Nursing Elites

1. A client with pneumonia is receiving antibiotic therapy. Which finding indicates that the treatment is effective?

• A. Decreased white blood cell count
• B. Decreased respiratory rate
• C. Increased breath sounds
• D. Increased heart rate

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Increased breath sounds. When a client with pneumonia is receiving antibiotic therapy, increased breath sounds indicate that the lungs are clearing and the pneumonia is resolving. This improvement in breath sounds suggests that the antibiotics are effectively treating the infection. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because a decreased white blood cell count, decreased respiratory rate, and increased heart rate are not specific indicators of the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy in treating pneumonia. While these parameters may change in response to treatment, they do not directly reflect the resolution of the pneumonia infection.

2. A client admitted with sudden onset of severe back pain of unknown origin. Which statement would be most effective for the nurse to use to elicit further information from this client about his pain?

• A. Tell me how you are feeling right now.
• B. Describe the pain you are experiencing.
• C. Can you tell me more about your back pain?
• D. When did the pain start and how severe is it?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Describe the pain you are experiencing.' This question is the most effective as it prompts the client to provide detailed information about the nature of the pain, including its characteristics, intensity, and location. This detailed description can help the nurse in assessing the possible cause and severity of the pain. Choices A, C, and D are not as effective as they are either too general ('Tell me how you are feeling right now'), redundant ('Can you tell me more about your back pain?'), or focused only on timing and severity ('When did the pain start and how severe is it?').

3. A client with heart failure is being taught by a nurse on reducing daily sodium intake. Which factor is most crucial in determining the client’s ability to learn new dietary habits?

• A. The client's involvement in planning the change
• B. The cost of the dietary changes
• C. The availability of low-sodium foods
• D. The client’s previous dietary knowledge

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The client’s previous dietary knowledge is the most critical factor in determining the ability to learn new dietary habits. Understanding the client's existing dietary knowledge helps tailor the teaching to build upon what they already know. While client involvement in planning changes can increase adherence and motivation, the foundational knowledge is essential for effective learning. The cost of dietary changes and the availability of low-sodium foods are important considerations but not as crucial as the client's existing knowledge.

4. The charge nurse has a health care team that consists of 1 PN, 1 unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP), and 1 PN nursing student. Which assignment should be questioned by the nurse manager?

• A. An admission at the change of shifts with atrial fibrillation and heart failure - PN
• B. Client who had a major stroke 6 days ago - PN nursing student
• C. A child with burns who has packed cells and albumin IV running - charge nurse
• D. An elderly client who had a myocardial infarction a week ago - UAP

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Assigning an admission with atrial fibrillation and heart failure to a PN is not appropriate. This complex case requires more advanced skills and should not be managed by a PN without adequate support. The PN may not have the necessary training or expertise to handle such a critical situation effectively. Choice B is a suitable assignment for a PN nursing student as they can handle a client who had a major stroke 6 days ago. Choice C is also appropriate as a child with burns receiving packed cells and albumin IV running can be managed by the charge nurse. Choice D is within the scope of practice for a UAP since an elderly client post-myocardial infarction a week ago may require basic care and assistance.

5. A client with a history of coronary artery disease is experiencing chest pain. What is the priority action for the LPN/LVN to take?

• A. Administer nitroglycerin sublingually.
• B. Obtain a 12-lead ECG.
• C. Measure the client's vital signs.
• D. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer nitroglycerin sublingually. Administering nitroglycerin sublingually is the priority action for a client with chest pain and a history of coronary artery disease. Nitroglycerin helps dilate the coronary arteries, improving blood flow to the heart muscle and providing rapid relief of chest pain. Obtaining a 12-lead ECG, measuring vital signs, and administering oxygen are important actions but should follow the administration of nitroglycerin in the management of chest pain in a client with coronary artery disease.

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