Nursing Elites

1. A client with pneumonia is receiving antibiotics and oxygen therapy. What assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Productive cough with yellow sputum.
• B. Oxygen saturation of 88%.
• C. Respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute.
• D. Heart rate of 90 beats per minute.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An oxygen saturation of 88% indicates hypoxemia, which is a critical condition requiring immediate intervention to improve oxygenation. Hypoxemia can lead to tissue hypoxia and further complications. A productive cough with yellow sputum is common in pneumonia but may not require immediate intervention unless it worsens or is associated with other concerning symptoms. A respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute is within the normal range, indicating adequate ventilation. A heart rate of 90 beats per minute is also within a normal range and may not require immediate intervention unless it is accompanied by other abnormal findings.

2. An adult client with a broken femur reports muscle spasms. What action should the nurse implement while awaiting surgery?

• A. Check the client's most recent electrolyte levels.
• B. Administer a PRN dose of muscle relaxant.
• C. Reduce the weight on the traction device.
• D. Encourage oral fluid intake to relieve muscle tension.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to implement while awaiting surgery for a client with muscle spasms due to a broken femur is to encourage oral fluid intake to relieve muscle tension. Dehydration can exacerbate muscle spasms, so increasing fluid intake can help alleviate them. Checking electrolyte levels may not directly address muscle spasms in this situation. Administering a muscle relaxant should be based on a healthcare provider's prescription, and traction weight adjustments should only be made by the provider overseeing the client's care.

3. A client with a history of asthma reports using an albuterol inhaler more frequently than prescribed. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
• B. Schedule a pulmonary function test
• C. Assess the client's respiratory status
• D. Instruct the client to decrease inhaler use

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Increased use of a rescue inhaler like albuterol may indicate worsening asthma symptoms. The nurse should first assess the client's respiratory status to determine the severity of the issue and the next steps in care. Option A is not the first action because assessing the client's condition should precede notifying the healthcare provider. Option B, scheduling a pulmonary function test, is not the priority as immediate assessment of the client's respiratory status is crucial. Instructing the client to decrease inhaler use should come after assessing the client's condition to ensure the appropriate intervention.

4. The nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client with chronic kidney disease. The client's serum calcium level is 7.5 mg/dL. Which condition should the nurse suspect?

• A. Hypercalcemia
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Hyponatremia
• D. Hypocalcemia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A serum calcium level of 7.5 mg/dL is indicative of hypocalcemia, a common complication in clients with chronic kidney disease due to impaired calcium absorption and metabolism. Hypercalcemia (Choice A) is the opposite of the condition presented in the question and is characterized by elevated serum calcium levels. Hyperkalemia (Choice B) is an increased potassium level, not related to the client's serum calcium level. Hyponatremia (Choice C) is a decreased sodium level and is also not related to the client's serum calcium level.

5. The nurse assesses a client’s wound. What type of wound requires immediate intervention by the nurse?

• A. Laceration
• B. Abrasion
• C. Contusion
• D. Ulceration

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Lacerations, especially deep ones, are prone to bacterial contamination and may require immediate intervention to prevent infection. Abrasions, contusions, and ulcerations are not as likely to lead to immediate serious complications like infections as lacerations.

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