Nursing Elites

1. A client has a new prescription for a low-sodium diet. Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend?

• A. Pickles
• B. Canned soup
• C. Fresh fruits
• D. Smoked salmon

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Fresh fruits are naturally low in sodium, making them a suitable choice for a low-sodium diet. They provide essential nutrients and are a healthy option for individuals who need to limit their sodium intake. Pickles (Choice A) and canned soup (Choice B) are typically high in sodium and should be avoided in a low-sodium diet. Smoked salmon (Choice D) is also usually high in sodium due to the smoking process, so it is not a recommended choice for a low-sodium diet.

2. A client is postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following actions should be taken to prevent respiratory complications?

• A. Instruct the client to exhale into an incentive spirometer
• B. Reposition the client every 8 hours
• C. Assist the client with early ambulation
• D. Maintain the client on bed rest for the first 48 hours

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Assisting the client with early ambulation is crucial in preventing respiratory complications after abdominal surgery. Early ambulation helps to prevent conditions like atelectasis and pneumonia by promoting lung expansion and preventing pooling of respiratory secretions. It also aids in improving circulation, reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis, and enhancing overall recovery. Instructing the client to exhale into an incentive spirometer (Choice A) is beneficial for lung expansion but is more focused on respiratory therapy rather than preventing complications. Repositioning the client every 8 hours (Choice B) is important for preventing pressure ulcers but is not directly related to preventing respiratory complications. Maintaining the client on bed rest for the first 48 hours (Choice D) can lead to complications such as atelectasis, pneumonia, and deep vein thrombosis due to decreased lung expansion and mobility.

3. What action should the healthcare provider take for a patient with a chest tube?

• A. Strip the drainage tubing every 4 hours.
• B. Keep the drainage system below the level of the patient's chest.
• C. Clamp the chest tube when ambulating the patient.
• D. Ensure the water seal chamber is filled to the prescribed level.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Ensuring the water seal chamber is filled to the prescribed level is essential for the chest tube's effective functioning. This maintains the integrity of the system, prevents air from entering the pleural space, and facilitates proper drainage. Stripping the drainage tubing, keeping the drainage system below the chest level, or clamping the chest tube during ambulation are not recommended practices and can lead to complications.

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

• A. Encourage pursed-lip breathing.
• B. Administer oxygen at 6 L/min via nasal cannula.
• C. Place the client in a supine position.
• D. Restrict fluid intake to less than 1,500 mL/day.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging pursed-lip breathing is essential for clients with COPD as it aids in improving ventilation and gas exchange. This technique helps keep the airways open longer during exhalation, preventing air trapping and promoting more effective breathing. Administering oxygen, placing the client in a supine position, or restricting fluid intake are not primary interventions for managing COPD and may not address the specific respiratory needs of the client.

5. What action should be taken to prevent respiratory complications in a client who is postoperative?

• A. Encourage the use of an incentive spirometer.
• B. Restrict fluid intake.
• C. Place the client in a supine position.
• D. Administer a cough suppressant.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging the use of an incentive spirometer is crucial in preventing respiratory complications postoperatively. The incentive spirometer helps the client perform deep breathing exercises, which can prevent atelectasis (lung collapse) and promote lung expansion. This, in turn, reduces the risk of respiratory complications such as pneumonia. Restricting fluid intake, placing the client in a supine position, and administering a cough suppressant are not appropriate actions for preventing respiratory complications in a postoperative client.

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