Nursing Elites

1. A client with a history of asthma presents to the emergency department with difficulty breathing and wheezing. Which of the following is the priority nursing action?

• A. Administer a bronchodilator
• B. Obtain a peak flow reading
• C. Provide supplemental oxygen
• D. Assess the client's respiratory rate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a client with a history of asthma experiencing difficulty breathing and wheezing, the priority nursing action is to administer a bronchodilator. This intervention helps relieve bronchospasm and improve the client's breathing. Obtaining a peak flow reading can provide additional information but is not the immediate priority in this situation. Providing supplemental oxygen may be needed but addressing the bronchospasm with a bronchodilator takes precedence. Assessing the client's respiratory rate is important but not as urgent as administering a bronchodilator to address the breathing difficulty.

2. In an emergency department, a nurse is assessing a client who reports right lower quadrant pain, nausea, and vomiting for the past 48 hours. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Auscultate bowel sounds.
• B. Administer an antiemetic.
• C. Offer pain medication.
• D. Palpate the abdomen.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action the nurse should take first is to auscultate bowel sounds. This step is crucial to assess bowel activity before proceeding with palpation or administering medications. Assessing bowel sounds can provide valuable information about bowel motility and potential obstructions. Administering an antiemetic or offering pain medication may be necessary but should come after assessing bowel sounds to ensure appropriate treatment. Palpating the abdomen should be avoided initially to prevent potential discomfort or complications, especially if there is suspected abdominal pathology.

3. A female client with chronic back pain has been taking muscle relaxants and analgesics to manage the discomfort, but is now experiencing an acute episode of pain that is not relieved by this medication regime. The client tells the nurse that she does not want to have back surgery for a herniated intervertebral disk, and reports that she has found acupuncture effective in resolving past acute episodes. Which response is best for the nurse to provide?

• A. Surgery removes the disk and is the only treatment that can totally resolve the pain
• B. The medication regimen you previously used should be re-evaluated for dose adjustment
• C. Massage and hot pack treatments are less invasive and can provide temporary relief
• D. Acupuncture is a complementary therapy that is often effective for management of pain

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Acupuncture has been effective for the client previously, supporting continued use.

4. When measuring a client's blood pressure, which approach is the priority for a nurse caring for a client with hypertension?

• A. Obtain the blood pressure under the same conditions each time
• B. Use a different arm for each measurement
• C. Measure the blood pressure while the client is standing
• D. Take multiple readings at different times of the day

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct approach when measuring a client's blood pressure, especially for a client with hypertension, is to obtain the blood pressure under the same conditions each time. Consistency in measurement conditions helps ensure accurate and comparable blood pressure readings. Using a different arm for each measurement (Choice B) is not ideal as it can lead to variations in readings. Measuring the blood pressure while the client is standing (Choice C) is not the standard practice and may not provide accurate results. Taking multiple readings at different times of the day (Choice D) may be useful for monitoring blood pressure trends but is not the priority when ensuring accurate individual readings.

5. The client with diabetes is being educated by the nurse on foot care. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I will check my feet daily for any cuts or sores.
• B. I will avoid walking barefoot.
• C. I will soak my feet in warm water every day.
• D. I will wear shoes that fit well to avoid blisters.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Soaking the feet in warm water daily is not recommended for clients with diabetes as it can cause the skin to become too soft, increasing the risk of skin breakdown and infections. Checking the feet daily for cuts or sores (A) is a good practice to prevent complications. Avoiding walking barefoot (B) helps protect the feet from injuries. Wearing well-fitted shoes (D) is essential to prevent blisters and other foot problems in diabetic clients. Therefore, the client's statement about soaking the feet in warm water daily indicates a need for further teaching.

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