Nursing Elites

1. A client in the emergency department is being cared for by a nurse and has cardiogenic pulmonary edema. The client's assessment findings include anxiousness, dyspnea at rest, crackles, blood pressure 110/79 mm Hg, and apical heart rate 112/min. What is the nurse's priority intervention?

• A. Provide the client with supplemental oxygen at 5 L/min via facemask.
• B. Place the client in high-Fowler's position with their legs in a dependent position
• C. Give the client sublingual nitroglycerin
• D. Administer morphine sulfate IV

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In cardiogenic pulmonary edema, the priority intervention is to improve oxygenation and reduce the workload on the heart. Providing supplemental oxygen at 5 L/min via facemask helps increase oxygen levels and alleviate respiratory distress. This intervention can help improve oxygen saturation, alleviate dyspnea, and support the client's respiratory function. Placing the client in a high-Fowler's position with legs dependent can also help with respiratory effort, but ensuring adequate oxygenation takes precedence. Sublingual nitroglycerin and IV morphine sulfate are commonly used interventions for cardiac-related conditions, but in this case, addressing oxygenation is the priority to prevent further deterioration.

2. When preparing a client for transfer to the ICU for placement of a pulmonary artery catheter, the nurse should explain that this catheter is used to monitor which of the following conditions?

• A. Intracranial pressure
• B. Spinal cord perfusion
• C. Renal function
• D. Hemodynamic status

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A pulmonary artery catheter is primarily used to monitor hemodynamic status. It provides essential information on cardiac output, preload, afterload, and overall cardiovascular function. This data helps healthcare providers manage the client's fluid status, cardiac function, and guide treatment interventions in critically ill patients. Monitoring intracranial pressure, spinal cord perfusion, or renal function would require different monitoring devices and techniques, not a pulmonary artery catheter.

3. After an open lung biopsy, a nurse assesses a client. Which assessment finding is matched with the correct intervention?

• A. Client states he is dizzy. Nurse applies oxygen and pulse oximetry.
• B. Client's HR is 55 beats/min. Nurse withholds pain medication.
• C. Client has reduced breath sounds. Nurse calls the physician immediately.
• D. Client's RR is 18 breaths/min. Nurse decreases the oxygen flow rate.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: After an open lung biopsy, a potential complication is pneumothorax, often indicated by reduced or absent breath sounds. The nurse should promptly notify the physician to address this serious issue and ensure timely intervention.

4. A healthcare professional is interested in making interdisciplinary work a high priority. Which actions by the professional best demonstrate this skill? (Select ONE that does not apply)

• A. Consulting with other disciplines on client care
• B. Coordinating discharge planning for home safety
• C. Participating in comprehensive client rounding
• D. Sharing the care plans with other disciplines

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Interdisciplinary work in healthcare involves effective communication and collaboration between different disciplines for holistic client care. Consulting with other disciplines allows for sharing expertise, insights, and perspectives to enhance client outcomes. Participating in comprehensive client rounding involves a team-based approach to discuss and plan client care collectively. Sharing nursing care plans with other disciplines ensures that all team members are informed and can contribute to the client's overall well-being. Coordinating discharge planning is important but may not directly demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration as the other actions do.

5. A client presents with shortness of breath, pain in the lung area, and a recent history of starting birth control pills and smoking. Vital signs include a heart rate of 110/min, respiratory rate of 40/min, and blood pressure of 140/80 mm Hg. Arterial blood gases reveal pH 7.50, PaCO2 29 mm Hg, PaO2 60 mm Hg, HCO3 20 mEq/L, and SaO2 86%. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Prepare for mechanical ventilation.
• B. Administer oxygen via face mask.
• C. Prepare to administer a sedative.
• D. Assess for indications of pulmonary embolism.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a client with a high respiratory rate, low PaO2, and low SaO2, the priority intervention is to improve oxygenation. Administering oxygen via a face mask will help increase the oxygen supply to the client's lungs and tissues, addressing the hypoxemia. While mechanical ventilation may be necessary in severe cases, administering oxygen is the initial and most appropriate intervention to address the client's respiratory distress. Sedatives should not be given without ensuring adequate oxygenation. Assessing for pulmonary embolism is important but not the priority at this moment when the client is experiencing respiratory distress and hypoxemia.

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