Nursing Elites

1. A client with a fractured femur is placed in skeletal traction. What action should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Ensure that the weights are freely hanging.
• B. Place pillows under the client's knees.
• C. Adjust the weights to alleviate discomfort.
• D. Ensure that the traction ropes are free of knots.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action the nurse should prioritize when a client is placed in skeletal traction for a fractured femur is to ensure that the weights are freely hanging. This is crucial to maintain proper alignment of the bone and prevent complications. Placing pillows under the client's knees (Choice B) is not a priority in skeletal traction. Adjusting the weights to alleviate discomfort (Choice C) should not be done without proper orders from the healthcare provider. Ensuring that the traction ropes are free of knots (Choice D) is important but ensuring the weights hang freely is the priority to maintain traction effectiveness.

2. During an acute exacerbation of asthma, what is the nurse's first action for a client experiencing this condition?

• A. Administer a bronchodilator as prescribed.
• B. Check the client's oxygen saturation.
• C. Reassure the client and encourage deep breathing.
• D. Provide emotional support to reduce anxiety.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct first action when managing an acute exacerbation of asthma is to administer a bronchodilator as prescribed. Bronchodilators help open the airways and improve breathing in individuals experiencing an asthma exacerbation. Checking oxygen saturation (Choice B) is important but not the first action. Reassuring the client and encouraging deep breathing (Choice C) can be beneficial but should come after administering the bronchodilator. Providing emotional support to reduce anxiety (Choice D) is important but is not the initial priority in managing an acute exacerbation of asthma.

3. A client with a head injury reports severe nausea. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Administer anti-nausea medication as prescribed.
• B. Prepare the client for a CT scan.
• C. Elevate the head of the bed and provide an emesis basin.
• D. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Severe nausea in a client with a head injury may be a sign of increased intracranial pressure. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider immediately to ensure timely intervention, as increased pressure can lead to further complications such as brain herniation. Administering anti-nausea medication or preparing for a CT scan may delay necessary treatment for the underlying cause of the nausea, which could be related to the head injury. Elevating the head of the bed and providing an emesis basin may help manage symptoms but should not be the priority over addressing the potential increase in intracranial pressure.

4. A client is recovering from a hip replacement surgery. What is the priority nursing intervention to prevent complications?

• A. Encourage bed rest to prevent strain on the hip
• B. Assist the client with early ambulation
• C. Provide continuous passive motion therapy
• D. Administer pain medication before activity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assist the client with early ambulation. Early ambulation is a key intervention to prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and promote circulation after hip replacement surgery. It also helps with overall recovery and reduces the risk of complications related to immobility, such as muscle atrophy and pressure ulcers. Choice A is incorrect as bed rest should be avoided to prevent complications associated with immobility. Choice C, continuous passive motion therapy, is not the priority intervention immediately post-hip replacement surgery. Choice D, administering pain medication before activity, is important but not the priority intervention to prevent complications in this case.

5. A client with hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine. What instruction should the nurse provide?

• A. Take the medication in the morning before eating.
• B. Take the medication with a full glass of water.
• C. Take the medication with food to avoid nausea.
• D. Take the medication only when symptoms worsen.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Take the medication in the morning before eating.' Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning for optimal absorption. Choice B is incorrect because while taking medication with water is generally recommended, levothyroxine specifically needs to be taken on an empty stomach. Choice C is incorrect as taking levothyroxine with food can interfere with its absorption. Choice D is incorrect as levothyroxine should be taken regularly as prescribed, not only when symptoms worsen.

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