Nursing Elites

1. A client in the emergency department is experiencing an acute asthma attack. Which assessment indicates an improvement in respiratory status?

• A. SaO2 95%
• B. Wheezing
• C. Retraction of sternal muscles
• D. Premature ventricular complexes (PVC's)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An SaO2 of 95% indicates an improvement in the client's oxygen saturation, suggesting better respiratory status. In asthma exacerbation, a decrease in SaO2 levels would signal worsening respiratory distress. Wheezing, retraction of sternal muscles, and premature ventricular complexes are indicators of respiratory compromise and worsening respiratory status in acute asthma attacks. Monitoring SaO2 levels is crucial in assessing the effectiveness of interventions and guiding treatment decisions.

2. When applying Nagele's rule, a healthcare professional is estimating a client's expected date of delivery based on their last menstrual period, which began on April 12th. What date should the healthcare professional determine to be the client's expected delivery date? (Use mmdd format.)

• A. 119
• B. 121
• C. 115
• D. 122

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To calculate the expected delivery date using Nagele's rule, begin by subtracting 3 months from the first day of the last menstrual period (April 12th), which results in January 12th. Then, add 7 days. Therefore, the expected delivery date would be January 19th (0119). This calculation method helps healthcare professionals estimate the client's due date.

3. Which type of illness is characterized by severe symptoms of relatively short duration?

• A. Chronic Illness
• B. Acute Illness
• C. Pain
• D. Syndrome

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Acute Illness. Acute illnesses are characterized by the sudden onset of severe symptoms that typically last for a short duration. These conditions usually resolve within a defined period, unlike chronic illnesses that persist over a longer time frame. Choices C and D, Pain and Syndrome, are not specific types of illnesses but rather symptoms or clinical manifestations that can occur in various health conditions.

4. When caring for a toddler with acute lymphocytic leukemia, in which of the following activities should the toddler participate?

• A. Looking at alphabet flashcards.
• B. Playing with a large plastic truck.
• C. Using scissors to cut out paper shapes.
• D. Watching a cartoon in the dayroom.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Toddlers with acute lymphocytic leukemia may have compromised immune systems and need to avoid activities that increase infection risk. Playing with a large plastic truck is a safe and engaging activity that does not pose a high risk of infection. This choice also promotes physical activity and creativity, which are beneficial for a toddler's development during illness.

5. What is the most important legal responsibility for the healthcare team after a patient's death in a hospital?

• A. Obtaining consent for an autopsy
• B. Notifying the coroner or medical examiner
• C. Labeling the body appropriately
• D. Ensuring the attending physician issues the death certificate

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After a patient's death in a hospital, the most crucial legal responsibility for the healthcare team is ensuring that the attending physician issues the death certificate. The death certificate is a vital legal document that confirms the cause of death and is required for legal and administrative purposes, including the completion of the patient's medical records and facilitating the family's ability to proceed with funeral arrangements and insurance claims. While other actions such as obtaining consent for an autopsy, notifying the coroner or medical examiner, and labeling the body appropriately are important, ensuring the timely and accurate issuance of the death certificate takes precedence in this scenario.

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