Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is assessing a client who has a pulmonary embolism. Which of the following information should the healthcare professional not expect to find?

• A. Bradypnea
• B. Pleural friction rub
• C. Petechiae
• D. Tachycardia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a client with a pulmonary embolism, bradypnea, which is abnormally slow breathing, is not an expected finding. Pulmonary embolism typically presents with tachypnea (rapid breathing) due to the body's compensatory mechanism to increase oxygen levels. Pleural friction rub, petechiae, and tachycardia are commonly associated with a pulmonary embolism due to the impaired oxygenation and increased workload on the heart. Therefore, the healthcare professional should not expect to find bradypnea during the assessment of a client with a pulmonary embolism.

2. When caring for a toddler with acute lymphocytic leukemia, in which of the following activities should the toddler participate?

• A. Looking at alphabet flashcards.
• B. Playing with a large plastic truck.
• C. Using scissors to cut out paper shapes.
• D. Watching a cartoon in the dayroom.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Toddlers with acute lymphocytic leukemia may have compromised immune systems and need to avoid activities that increase infection risk. Playing with a large plastic truck is a safe and engaging activity that does not pose a high risk of infection. This choice also promotes physical activity and creativity, which are beneficial for a toddler's development during illness.

3. A client is receiving discharge instructions from a healthcare provider after being prescribed albuterol for COPD. Which statement by the client indicates understanding of the teaching?

• A. Albuterol can increase my blood sugar levels.
• B. Albuterol can decrease my immune response.
• C. I can experience an increase in my heart rate while taking albuterol.
• D. I may develop mouth sores while taking albuterol.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Albuterol is a bronchodilator commonly used to treat conditions like COPD. One of its common side effects is an increase in heart rate (tachycardia) due to its action on beta-2 receptors in the body. This statement by the client demonstrates an understanding of a potential side effect of albuterol, indicating comprehension of the discharge teaching provided by the healthcare provider.

4. When planning care for a client on mechanical ventilation, which mode of ventilation that increases the effort of the client's respiratory muscles should NOT be included in the plan of care?

• A. Assist-control
• B. Synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation
• C. Continuous positive airway pressure
• D. Pressure support ventilation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Assist-control ventilation mode delivers a preset tidal volume at a set rate; however, it may not be suitable for clients who need to maintain some level of respiratory muscle activity. This mode provides full support for each breath, potentially leading to decreased respiratory muscle strength over time. Therefore, it is important to avoid using assist-control mode for clients who require increased effort of respiratory muscles to prevent muscle atrophy and promote optimal respiratory function.

5. A new head nurse on a unit is distressed about the poor staffing on the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift. What should she do?

• A. Complain to her fellow nurses
• B. Wait until she knows more about the unit
• C. Discuss the problem with her supervisor
• D. Inform the staff that they must volunteer to rotate

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the new head nurse should discuss the problem with her supervisor. This is the most appropriate action as the supervisor is in a position to address staffing concerns effectively and make necessary changes. Complaining to fellow nurses may not lead to a solution, waiting may exacerbate the issue, and demanding staff rotation without proper discussion is not a collaborative approach to resolving the problem.

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