Nursing Elites

1. A post-anesthesia care unit nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a thoracotomy and lobectomy. Which of the following postoperative assessments should the nurse give the highest priority to?

• A. Arterial blood gases
• B. Urinary output
• C. Chest tube drainage
• D. Pain level

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Arterial blood gases are crucial to assess postoperatively in a client who has undergone thoracotomy and lobectomy to monitor oxygenation and ventilation status. Changes in arterial blood gases can indicate respiratory complications or inadequate gas exchange, which are critical issues that need prompt intervention to prevent further complications. While urinary output, chest tube drainage, and pain level are important assessments, monitoring arterial blood gases takes precedence in this specific postoperative scenario to ensure optimal respiratory function and overall patient well-being.

2. A nurse cares for a female client who has a family history of cystic fibrosis. The client asks, Will my children have cystic fibrosis? How should the nurse respond?

• A. Since many of your family members are carriers, your children will also be carriers of the gene.
• B. Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive disorder. If you are a carrier, your children will have the disorder.
• C. Since you have a family history of cystic fibrosis, I would encourage you & your partner to be tested.
• D. Cystic fibrosis is caused by a protein that controls the movement of chloride. Adjusting your diet will decrease the spread of this disorder.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive disorder in which both gene alleles must be mutated for the disorder to be expressed. The nurse should encourage both the client & partner to be tested for the abnormal gene. The other statements are not true.

3. When caring for a client with acute pancreatitis, what intervention is most appropriate?

• A. Encourage a high-protein diet.
• B. Administer pain medication as needed.
• C. Provide small, frequent meals.
• D. Increase oral fluid intake.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering pain medication as needed is the most appropriate intervention for a client with acute pancreatitis. Pain management is crucial as pancreatitis can cause severe and debilitating pain. Providing pain relief is essential to improve the client's comfort and well-being.

4. The trauma unit nurse has received a report on a client who has multiple injuries following a motor vehicle crash. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take first?

• A. Evaluate chest expansion.
• B. Check pupillary response to light.
• C. Assess the capillary refill.
• D. Check the client's response to questions about place and time.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a client with multiple injuries following a motor vehicle crash, the priority is to assess for any compromised airway or breathing. Evaluating chest expansion helps the nurse determine if the client is having any difficulty breathing, which is essential for immediate intervention to maintain adequate oxygenation. Checking pupillary response, assessing capillary refill, and checking the client's orientation to place and time are important assessments but are of lower priority compared to ensuring the client's airway and breathing are intact.

5. Which action should the nurse take to reduce the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia in a client with an endotracheal tube receiving mechanical ventilation?

• A. Position the head of the client's bed flat
• B. Turn the client every 4 hours
• C. Brush the client's teeth with a suction toothbrush every 12 hours
• D. Provide humidity by maintaining moisture within the ventilator tubing

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common complication in clients receiving mechanical ventilation. Oral hygiene is crucial in reducing the risk of VAP. Brushing the client's teeth with a suction toothbrush every 12 hours helps prevent bacterial colonization in the oral cavity, which can be aspirated into the lungs. Positioning the head of the bed flat can increase the risk of aspiration. Turning the client every 4 hours is important for preventing pressure ulcers but not directly related to reducing VAP. Providing humidity in the ventilator tubing helps maintain airway moisture but does not directly address the risk of VAP.

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