Nursing Elites

1. A client in the intensive care unit is receiving teaching before removal of an endotracheal tube. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Rest in a side-lying position after the tube is removed.
• B. Use the incentive spirometer every 4 hours after the tube is removed.
• C. Avoid speaking for extended periods.
• D. Vital signs will be monitored by a nurse every 15 minutes in the first hour after the tube is removed.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: It is essential to advise the client to avoid speaking for extended periods after the removal of the endotracheal tube to prevent strain on the vocal cords and allow the airway to recover. Speaking for prolonged periods can lead to irritation and potentially affect the healing process. The other options are also important post-extubation instructions, such as using the incentive spirometer to maintain lung function, positioning in a side-lying position for comfort, and frequent monitoring of vital signs to ensure the client's stability.

2. A nurse collaborates with a respiratory therapist to complete pulmonary function tests (PFTs) for a client. Which statements should the nurse include in communications with the respiratory therapist prior to the tests? (SATA)

• A. I held the client's morning bronchodilator medication.
• B. The client is ready to go down to radiology for this examination.
• C. Physical therapy states the client can run on a treadmill.
• D. I advised the client not to smoke for 6 hours prior to the test.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To ensure the PFTs are accurate, the therapist needs to know that no bronchodilators have been administered in the past 4 to 6 hours, the client did not smoke within 6 to 8 hours prior to the test and the client can follow basic commands, including different breathing maneuvers. The respiratory therapist can perform PFTs at the bedside. A treadmill is not used for this test.

3. When teaching a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) about nutrition, what information should be included? (Select all that apply)

• A. Avoid drinking fluids just before and during meals.
• B. Rest before meals if experiencing dyspnea.
• C. Have about six small meals a day.
• D. Eat high-fiber foods to promote gastric emptying.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When educating a client with COPD about nutrition, it is important to consider factors that can impact breathing and digestion. Avoiding drinking fluids just before and during meals can help prevent bloating, which may impede breathing. Resting before meals if experiencing dyspnea can aid in reducing respiratory effort during eating. Having about six small meals a day can help prevent overeating and decrease the feeling of fullness, promoting easier breathing. However, it is crucial to be cautious with high-fiber foods as they can produce gas, leading to abdominal bloating and increased shortness of breath. Clients with COPD should focus on increasing calorie and protein intake to prevent malnourishment. It is advisable not to increase carbohydrate intake as this can elevate carbon dioxide production and exacerbate breathing difficulties.

4. A client is prescribed nicotine replacement therapy. Which statement should the nurse include in this client's teaching?

• A. Smoking while taking this medication will increase your risk of a stroke.
• B. Make a list of reasons why smoking is a bad habit.
• C. Stopping this medication suddenly increases your risk for a heart attack.
• D. Rise slowly when getting out of bed in the morning.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a client is prescribed nicotine replacement therapy, it is crucial to emphasize that smoking while using this therapy can increase the risk of a stroke. Smoking while on nicotine replacement therapy can lead to excessive nicotine levels in the body, elevating cardiovascular risks. Therefore, the nurse should educate the client on the importance of avoiding smoking while utilizing this medication. Choices B, C, and D are not relevant to the specific teaching required for a client on nicotine replacement therapy.

5. A client is unconscious with a breathing pattern characterized by alternating periods of hyperventilation and apnea. The nurse should document that the client has which of the following respiratory alterations?

• A. Kussmaul respirations
• B. Apneustic respirations
• C. Cheyne-Stokes respirations
• D. Stridor

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Cheyne-Stokes respirations are characterized by periods of deep, rapid breathing followed by periods of apnea. This pattern is often seen in clients with neurological or cardiac conditions. Kussmaul respirations are deep and rapid breaths often associated with metabolic acidosis. Apneustic respirations are characterized by prolonged inhalations with shortened exhalations and can indicate damage to the pons. Stridor is a high-pitched, noisy respiratory sound usually associated with upper airway obstruction. Therefore, in this scenario, the client's alternating pattern of hyperventilation and apnea aligns with Cheyne-Stokes respirations.

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