Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client recovering from bowel surgery who has a nasogastric (NG) tube connected to low intermittent suction. Which of the following assessment findings should indicate to the nurse that the NG tube may not be functioning properly?

• A. Drainage fluid is greenish-yellow
• B. Aspirate pH of 3
• C. Abdominal rigidity
• D. Air bubbles noted in the NG tube

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Abdominal rigidity can indicate a serious complication, such as a blockage or infection, requiring immediate intervention to determine if the NG tube is functioning properly. Choices A, B, and D are not indicative of a malfunctioning NG tube. Greenish-yellow drainage fluid may be normal, an aspirate pH of 3 is within the expected range for gastric contents, and air bubbles in the NG tube are not abnormal as long as they are moving.

2. A nurse is caring for a client with a chest tube following a thoracotomy. Which of the following findings requires intervention by the nurse?

• A. Tidaling with spontaneous respirations
• B. Drainage collection chamber is 1/3 full
• C. 1 cm of water present in the water seal chamber
• D. Suction chamber pressure of -20 cm H2O

Correct answer: C

Rationale: 1 cm of water in the water seal chamber is insufficient to ensure proper functioning of the chest tube. The water seal chamber typically requires a water level of 2 cm. Tidaling with spontaneous respirations (choice A) is an expected finding indicating proper functioning. Having the drainage collection chamber 1/3 full (choice B) is within the normal range. A suction chamber pressure of -20 cm H2O (choice D) is an appropriate level for chest tube drainage.

3. A charge nurse is discussing the use of applying ice to a client’s injured knee with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following is a benefit of this treatment?

• A. Systemic analgesic effect
• B. Increase in metabolism
• C. Decreased capillary permeability
• D. Vasodilation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decreased capillary permeability. Ice application helps decrease capillary permeability, which in turn reduces swelling and inflammation at the injury site. This vasoconstriction effect helps to limit the extent of the injury. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Applying ice locally does not produce a systemic analgesic effect but rather a localized numbing effect. It does not increase metabolism but rather slows down metabolic processes in the affected area. Additionally, ice application causes vasoconstriction, not vasodilation.

4. While in the cafeteria, a nurse overhears two APs discussing a hospitalized patient. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Report the incident to the supervisor.
• B. Join the conversation to intervene.
• C. Quietly tell the APs that this is not appropriate.
• D. Ignore the conversation.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to choose option C: 'Quietly tell the APs that this is not appropriate.' The nurse should immediately and discreetly address the situation, reminding the APs that discussing patient information in public areas violates confidentiality. Reporting the incident to the supervisor (option A) may be necessary if the behavior continues. Joining the conversation to intervene (option B) may escalate the situation and compromise patient confidentiality. Ignoring the conversation (option D) does not address the violation or prevent it from recurring.

5. A client is prescribed metronidazole for a bacterial infection. Which of the following should the nurse teach the client?

• A. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication
• B. It is safe to take during pregnancy
• C. Monitor for increased appetite
• D. It can cause hair loss

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Avoid alcohol while taking this medication.' Metronidazole can cause a disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, flushing, and headache. Therefore, clients should be instructed to avoid alcohol consumption. Choice B is incorrect because metronidazole is not considered safe during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Choice C is incorrect as metronidazole is not known to cause increased appetite. Choice D is also incorrect as hair loss is not a common side effect of metronidazole.

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