Nursing Elites

1. In the emergency department, a nurse is assessing a client involved in a motor vehicle crash. Findings include absent breath sounds in the left lower lobe with dyspnea, blood pressure 118/68 mm Hg, heart rate 124/min, respirations 38/min, temperature 38.6 C (101.4 F), and SaO2 92% on room air. What action should the nurse take first?

• A. Obtain a chest X-ray.
• B. Prepare for chest tube insertion.
• C. Administer oxygen via high-flow mask.
• D. Initiate IV access.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the client is presenting with signs of respiratory distress, including absent breath sounds, dyspnea, and a low SaO2 level. The priority action should be to improve oxygenation by administering oxygen via a high-flow mask. This intervention aims to increase the oxygen supply to the client's lungs, helping to address the hypoxemia. Once oxygenation is optimized, further interventions, such as obtaining a chest X-ray, preparing for chest tube insertion, or initiating IV access, can be considered based on the client's condition and healthcare provider's orders.

2. While caring for a client in a clinic, a healthcare professional learns that the client woke up not recognizing their partner, surroundings, has chills, and chest pain worsening upon inspiration. What should be the healthcare professional's priority action?

• A. Obtain baseline vital signs and oxygen saturation.
• B. Obtain a sputum culture.
• C. Obtain a complete history from the client.
• D. Provide a pneumococcal vaccine.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority action for the healthcare professional is to obtain the client's baseline vital signs and oxygen saturation. This will provide essential information on the client's current physiological status and help guide further assessment and intervention. Assessing the vital signs and oxygen saturation can help identify any immediate concerns like hypoxia or sepsis, which require prompt attention. While obtaining a complete history and considering a pneumococcal vaccine may be important in the overall care of the client, assessing the vital signs and oxygen saturation takes precedence to address the client's immediate physiological needs.

3. A client has generalized petechiae and ecchymoses. The nurse should expect a prescription for which of the following laboratory tests?

• A. Platelet count
• B. Potassium level
• C. Creatinine clearance
• D. Prealbumin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Generalized petechiae and ecchymoses can indicate a potential issue with platelet function or count. Therefore, the most relevant laboratory test to evaluate this condition would be a platelet count. Platelet count helps assess the number of platelets in the blood, which are crucial for clotting and preventing bleeding. Monitoring platelet levels can provide important information about a client's bleeding risk and overall hematologic health.

4. If a patient asks the nurse for her opinion about a particular physician and the nurse replies that the physician is incompetent, the nurse could be held liable for:

• A. Slander
• B. Libel
• C. Assault
• D. Respondent superior

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, if the nurse makes a false verbal statement about the physician being incompetent, it is considered slander. Slander is the act of making defamatory spoken statements or gestures. Libel, on the other hand, refers to defamatory statements that are written or published. Assault involves the threat of physical harm, and respondent superior is a legal doctrine holding an employer responsible for the actions of an employee in the course of employment.

5. When planning care for a client with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (SARS), which of the following actions should not be included in the care plan?

• A. Administer antibiotics
• B. Provide supplemental oxygen
• C. Administer antiviral medications
• D. Administer bronchodilators

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (SARS) is caused by a virus, not bacteria, and antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections. Therefore, administering antibiotics would not be appropriate in the care plan for a client with SARS. The priority interventions for SARS include providing supplemental oxygen to improve oxygenation, administering antiviral medications to target the viral infection, and using bronchodilators to help with bronchospasm or airway constriction. Antibiotics are not indicated unless there is a secondary bacterial infection present.

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