Nursing Elites

1. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being assessed by a nurse. Which finding indicates the condition is worsening?

• A. Increased shortness of breath
• B. Decreased wheezing
• C. Productive cough with green sputum
• D. Slight increase in fatigue

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased shortness of breath. In COPD, worsening symptoms often include increased shortness of breath due to impaired lung function. This indicates a decline in respiratory status and the need for prompt intervention. Choice B, decreased wheezing, is not indicative of worsening COPD as it could suggest better airflow. Choice C, productive cough with green sputum, may indicate an infection but not necessarily worsening COPD. Choice D, a slight increase in fatigue, is non-specific and may not directly correlate with the worsening of COPD.

2. A client undergoing surgery refuses to remove religious jewelry. What is the best course of action?

• A. Proceed with surgery while securing the jewelry to the patient.
• B. Remove the jewelry and document the removal.
• C. Document the refusal and delay the surgery.
• D. Remove the jewelry with the family's permission.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct course of action is to remove the jewelry and document the removal. While religious beliefs should be respected, ensuring patient safety during surgery is crucial. Securing the jewelry may not be sufficient to prevent any interference during the surgical procedure. Documenting the removal is important for legal and documentation purposes. Delaying the surgery or removing the jewelry with the family's permission may not be the best options as patient safety should be the top priority in this situation.

3. A nurse enters a client's room and finds her on the floor. The client's roommate reports that the client was trying to get out of bed and fell over the bedrail onto the floor. Which of the following statements should the nurse document about this incident?

• A. Found on floor
• B. Client slipped while getting out of bed
• C. Patient fell while attempting to get out of bed
• D. Roommate reported fall

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'A: Found on floor.' This choice provides a clear and objective account of the situation without adding interpretation or assumptions. It is crucial to document only the facts observed directly. Choices B and C introduce speculation by suggesting how the incident happened, which the nurse did not witness. Choice D is not directly related to the nurse’s observation and should not be documented as the primary incident.

4. A nurse is preparing to administer medications to a client via a nasogastric (NG) tube. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Crush all medications and administer them all at once.
• B. Flush the NG tube before and after each medication.
• C. Administer only liquid forms of medications.
• D. Skip flushing the tube entirely.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Flush the NG tube before and after each medication.' Flushing the NG tube is essential to ensure that the medication passes through smoothly without any obstruction. It helps prevent clogging of the tube and ensures that the full dose of the medication reaches the patient. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because crushing all medications at once, administering only liquid forms of medications, and skipping tube flushing entirely can lead to complications such as tube blockages, incomplete medication administration, and potential harm to the client.

5. A patient has just undergone a tracheostomy. What is the nurse's priority intervention?

• A. Suction the tracheostomy to maintain a patent airway.
• B. Administer pain medication as prescribed.
• C. Change the tracheostomy dressing every 4 hours.
• D. Monitor the patient's oxygen saturation closely.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to suction the tracheostomy to maintain a patent airway. After a tracheostomy, the priority intervention is to ensure a clear airway to prevent respiratory distress. Administering pain medication, changing the tracheostomy dressing, and monitoring oxygen saturation are important but are secondary to maintaining a patent airway in a patient who has just undergone a tracheostomy.

Similar Questions