Nursing Elites

1. In planning care for a premature infant with respiratory distress syndrome, nursing actions are based on the fact that the most likely cause of this problem stems from the infant's inability to

• A. Stabilize alveolar surface tension
• B. Maintain alveolar surface tension
• C. Promote normal pulmonary blood flow
• D. Regulate intra-cardiac pressure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Maintain alveolar surface tension. Respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants is often caused by a deficiency in surfactant, a substance that helps maintain alveolar surface tension. Without adequate surfactant, the alveoli collapse, making it difficult for the infant to oxygenate effectively. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because stabilizing alveolar surface tension is not the issue, promoting normal pulmonary blood flow and regulating intra-cardiac pressure are not directly related to the pathophysiology of respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants.

2. A client with a history of falls is under the care of a nurse. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent falls?

• A. Keep the client's bed in the lowest position.
• B. Encourage the client to wear non-slip socks.
• C. Place a fall risk sign on the client's door.
• D. Use a gait belt when ambulating the client.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Keeping the client's bed in the lowest position is an essential measure to prevent falls. Lowering the bed reduces the risk of injury if the client falls out of bed by decreasing the distance of the fall. Encouraging the client to wear non-slip socks (Choice B) may help prevent slips on smooth surfaces but does not address the risk of falls in other scenarios. Placing a fall risk sign on the client's door (Choice C) alone does not actively prevent falls but serves as a warning. Using a gait belt when ambulating the client (Choice D) is important for assisting with mobility but does not directly address fall prevention in the client's environment.

3. A home health nurse is discussing the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning with a client. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

• A. Carbon monoxide does not have a distinct odor.
• B. Water heaters should be inspected every 5 years.
• C. The lungs are not damaged from carbon monoxide inhalation.
• D. Carbon monoxide binds with hemoglobin in the body.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Carbon monoxide binds with hemoglobin in the body.' Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas, so it does not have a distinct odor (Choice A). While regular inspection of appliances like water heaters is important for safety, it is not directly related to carbon monoxide poisoning (Choice B). Carbon monoxide primarily affects the cardiovascular system by binding with hemoglobin, reducing the blood's ability to carry oxygen, rather than causing direct lung damage (Choice C). Understanding how carbon monoxide binds with hemoglobin is crucial in recognizing the mechanism of poisoning and its potential consequences.

4. A client has C-diff infection. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Give the client chlorhexidine gluconate for hand hygiene.
• B. Remove the protective gown first when exiting the client's room.
• C. Use alcohol-based hand rub when caring for the client.
• D. Initiate contact precautions when providing client care.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to initiate contact precautions when providing client care. C-diff (Clostridium difficile) is highly contagious, and contact precautions are necessary to prevent its spread. Giving the client chlorhexidine gluconate for hand hygiene (Choice A) is not specific to managing C-diff. Removing the protective gown first when exiting the client's room (Choice B) may increase the risk of contaminating oneself and the environment. Using alcohol-based hand rub when caring for the client (Choice C) is not sufficient to prevent the transmission of C-diff, as soap and water are more effective against this particular pathogen.

5. The nurse is preparing to assist a newly admitted client with personal hygiene measures. The nurse wants to assess the client's gag reflex. Which action should the nurse include?

• A. Offer small sips of water through a straw
• B. Place tongue blade on back half of tongue
• C. Use a penlight to observe back of the oral cavity
• D. Auscultate breath sounds after the client swallows

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to include when assessing the client's gag reflex is to place a tongue blade on the back half of the tongue. This method effectively tests the gag reflex without causing discomfort. Choice A is incorrect because offering small sips of water through a straw does not assess the gag reflex. Choice C is incorrect as using a penlight to observe the back of the oral cavity does not directly assess the gag reflex. Choice D is incorrect since auscultating breath sounds after the client swallows does not evaluate the gag reflex.

Similar Questions