress, the priority intervention should be to position the client in a high Fowler's position. This position helps optimize lung expansion, improve oxygenation, and reduce the work of breathing. Administering bronchodilators and encouraging pursed-lip breathing are important interventions but positioning the client to enhance respiratory function takes precedence in this situation. Obtaining an ABG sample may provide valuable information but is not the initial priority when addressing respiratory distress.

5. The client has received 250 ml of 0.9% normal saline through the IV line in the last hour. The client is now tachypneic and has a pulse rate of 120 beats/minute, with a pulse volume of +4. In addition to reporting the assessment findings to the healthcare provider, what action should the nurse implement?

• A. Discontinue the IV and apply pressure at the site.
• B. Decrease the saline to a keep-open rate.
• C. Increase the rate of the current IV solution.
• D. Change the IV fluid to 0.45% normal saline at the same rate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the client is showing signs of fluid overload with tachypnea and a high pulse rate. Decreasing the saline to a keep-open rate is appropriate to prevent further fluid volume excess. This action allows for IV access to be maintained while reducing the fluid administered, helping to manage the symptoms of fluid overload.

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