Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative following a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and notices clots in the client's urinary catheter and decreased urinary output. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Administer an antispasmodic
• B. Irrigate the catheter with 0.9% sodium chloride irrigation
• C. Apply gentle manual pressure to the bladder
• D. Clamp the catheter tubing

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this situation, the nurse should irrigate the catheter with 0.9% sodium chloride irrigation. This action helps clear the clots in the catheter and restore proper urine flow after a TURP. Administering an antispasmodic (Choice A) is not the appropriate action for clots in the catheter and decreased urinary output. Applying gentle manual pressure to the bladder (Choice C) or clamping the catheter tubing (Choice D) could potentially worsen the situation by causing bladder distention or preventing urine drainage.

2. The nurse is caring for a patient on contact precautions. Which action will be most appropriate to prevent the spread of disease?

• A. Wear a gown, gloves, face mask, and goggles for interactions with the patient.
• B. Transport the patient safely and quickly when going to the radiology department.
• C. Place the patient in a room with negative airflow.
• D. Use a dedicated blood pressure cuff that stays in the room and is used for that patient only.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to use a dedicated blood pressure cuff that stays in the room and is used for that patient only. Patients on contact precautions require dedicated equipment to prevent the spread of disease. Using one blood pressure cuff exclusively for the patient on contact precautions helps minimize the risk of transmitting infections to other patients. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because while wearing protective gear and isolating the patient in a room with negative airflow are important infection control measures, using dedicated equipment for the patient on contact precautions is specifically recommended to prevent the spread of disease in this scenario.

3. A patient is experiencing shortness of breath. What is the nurse's immediate action?

• A. Assist the patient into a high Fowler's position.
• B. Administer oxygen at 2 liters per minute via nasal cannula.
• C. Encourage the patient to take deep breaths and cough.
• D. Assess the patient's lung sounds.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering oxygen at 2 liters per minute via nasal cannula is the immediate action for a patient experiencing shortness of breath. This intervention helps to improve oxygenation and relieve respiratory distress promptly. Placing the patient in a high Fowler's position (choice A) may also be beneficial but providing oxygen takes precedence in this scenario to address the underlying hypoxemia. Encouraging deep breaths and coughing (choice C) may not be appropriate as the first action, especially without assessing the patient first. Assessing lung sounds (choice D) is essential but should follow the initial intervention of administering oxygen.

4. A healthcare provider is preparing to administer digoxin to a patient with heart failure. Which of the following lab results should be reviewed before administering the medication?

• A. Potassium level
• B. Calcium level
• C. Hemoglobin level
• D. White blood cell count

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Potassium level. Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin can potentiate the effects of low potassium levels, leading to life-threatening arrhythmias. Therefore, it is essential to review the patient's potassium level before administering digoxin. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because calcium level, hemoglobin level, and white blood cell count are not directly related to the risk of digoxin toxicity.

5. What is a key characteristic of Illness Anxiety Disorder?

• A. Excessive focus on minor symptoms without medical evidence of illness
• B. The need for consistent reassurance from healthcare professionals
• C. Compulsive behavior to avoid physical illness
• D. Development of avoidance behaviors to reduce anxiety

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Excessive focus on minor symptoms without medical evidence of illness." Illness Anxiety Disorder, formerly known as hypochondriasis, is characterized by a preoccupation with having a serious illness despite no medical evidence to support the presence of an illness. Individuals with this disorder often interpret normal bodily sensations as signs of severe illness. Choice B is incorrect because while individuals with Illness Anxiety Disorder may seek reassurance from healthcare professionals, the excessive focus on minor symptoms is the key characteristic. Choice C is incorrect as compulsive behaviors to avoid physical illness are more characteristic of illnesses like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Choice D is incorrect as the development of avoidance behaviors to reduce anxiety is more commonly seen in conditions like specific phobias or social anxiety disorder.

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