Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare provider is assessing a client who has received a preoperative dose of morphine. Which of the following findings is the priority to report to the provider?

• A. Client reports nausea.
• B. Urinary output of 20 mL/hr.
• C. Oxygen saturation 90%.
• D. Respiratory rate 14/min.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An oxygen saturation of 90% is below the expected reference range and could indicate respiratory depression, a serious side effect of morphine. This finding requires immediate attention as it may lead to hypoxia. Nausea (choice A) is a common side effect of morphine but does not pose an immediate threat. A urinary output of 20 mL/hr (choice B) may indicate decreased renal perfusion but is not as critical as respiratory compromise. A respiratory rate of 14/min (choice D) is within the normal range and does not suggest immediate danger.

2. A healthcare provider is caring for a client who has a leg fracture and reports severe pain. Which of the following actions should the healthcare provider take first?

• A. Administer pain medication
• B. Reposition the client's leg
• C. Elevate the client's leg
• D. Check the client's neurovascular status

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Checking the client's neurovascular status is the priority when caring for a client with severe pain after a leg fracture. This assessment is crucial to identify any signs of vascular compromise or nerve damage, such as compartment syndrome. Administering pain medication can help alleviate the pain but should only be done after ensuring the client's neurovascular status is stable. Repositioning or elevating the leg may worsen the condition if there are underlying vascular issues, making these options lower in priority than assessing neurovascular status.

3. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who is taking enalapril for hypertension. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Blood pressure of 150/80 mm Hg
• B. Swelling in the legs
• C. Persistent cough
• D. Heart rate of 72 beats per minute

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Persistent cough. Enalapril is known to cause a persistent dry cough as a side effect. This adverse reaction is due to the accumulation of bradykinin in the lungs, leading to irritation and cough. The nurse should report this symptom to the provider for further evaluation and possible medication adjustment. Choices A, B, and D are not directly associated with enalapril use. While a blood pressure of 150/80 mm Hg is elevated and should be monitored, it is not a direct side effect of enalapril. Swelling in the legs and a heart rate of 72 beats per minute are also not typically related to enalapril use and should be assessed but are not the priority findings to report in this scenario.

4. What is an appropriate teaching point for a client with left-leg weakness learning to use a cane?

• A. Maintain two points of support on the ground at all times
• B. Use the cane on the weak side of the body
• C. Advance the cane 30 to 45 cm with each step
• D. Advance the cane and the strong leg simultaneously

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct teaching point for a client with left-leg weakness learning to use a cane is to maintain two points of support on the ground at all times. This ensures stability and helps prevent falls. Choice B, using the cane on the weak side of the body, may lead to imbalance and decreased support. Choice C, advancing the cane a specific distance with each step, is not as crucial as maintaining two points of support. Choice D, advancing the cane and the strong leg simultaneously, may also compromise stability and support for the weak leg.

5. A nurse manager of a med surge unit is assigning care responsibilities for the oncoming shift. A client is waiting transfer back to the unit from the PACU following thoracic surgery. To which staff member should the nurse assign the client?

• A. Charge nurse
• B. RN
• C. LVN
• D. AP

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: RN. An RN is required for managing post-surgical care in the immediate postoperative period, especially for a client following thoracic surgery. The RN is equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to assess the client's condition, provide complex care, and recognize and respond to any complications that may arise. Assigning the client to the Charge nurse (A) may not be appropriate as the Charge nurse focuses more on administrative and managerial tasks rather than direct patient care. LVNs (C) and APs (D) may have limitations in their scope of practice when it comes to managing post-surgical care following thoracic surgery, which requires a higher level of assessment and intervention that an RN can provide.

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