Nursing Elites

1. A client with a history of heart failure is admitted with severe dyspnea. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Administer oxygen at 2 liters per minute via nasal cannula.
• B. Place the client in a high Fowler's position.
• C. Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG).
• D. Administer intravenous furosemide (Lasix).

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to place the client in a high Fowler's position first. This intervention helps improve breathing and oxygenation in clients with severe dyspnea, including those with heart failure. Elevating the head of the bed reduces the work of breathing and enhances lung expansion. Administering oxygen, obtaining an ECG, and administering furosemide are important interventions in the management of heart failure, but placing the client in a high Fowler's position is the priority to address the immediate need for improved breathing and oxygenation.

2. The nurse is caring for a client with cirrhosis of the liver. Which laboratory result requires immediate intervention?

• A. Serum albumin of 3.5 g/dL.
• B. Prothrombin time (PT) of 12 seconds.
• C. Hemoglobin of 10 g/dL.
• D. Serum ammonia level of 180 mcg/dL.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, the serum ammonia level of 180 mcg/dL. An elevated serum ammonia level indicates hepatic dysfunction and can lead to hepatic encephalopathy, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention. Options A, B, and C are within normal ranges or slightly abnormal values for clients with cirrhosis and do not pose an immediate threat. Serum albumin levels may indicate malnutrition, prothrombin time may reflect liver synthetic function, and hemoglobin levels can be affected by various factors but do not require immediate intervention in this scenario.

3. A public health nurse is planning a smoking cessation program for a local community. Which component is most important to include in the program?

• A. information on the health risks of smoking
• B. strategies for coping with withdrawal symptoms
• C. testimonials from former smokers
• D. distribution of nicotine replacement therapy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important component to include in a smoking cessation program is strategies for coping with withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms are a significant barrier to quitting smoking, and providing effective coping strategies can greatly increase the program's success. Choice A, providing information on the health risks of smoking, may be important but addressing withdrawal symptoms is more crucial. Testimonials from former smokers (Choice C) and distribution of nicotine replacement therapy (Choice D) are helpful but not as essential as addressing withdrawal symptoms directly.

4. The nurse is assessing a client with pneumonia who is receiving oxygen therapy. Which finding indicates that the therapy is effective?

• A. The client's respiratory rate is 20 breaths per minute.
• B. The client's arterial blood gases show a pH of 7.35.
• C. The client's oxygen saturation is 92%.
• D. The client's breath sounds are clear.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute indicates effective oxygen therapy. In pneumonia, the respiratory rate typically increases due to the body's effort to improve oxygenation. Option B (pH of 7.35) is related to acid-base balance, not specifically indicating oxygen therapy effectiveness. Option C (oxygen saturation of 92%) is below the normal range (95-100%), suggesting the need for oxygen therapy. Option D (clear breath sounds) is a positive finding but not a direct indicator of oxygen therapy effectiveness.

5. The nurse is teaching a group of new mothers about infant care. Which topic should the nurse prioritize?

• A. signs of infant dehydration
• B. proper diaper changing techniques
• C. immunization schedule
• D. breastfeeding positions

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: signs of infant dehydration. Recognizing signs of dehydration is crucial for ensuring the health and well-being of infants. Dehydration can be life-threatening for infants if not addressed promptly. While proper diaper changing techniques, immunization schedules, and breastfeeding positions are also important topics in infant care, being able to identify signs of dehydration takes precedence as it requires immediate attention to prevent serious consequences.

Similar Questions