Nursing Elites

1. A client with Guillain-Barré syndrome is experiencing ascending paralysis. Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Monitor for signs of respiratory distress.
• B. Prepare the client for plasmapheresis.
• C. Administer analgesics for pain management.
• D. Initiate passive range-of-motion exercises.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor for signs of respiratory distress. In Guillain-Barré syndrome, ascending paralysis can lead to respiratory muscle involvement, putting the client at risk for respiratory distress and failure. Prioritizing respiratory monitoring is crucial to ensure timely intervention if respiratory compromise occurs. Plasmapheresis (Choice B) may be indicated in some cases to remove harmful antibodies, but the priority in this situation is respiratory support. Administering analgesics (Choice C) for pain management and initiating passive range-of-motion exercises (Choice D) are important aspects of care but are not the priority when the client's respiratory status is at risk.

2. In the ICU setting, a client transported from surgery following open heart bypass grafting will likely have his or her core temperature measured by:

• A. oral thermometer.
• B. rectal thermometer.
• C. esophageal thermometer.
• D. temporal artery thermometer.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An esophageal thermometer is commonly used in ICU settings to accurately measure core body temperature, especially in post-surgical patients. The esophageal thermometer provides a more precise measurement of core temperature compared to other methods like oral, rectal, or temporal artery thermometers. In the ICU, accuracy in temperature measurement is crucial for detecting and responding to changes promptly, making the esophageal thermometer the preferred choice in this scenario.

3. During an acute asthma exacerbation, what is the priority nursing intervention for a client with asthma?

• A. Administer corticosteroids to reduce airway inflammation.
• B. Position the client in high-Fowler's position.
• C. Administer short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) as prescribed.
• D. Obtain a peak flow reading to assess the severity of the exacerbation.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention during an acute asthma exacerbation is to administer short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) as prescribed. SABAs help in quickly relieving bronchospasm and are considered the first-line treatment for acute exacerbations. Administering corticosteroids, positioning the client, and obtaining a peak flow reading are important interventions but come after administering SABAs in the management of acute asthma exacerbation.

4. A male patient is receiving androgen therapy for the treatment of hypogonadism. What adverse effect should the nurse monitor for during this treatment?

• A. Liver dysfunction
• B. Kidney dysfunction
• C. Heart failure
• D. Pulmonary embolism

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct adverse effect to monitor for during androgen therapy for hypogonadism is liver dysfunction. Androgen therapy can lead to hepatotoxicity, so monitoring liver function tests is crucial during treatment. Kidney dysfunction (Choice B), heart failure (Choice C), and pulmonary embolism (Choice D) are not commonly associated with androgen therapy and are less likely adverse effects compared to liver dysfunction.

5. A patient is prescribed acyclovir (Zovirax) for the treatment of genital herpes. What is the expected outcome of this medication?

• A. Decreased testosterone production
• B. Decreased libido
• C. Decreased viral shedding
• D. Decreased bacterial replication

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The expected outcome of acyclovir (Zovirax) for the treatment of genital herpes is decreased viral shedding. Acyclovir is an antiviral medication that works by inhibiting the replication of the herpes virus, thereby reducing viral shedding and helping to control outbreaks. Choice A, decreased testosterone production, and Choice B, decreased libido, are unrelated outcomes of acyclovir treatment for genital herpes. Choice D, decreased bacterial replication, is also incorrect as acyclovir specifically targets viruses and does not affect bacterial replication.

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