Nursing Elites

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

• A. Drainage of 75 mL in the past 24 hours.
• B. Intermittent bubbling in the water seal chamber.
• C. Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber.
• D. Tidaling in the water seal chamber.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber should be reported to the provider as it can indicate an air leak. This finding suggests that air is escaping from the pleural space, which can lead to lung collapse or pneumothorax. Drainage of 75 mL in the past 24 hours is within the expected range for a client with a chest tube and is not a cause for concern. Intermittent bubbling in the water seal chamber is a normal finding that indicates the system is functioning properly. Tidaling in the water seal chamber is also an expected finding that shows the fluctuation of fluid with the client's breathing and is not alarming.

2. A client has a central venous catheter. Which of the following actions should be taken to prevent an air embolism?

• A. Keep the catheter clamped when not in use
• B. Have the client perform the Valsalva maneuver while the catheter is removed
• C. Use a non-coring needle to access the catheter
• D. Flush the catheter with 0.9% sodium chloride every 24 hours

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action to prevent an air embolism in a client with a central venous catheter is to have the client perform the Valsalva maneuver while the catheter is removed. This maneuver helps to close the airway and prevent air from entering the bloodstream. Keeping the catheter clamped at all times (Choice A) is not necessary and may lead to clot formation. Using a non-coring needle (Choice C) is important for accessing the catheter but does not specifically prevent air embolism. Flushing the catheter with 0.9% sodium chloride (Choice D) helps maintain patency but does not directly prevent air embolism.

3. A client has a new prescription for furosemide. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Avoid foods high in potassium while taking this medication.
• B. This medication may cause your blood pressure to increase.
• C. This medication can cause you to retain fluids.
• D. Take this medication with meals.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client taking furosemide is to take the medication with meals. This helps prevent gastrointestinal upset and improves medication tolerance. Option A is incorrect because furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium depletion, so avoiding foods high in potassium is not necessary. Option B is incorrect as furosemide typically lowers blood pressure. Option C is incorrect because furosemide is a diuretic that promotes fluid loss rather than retention.

4. A nurse is preparing to administer a unit of packed RBCs to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Prime the IV tubing with 0.9% sodium chloride.
• B. Verify the client's blood type and Rh factor.
• C. Administer the blood over 8 hours.
• D. Use a 22-gauge needle for venous access.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to verify the client's blood type and Rh factor. This action is crucial to ensure that the correct blood is administered, matching the client's blood type and Rh factor, which helps prevent transfusion reactions. Priming the IV tubing with 0.9% sodium chloride (Choice A) is not directly related to ensuring the correct blood product is administered. Administering the blood over 8 hours (Choice C) is not the standard practice for packed RBCs, which are usually given over a shorter period. Using a 22-gauge needle for venous access (Choice D) is not specific to the preparation for administering packed RBCs.

5. What is the best intervention for a patient experiencing severe hypoglycemia?

• A. Administer IV dextrose
• B. Administer oral glucose
• C. Monitor blood sugar levels
• D. Recheck blood sugar in 15 minutes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best intervention for a patient experiencing severe hypoglycemia is to administer IV dextrose. This intervention is necessary to rapidly raise blood sugar levels in critical situations. Administering oral glucose may not be effective in severe cases as the patient may be unable to consume it. Monitoring blood sugar levels and rechecking blood sugar in 15 minutes are important steps but not the initial best intervention for severe hypoglycemia.

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