Nursing Elites

1. A college health nurse interprets the peak expiratory flow rate for a student who has asthma and finds that the student is in the yellow zone of his asthma action plan. The nurse should not base her actions on which of the following information?

• A. The student should use his quick-relief inhaler.
• B. The student's asthma is not well controlled.
• C. The student's peak flow is 50% to 80% of his best peak flow.
• D. The student needs to go to the hospital

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In an asthma action plan, the yellow zone indicates caution and signals a need to monitor symptoms closely. When a student is in the yellow zone, the appropriate action is to follow the prescribed steps, which typically include using a quick-relief inhaler and closely monitoring peak flow. Going to the hospital is usually reserved for severe asthma exacerbations in the red zone. Therefore, the information that the student needs to go to the hospital is not typically appropriate when the student is in the yellow zone.

2. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being taught by a healthcare provider. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I will avoid smoking to prevent further damage to my lungs.
• B. I will eat smaller, more frequent meals to avoid feeling bloated.
• C. I will exercise every day to improve my strength and endurance.
• D. I will drink plenty of fluids to help thin my mucus.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. While exercise is important for clients with COPD, daily exercise may be too strenuous. Clients should be encouraged to exercise regularly but should be advised to avoid overexertion. Statements A, B, and D demonstrate appropriate understanding and management of COPD symptoms.

3. A client who is receiving mechanical ventilation and has an ideal weight of 60 kg should have the tidal volume set at which of the following?

• A. 300 mL
• B. 480 mL
• C. 800 mL
• D. 950 mL

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Tidal volume is the amount of air delivered with each breath during mechanical ventilation. A common formula used to calculate tidal volume is 6-8 mL/kg of ideal body weight. For a client with an ideal weight of 60 kg, the expected tidal volume would be 60 kg x 6-8 mL/kg = 360-480 mL. Therefore, the most appropriate choice is 480 mL (Option B), which falls within the expected range based on the client's weight.

4. A client had an evacuation of a subdural hematoma. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Observe for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks from the evacuation site.
• B. Assess for an increase in temperature.
• C. Check the oximeter.
• D. Monitor for manifestations of increased intracranial pressure.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When caring for a client who had an evacuation of a subdural hematoma, the nurse's priority is to check the oximeter. Monitoring oxygen saturation is crucial to ensure adequate tissue oxygenation, especially after such a procedure. This assessment helps in early detection of hypoxemia, which can be detrimental to the client's recovery. While observing for CSF leaks, assessing for temperature changes, and monitoring for signs of increased intracranial pressure are important, checking the oximeter takes precedence to address immediate oxygenation needs.

5. A healthcare provider is preparing to admit a client to the PACU who received a competitive neuromuscular blocking agent. Which of the following items should the provider place at the client's bedside?

• A. Bag valve mask device
• B. Defibrillator machine
• C. Chest tube equipment
• D. Central venous catheter tray

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a client receives a competitive neuromuscular blocking agent, it can lead to respiratory muscle paralysis. Placing a bag valve mask device at the client's bedside is crucial for providing immediate respiratory support in case of respiratory depression or failure. This device allows manual ventilation by squeezing the bag to deliver breaths to the client. The other options, such as a defibrillator machine, chest tube equipment, and central venous catheter tray, are not directly related to managing respiratory complications associated with neuromuscular blockade.

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