Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assisting with monitoring a client who is in labor and has spontaneous rupture of membranes following a vaginal examination. The provider reports the client's cervix is dilated to 1 cm with an unengaged presenting part. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Encourage the client to bear down
• B. Apply the external fetal monitor
• C. Provide the client with fluids
• D. Administer IV fluids

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, with the client's cervix dilated to only 1 cm and an unengaged presenting part, the priority action is to apply the external fetal monitor. This allows for continuous monitoring of the fetal heart rate during early labor, which is crucial for assessing fetal well-being. Encouraging the client to bear down is not appropriate at 1 cm dilation, as it may not be effective and can lead to exhaustion. Providing the client with fluids or administering IV fluids may be necessary for hydration, but the immediate concern is monitoring fetal well-being.

2. How should a healthcare provider care for a patient with a nasogastric (NG) tube?

• A. Check tube placement and assess for signs of aspiration
• B. Flush the tube with water regularly to maintain patency
• C. Monitor for bowel sounds and administer medications
• D. Administer medications through the tube

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When caring for a patient with a nasogastric (NG) tube, it is crucial to check the tube placement and assess for signs of aspiration. This ensures that the tube is correctly positioned and that the patient is not at risk of complications such as aspiration pneumonia. Choice B is incorrect as flushing the tube with water regularly is not a standard practice and may not be appropriate for all patients. Choice C is incorrect as monitoring for bowel sounds is not directly related to NG tube care, and administering medications is not the primary focus of caring for the tube itself. Choice D is incorrect because administering medications through the NG tube is a specific action that may be taken based on a healthcare provider's order, not a general care guideline for the NG tube.

3. What is the priority nursing action for a patient with an acute asthma attack?

• A. Administer a bronchodilator
• B. Monitor oxygen saturation
• C. Position the patient in a high Fowler's position
• D. Call for assistance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer a bronchodilator. During an acute asthma attack, the priority is to open the airways and improve breathing. Bronchodilators are the first-line treatment for asthma attacks as they help dilate the bronchioles, allowing for better airflow. Monitoring oxygen saturation is important but not the priority when the patient is in distress. Placing the patient in a high Fowler's position can help with breathing but is not the initial priority. Calling for assistance can be done after initiating the appropriate treatment.

4. A client with COPD is being cared for by a nurse. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Administer oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula
• B. Encourage pursed-lip breathing
• C. Position the client in high Fowler's position
• D. Encourage deep breathing and coughing

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with COPD is to encourage pursed-lip breathing. Pursed-lip breathing helps maintain airway patency by preventing the collapse of small airways during exhalation, improving breathing efficiency. Administering oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula may be appropriate for some COPD patients but is not the priority intervention. Positioning the client in high Fowler's position may help improve breathing but is not as specific as pursed-lip breathing for COPD. Encouraging deep breathing and coughing may be beneficial in other respiratory conditions, but it is not the most effective intervention for COPD.

5. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who has a new prescription for haloperidol. Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse instruct the client to report to the provider?

• A. Weight gain.
• B. Dry mouth.
• C. Sedation.
• D. Shuffling gait.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Shuffling gait. A shuffling gait can indicate extrapyramidal symptoms, a potentially serious side effect of haloperidol. Extrapyramidal symptoms include movement disorders such as dystonia, akathisia, parkinsonism, and tardive dyskinesia. Reporting this symptom promptly is crucial to prevent further complications. Choices A, B, and C are common side effects of haloperidol but are not as urgent or indicative of serious complications compared to a shuffling gait.

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