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. A patient is receiving discharge instructions after experiencing a stroke. Which instruction is most important for preventing another stroke?

• A. Take prescribed antihypertensive medications regularly.
• B. Engage in physical therapy exercises.
• C. Follow a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet.
• D. Attend regular follow-up appointments with the healthcare provider.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to take prescribed antihypertensive medications regularly. Hypertension is a major risk factor for stroke, and controlling blood pressure through medication is crucial in preventing recurrent strokes. While physical therapy, diet, and follow-up appointments are also important aspects of post-stroke care, managing hypertension with medication takes precedence due to its direct impact on stroke prevention.

3. A client is vomiting. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Provide the client with an emesis basin
• B. Notify housekeeping
• C. Prevent the client from aspirating
• D. Administer an antiemetic to the client

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a client is vomiting, the priority action for the nurse is to prevent the client from aspirating. Aspiration can lead to serious respiratory complications. Providing the client with an emesis basin can be helpful but preventing aspiration takes precedence. Notifying housekeeping and administering an antiemetic are secondary actions that can be addressed once the client's safety is ensured.

4. Prior to a cardiac catheterization, what is the most important action for the nurse to take?

• A. Ensure that the client has been NPO for 6 hours before the procedure.
• B. Administer pre-procedure medications as ordered.
• C. Verify that informed consent has been obtained.
• D. Assess the client for any allergies, especially to iodine or shellfish.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Assessing the client for allergies, particularly to iodine or shellfish, is crucial before a cardiac catheterization because the contrast dye used during the procedure can lead to allergic reactions. Identifying any allergies beforehand allows the healthcare team to take necessary precautions to prevent potential adverse reactions and ensure the client's safety.

5. A client has a chest tube in place connected to a closed chest drainage system. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client's lung has re-expanded?

• A. Oxygen saturation of 95%
• B. No fluctuations in the water seal chamber
• C. No reports of pleuritic chest pain
• D. Occasional bubbling in the water-seal chamber

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The absence of fluctuations in the water seal chamber indicates that the client's lung has re-expanded. This finding suggests that the negative pressure in the pleural space is restored, preventing air from entering the system. Oxygen saturation, absence of pleuritic chest pain, and occasional bubbling in the water-seal chamber are important assessments but do not specifically indicate lung re-expansion.

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