Nursing Elites

1. A client is prescribed albuterol (Proventil) via a metered-dose inhaler. Which action should the nurse take to ensure effective use of this medication?

• A. Instruct the client to inhale quickly while administering the medication.
• B. Have the client hold their breath for 10 seconds after inhaling the medication.
• C. Tell the client to exhale immediately after inhaling the medication.
• D. Encourage the client to use the inhaler as needed only when experiencing symptoms.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To ensure effective use of albuterol via a metered-dose inhaler, the nurse should have the client hold their breath for 10 seconds after inhaling the medication. This action allows the medication to reach deeper into the airways. Inhaling slowly and deeply, not quickly, is recommended for optimal drug delivery. Exhaling immediately after inhaling the medication would expel it before it can take effect. It's essential for the client to follow the prescribed regimen of medication usage, not just using the inhaler when symptoms are present.

2. A healthcare professional is assessing a client who has a fracture of the femur. Vital signs are obtained on admission and again in 2 hours. Which of the following changes in assessment should indicate to the healthcare professional that the client could be developing a serious complication?

• A. Increased respiratory rate from 18 to 44/min
• B. Increased oral temperature from 36.6� C (97.8� F) to 37� C (98.6� F)
• C. Increased blood pressure from 112/68 to 120/72 mm Hg
• D. Increased heart rate from 68 to 72/min

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An increased respiratory rate from 18 to 44/min is a significant change that should alert the healthcare professional to a potential serious complication. Such a drastic increase in respiratory rate may indicate respiratory distress or hypoxia, which are critical conditions requiring immediate attention. The other options show minor changes in vital signs that are within normal limits and are less likely to indicate a serious complication.

3. The provider requests the nurse to start an infusion of an inotropic agent on a client. How should the nurse explain the action of these drugs to the client and spouse?

• A. It constricts vessels, improving blood flow.
• B. It dilates vessels, which lessens the work of the heart.
• C. It increases the force of the heart's contractions.
• D. It slows the heart rate down for better filling.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An inotropic agent is a medication that increases the force of the heart's contractions, which helps improve cardiac output. Choice A and B are incorrect as inotropic agents do not constrict or dilate vessels. Choice D is also incorrect as inotropic agents do not slow down the heart rate but rather enhance the heart's contractility.

4. A client with asthma has developed viral pharyngitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Petechiae on the chest and abdomen
• B. WBC 16,000/mm3
• C. Negative throat culture
• D. Severe hyperemia of pharyngeal mucosa

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Viral pharyngitis is typically caused by a virus, not bacteria, so a negative throat culture is an expected finding. The presence of petechiae on the chest and abdomen (Choice A) is not a common manifestation of viral pharyngitis. Elevated WBC count (Choice B) is more indicative of a bacterial infection rather than a viral one. Severe hyperemia of the pharyngeal mucosa (Choice D) is a possible finding in pharyngitis but is not specific to viral pharyngitis.

5. A client with heart failure expresses feelings of burden and thoughts of death to a nurse. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Would you like to talk more about this?
• B. You are lucky to have such a devoted daughter.
• C. It is normal to feel as though you are a burden.
• D. Would you like to meet with the chaplain?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Depression can occur in clients with heart failure, especially in older adults. When a client expresses thoughts of being a burden and death, it is crucial for the nurse to address these concerns. Offering to talk more about the client's feelings provides an opportunity for open communication and a deeper understanding of the client's emotions. Open-ended questions like the one in choice A encourage the client to express themselves freely, leading to better assessment and client-centered care. Choices B and C fail to address the client's emotional distress directly, and choice D diverts the focus without addressing the client's immediate concerns.

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