Nursing Elites

1. A client with a tracheostomy is exhibiting signs of respiratory distress. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Notify the healthcare provider
• B. Suction the tracheostomy
• C. Administer a bronchodilator
• D. Increase the oxygen flow rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client with a tracheostomy is experiencing respiratory distress, the priority action is to suction the tracheostomy to clear the airway and improve breathing. This helps remove secretions or blockages that may be causing the distress. Notifying the healthcare provider (Choice A) can be done after ensuring immediate airway clearance. Administering a bronchodilator (Choice C) would not address the primary issue of airway clearance in a tracheostomy patient. Increasing the oxygen flow rate (Choice D) may be necessary but should come after ensuring the airway is clear.

2. A nurse is delegating the collection of a sputum specimen to an assistive personnel (AP). At which of the following times should the nurse instruct the AP to collect the specimen?

• A. In the afternoon
• B. As soon as the client awakens in the morning
• C. Before bedtime
• D. Immediately after lunch

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'As soon as the client awakens in the morning.' Sputum specimens should be collected early in the morning to obtain a concentrated sample. This timing ensures that the specimen is less diluted, providing a more accurate analysis. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the optimal timing for collecting a sputum specimen, which is in the morning.

3. When reviewing the medical record of a client with dementia, what should the nurse prioritize addressing?

• A. Mild confusion in the morning
• B. Restlessness and agitation
• C. Incontinence
• D. Frequent wandering at night

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When caring for clients with dementia, addressing restlessness and agitation is a priority as it can lead to distress, safety risks, and potential harm to the client or others. Restlessness and agitation are common behavioral symptoms of dementia and can indicate unmet needs, discomfort, or confusion. Managing these symptoms promptly can help improve the client's quality of life and prevent complications such as falls, injuries, or escalation of challenging behaviors. While other issues like mild confusion, incontinence, and wandering are also important to address, managing restlessness and agitation takes precedence due to its immediate impact on the client's well-being and safety.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy and reports tingling and numbness in the hands. The nurse should expect to administer which of the following medications?

• A. Sodium bicarbonate.
• B. Calcium gluconate.
• C. Potassium chloride.
• D. Magnesium sulfate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Tingling and numbness in the hands can indicate hypocalcemia, a common complication following a thyroidectomy. Hypocalcemia requires immediate intervention to prevent severe complications like tetany and seizures. Calcium gluconate is the drug of choice for rapidly raising serum calcium levels in hypocalcemic patients. Sodium bicarbonate is not indicated for treating hypocalcemia or related symptoms. Potassium chloride is used to correct potassium imbalances, not calcium. Magnesium sulfate is not the appropriate treatment for hypocalcemia; it is commonly used for conditions like preeclampsia or eclampsia.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for wound irrigation. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Wear sterile gloves when removing the old dressing
• B. Warm the irrigation solution to 40.5°C (105°F)
• C. Cleanse the wound from the center outwards
• D. Use a 20 mL syringe to irrigate the wound

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when caring for a client with a prescription for wound irrigation is to cleanse the wound from the center outwards. This technique helps prevent contamination by pushing debris away from the wound rather than into it. Choice A is incorrect because wearing sterile gloves is important during wound care but not specifically mentioned for wound irrigation. Choice B is incorrect because warming the irrigation solution to a specific temperature is not a standard recommendation and can potentially harm the client. Choice D is incorrect because the size of the syringe may vary based on the wound size and depth, so using a 20 mL syringe is not a universal guideline.

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