Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional assesses a client who is experiencing an acute asthma attack. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Loud wheezing
• B. Increased respiratory rate
• C. Use of accessory muscles
• D. Silent chest

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A silent chest in a client experiencing an acute asthma attack indicates severe airway obstruction and impending respiratory failure. It is a critical finding that requires immediate intervention as it signifies a lack of airflow and ventilation. Loud wheezing, increased respiratory rate, and use of accessory muscles are common signs of an asthma attack and indicate the body's attempt to compensate. However, a silent chest suggests a dangerous lack of airflow that necessitates urgent medical attention to prevent respiratory arrest.

2. A healthcare professional is reviewing the arterial blood gas results for a client in the ICU who has kidney failure and determines the client has respiratory acidosis. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional expect?

• A. Widened QRS complexes
• B. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
• C. Bounding peripheral pulses
• D. Warm, flushed skin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Respiratory acidosis is a condition characterized by increased carbon dioxide levels in the blood, resulting in acidosis. One of the potential consequences of respiratory acidosis is the development of electrolyte imbalances, particularly hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia can lead to cardiac conduction abnormalities, manifested as widened QRS complexes on an electrocardiogram (ECG). Therefore, in a client with respiratory acidosis, the healthcare professional should expect to find widened QRS complexes as a result of the associated hyperkalemia.

3. A client had a bronchoscopy 2 hours ago and asks for a drink of water. Which action should the nurse take next?

• A. Call the healthcare provider to request a prescription for food and water.
• B. Provide the client with ice chips instead of a drink of water.
• C. Assess the client's gag reflex before giving any food or water.
• D. Let the client have a small sip to assess swallowing ability.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: After a bronchoscopy, a topical anesthetic affects the gag reflex. Therefore, the nurse should assess the client's gag reflex before providing any food or water to ensure its return. This assessment is crucial to prevent aspiration or choking risk in the client.

4. When assessing a client with pneumonia, which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect to find?

• A. Fremitus
• B. Hyperresonance
• C. Dullness on percussion
• D. Decreased tactile fremitus

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In pneumonia, lung tissue consolidation occurs, leading to dullness on percussion. This is a typical finding in pneumonia. Fremitus and decreased tactile fremitus are more commonly associated with conditions like pleural effusion or pneumothorax. Hyperresonance is typically seen in conditions causing air trapping, such as emphysema.

5. A client had an inferior wall myocardial infarction (MI). The nurse notes the client's cardiac rhythm as shown below. What action by the nurse is most important?

• A. Assess the client's blood pressure and level of consciousness.
• B. Call the health care provider or the Rapid Response Team.
• C. Obtain a permit for an emergency temporary pacemaker insertion.
• D. Prepare to administer antidysrhythmic medication.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The ECG strip shows sinus bradycardia, which is common in clients with an inferior wall MI. This rhythm can lead to decreased perfusion due to bradycardia and blocks. The most crucial initial action for the nurse is to assess the client's hemodynamic status, including blood pressure and level of consciousness. This assessment will help determine the immediate needs of the client. Calling the health care provider or the Rapid Response Team, obtaining a permit for a pacemaker insertion, or preparing to administer antidysrhythmic medication may be necessary based on the assessment findings, but the priority is to evaluate the client's current condition first.

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