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. A nurse manager is developing a protocol for an urgent care clinic that often cares for clients who do not speak the same language as clinical staff. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Use a professional interpreter service
• B. Nurse to interpret
• C. Provide translation services for a nominal fee to clients
• D. Evaluate the clients' understanding at regular intervals

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In situations where there is a language barrier between healthcare providers and patients, it is essential to ensure accurate communication. Using professional interpreter services is the most appropriate choice to ensure clear and precise communication. Relying on the client's children for interpretation may not guarantee accurate or confidential communication. Asking the nurse to interpret can lead to miscommunication or misunderstanding of important medical information. Providing translation services for a nominal fee to clients may not always be feasible or culturally appropriate. Regularly evaluating the client's understanding helps ensure that information is effectively communicated and comprehended.

3. Which term is best described as a systematic, rational method of planning and providing nursing care for individuals, families, groups, and communities?

• A. Assessment
• B. Nursing Process
• C. Diagnosis
• D. Implementation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nursing Process. The nursing process is a systematic, rational method that guides nurses in planning and delivering patient care. It involves a series of steps including assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. By utilizing the nursing process, nurses can provide individualized care tailored to the specific needs of patients, families, groups, and communities. Choice A, Assessment, is a step within the nursing process but does not encompass the entire process itself. Choice C, Diagnosis, is another step within the nursing process and focuses on identifying the patient's health problems. Choice D, Implementation, is also a step in the nursing process where the care plan is put into action, but it does not solely describe the entire systematic and rational method of planning and providing nursing care.

4. After 5 days of diuretic therapy with 20mg of furosemide (Lasix) daily, a patient begins to exhibit fatigue, muscle cramping, and muscle weakness. These symptoms probably indicate that the patient is experiencing:

• A. Hypokalemia
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Anorexia
• D. Dysphagia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The symptoms of fatigue, muscle cramping, and muscle weakness in a patient after starting furosemide therapy are indicative of hypokalemia. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium depletion, causing hypokalemia. Hypokalemia can manifest with muscle weakness, cramps, and fatigue due to alterations in neuromuscular function and decreased ATP production.

5. A client is being cared for by a nurse 2 hours after admission. The client has an SaO2 of 91%, exhibits audible wheezes, and is using accessory muscles when breathing. Which of the following classes of medication should the nurse expect to administer?

• A. Antibiotic
• B. Beta-blocker
• C. Antiviral
• D. Beta2 agonist

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The client's presentation with an SaO2 of 91%, audible wheezes, and use of accessory muscles indicates respiratory distress, likely due to bronchoconstriction. Beta2 agonists are the appropriate class of medications to administer in this situation as they act as bronchodilators, helping to relieve the bronchoconstriction and improve airflow to the lungs. Antibiotics, beta-blockers, and antivirals are not indicated for this client's respiratory distress symptoms.

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