Nursing Elites

1. A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a patient who has extensive partial and full-thickness burns of the head, neck, and chest. While planning the patient’s care, the nurse should identify which of the following risks as the priority for assessment and intervention?

• A. Infection
• B. Airway obstruction
• C. Fluid imbalance
• D. Pain management

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a patient has extensive burns involving the head, neck, and chest, the priority concern is airway obstruction. The proximity of the burns to the airway can lead to swelling and compromise the patient's ability to breathe. In this situation, ensuring a clear airway and adequate oxygenation takes precedence over other risks such as infection, fluid imbalance, or pain management. While these are also important considerations in burn care, the immediate threat to the patient's life from airway compromise makes it the priority for assessment and intervention.

2. A client with HIV and neutropenia requires specific care from the nurse. Which of the following precautions should the nurse take while caring for this client?

• A. Wear an N95 respirator while caring for the client.
• B. Use a dedicated stethoscope for the client.
• C. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter to monitor urinary output.
• D. Monitor the client’s vital signs every 8 hours.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Using dedicated equipment for a neutropenic client, such as a stethoscope, helps prevent infections. Neutropenic clients have a weakened immune system, making them vulnerable to infections from common pathogens. Wearing an N95 respirator is not necessary unless airborne precautions are required. Inserting a urinary catheter should be avoided unless necessary to prevent introducing pathogens. Monitoring vital signs should be done more frequently, typically every 4 hours, to promptly identify any changes in the client's condition.

3. A hospice nurse is providing teaching to a patient who has a new diagnosis of a terminal illness and her family. Which statement should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Hospice care will help provide rehabilitation for the patient.
• B. Hospice care focuses on extending life by any means necessary.
• C. Hospice care will help the patient transition to nursing care.
• D. Hospice care continues to help families with grief after a death occurs.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct statement that the nurse should include in the teaching is option D: 'Hospice care continues to help families with grief after a death occurs.' Hospice care not only focuses on providing comfort care for terminal patients but also offers bereavement support to families after the patient's death. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Option A is incorrect because hospice care does not provide rehabilitation for the patient; its focus is on comfort and quality of life. Option B is incorrect because hospice care does not aim to extend life but rather to provide quality end-of-life care. Option C is incorrect because hospice care does not transition patients to nursing care; it provides care focused on comfort and symptom management in the patient's preferred setting.

4. A nurse is reviewing the medication class, benzodiazepines. The nurse would use caution when administering benzodiazepines to which of the clients below?

• A. A client with glaucoma
• B. A client with renal failure
• C. A client with hypertension
• D. A client with insomnia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Benzodiazepines can increase intraocular pressure, which is why they must be used cautiously in patients with glaucoma. In clients with this condition, benzodiazepines can potentially worsen symptoms and lead to further complications involving the eyes. Therefore, administering benzodiazepines to a client with glaucoma should be done with caution. Choices B, C, and D are not directly contraindicated with benzodiazepines, making them less likely to cause harm compared to administering to a client with glaucoma.

5. A nurse is caring for a group of clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assign to an assistive personnel (AP)?

• A. Client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and needs guidance with incentive spirometry
• B. Client who has awoken following a bronchoscopy and requests a drink
• C. Client who had a myocardial infarction 3 days ago and reports chest discomfort
• D. Client who had a cerebrovascular accident 2 days ago and needs help toileting

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the client who had a cerebrovascular accident 2 days ago and needs help toileting is stable and the task is appropriate for delegation to an assistive personnel (AP). Choices A, B, and C involve clients with more complex care needs that require the expertise of a nurse. Choice A involves providing guidance with incentive spirometry, which requires specialized knowledge and assessment skills. Choice B involves a client who has just undergone a bronchoscopy, so close monitoring is essential to assess for any complications. Choice C involves a client who had a myocardial infarction 3 days ago and is reporting chest discomfort, which could indicate a potential cardiac issue requiring immediate nursing assessment and intervention.

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