Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is assessing a client following a gunshot wound to the chest. For which of the following findings should the healthcare professional not monitor to detect a pneumothorax?

• A. Tachypnea
• B. Deviation of the trachea
• C. Bradycardia
• D. Pleuritic pain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Bradycardia, which is a slow heart rate, is not typically associated with a pneumothorax. In a pneumothorax, the presence of air in the pleural space can lead to lung collapse, causing symptoms such as tachypnea (rapid breathing), deviation of the trachea, and pleuritic pain. Monitoring for bradycardia may not be as relevant in this context as it is not a typical indicator of a pneumothorax.

2. Prior to a thoracentesis, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Position the client in an upright position, leaning over the bedside table.
• B. Explain the procedure.
• C. Obtain ABGs.
• D. Administer benzocaine spray.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Positioning the client in an upright position, leaning over the bedside table helps to facilitate access to the thoracic cavity during the thoracentesis procedure. This position allows for easier identification and access to the insertion site. Explaining the procedure to the client is important, but positioning is the priority. Obtaining ABGs is not directly related to the thoracentesis procedure. Administering benzocaine spray is not a standard practice before a thoracentesis.

3. A healthcare professional is preparing to assess a 2-week-old newborn. Which of the following actions should the professional plan to take?

• A. Obtain the newborn's body temperature using a tympanic thermometer.
• B. FACES pain scale.
• C. Auscultate the newborn's apical pulse for 60 seconds.
• D. Measure the newborn's head circumference over the eyebrows and below the occipital prominence.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Assessing the apical pulse in newborns is important to evaluate their cardiac function. The normal heart rate for a newborn is typically between 100-160 beats per minute. Auscultating the apical pulse for a full 60 seconds allows for an accurate assessment of the newborn's heart rate. This is a crucial component of the newborn assessment to ensure the baby's cardiovascular system is functioning within the expected range.

4. When caring for a client in the advanced stage of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which of the following referrals is the nurse's priority?

• A. Psychologist
• B. Social worker
• C. Occupational therapist
• D. Speech-language pathologist

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the advanced stage of ALS, speech and swallowing difficulties become significant. As a result, the priority referral for the nurse would be a speech-language pathologist. This professional can assist in managing communication challenges and provide strategies to address swallowing issues, ensuring the client's safety and quality of life.

5. A healthcare professional realizes that the wrong medication has been administered to a client. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take first?

• A. Notify the provider.
• B. Report the incident to the healthcare facility's manager.
• C. Monitor vital signs.
• D. Fill out an incident report.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a situation where the wrong medication has been administered to a client, the immediate priority is to assess and monitor the client's vital signs to identify any adverse effects of the incorrect medication. This action takes precedence over notifying the provider, reporting the incident, or filling out an incident report. Monitoring vital signs allows for timely recognition and intervention if the client experiences any negative reactions to the wrong medication, ensuring their safety and well-being.

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