Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has a chest tube following a thoracotomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Drainage of 75 mL in the first hour after surgery.
• B. Constant bubbling in the water seal chamber.
• C. Tidaling in the water seal chamber.
• D. Client report of pain at the chest tube insertion site.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Constant bubbling in the water seal chamber indicates an air leak, which should be reported to the provider. This finding suggests that the chest tube system is not functioning properly, leading to potential complications such as pneumothorax. Drainage of 75 mL in the first hour after surgery is within the expected range for a chest tube. Tidaling in the water seal chamber is a normal fluctuation and indicates proper functioning of the system. Client report of pain at the chest tube insertion site is expected after surgery and can be managed with appropriate pain management measures.

2. A nurse is preparing to perform a sterile dressing change. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when setting up the sterile field?

• A. Place the cap from the solution sterile side up on a clean surface.
• B. Open the outermost flap of the sterile kit away from the body.
• C. Place the sterile dressing within 1.25 cm (0.5 in) of the edge of the sterile field.
• D. Set up the sterile field 5 cm (2 in) above waist level.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To maintain the sterility of the field, the nurse should place the cap from the solution sterile side up on a clean surface. This action helps prevent contamination. Choice B is incorrect because opening the outermost flap toward the body increases the risk of introducing contaminants onto the sterile field. Choice C is incorrect as the sterile dressing should be placed at least 2.5 cm (1 in) from the edge of the sterile field to prevent accidental contamination. Choice D is incorrect because setting up the sterile field above waist level could lead to inadvertent contact and compromise the field's sterility.

3. A healthcare professional is reviewing the medical record of a client who is receiving furosemide. Which of the following laboratory values should the healthcare professional monitor while the client is taking this medication?

• A. Sodium
• B. Glucose
• C. Potassium
• D. Calcium

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Potassium. Furosemide is a diuretic that can cause potassium depletion due to increased urinary excretion. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent hypokalemia, which can lead to serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Sodium (choice A) levels are not typically affected by furosemide. Glucose (choice B) monitoring is important with other medications like corticosteroids but is not directly related to furosemide use. Calcium (choice D) levels are not significantly impacted by furosemide.

4. What is the process for taking a telephone order from a provider?

• A. Patient name, drug, dose, route, frequency
• B. Read back for accuracy
• C. Have a witness listen to the order
• D. Write down the order and follow up

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct process for taking a telephone order from a provider involves reading back the information for accuracy. This step ensures that the order is correctly understood and reduces the risk of errors. While listing patient information (Choice A) is essential, it does not encompass the complete process of verifying the order. Having a witness listen to the order (Choice C) may not always be practical or necessary, as direct verification is more efficient. Writing down the order and following up (Choice D) is not as crucial as the immediate read-back process, which allows for real-time clarification and confirmation.

5. A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for an older adult client who has difficulty sleeping. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

• A. Give a bedtime snack
• B. Encourage a short nap in the afternoon
• C. Encourage exercise right before bed
• D. Establish a regular exercise routine 2 hours or more before bedtime

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Establishing a regular exercise routine at least 2 hours before bedtime promotes better sleep in older adults. Giving a bedtime snack (choice A) may disrupt sleep due to digestion, encouraging a short nap in the afternoon (choice B) can interfere with nighttime sleep, and encouraging exercise right before bed (choice C) can increase alertness and make it harder to fall asleep.

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