Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has a serum sodium level of 125 mEq/L. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Numbness of the extremities.
• B. Abdominal cramping.
• C. Bradycardia.
• D. Positive Chvostek's sign.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Abdominal cramping is a common manifestation of hyponatremia, as the sodium imbalance affects muscle function. Numbness of the extremities (Choice A) is more commonly associated with electrolyte imbalances such as hypocalcemia. Bradycardia (Choice C) is not typically a direct manifestation of hyponatremia. Positive Chvostek's sign (Choice D) is related to hypocalcemia, not hyponatremia.

2. A nurse at a long-term care facility is caring for a client who requires oral suctioning. Which of the following supplies should the nurse plan to use for this task?

• A. Yankauer catheter
• B. Bulb syringe
• C. Suction catheter
• D. Sterile gloves

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Yankauer catheter. The Yankauer catheter is specifically designed for oral suctioning, making it the most appropriate choice for this task. Choice B, the Bulb syringe, is typically used for suctioning small amounts of liquid from the nose or mouth. Choice C, the Suction catheter, is more commonly used for deep suctioning in the trachea or bronchi. Choice D, Sterile gloves, are necessary for infection control but are not the primary supply used for oral suctioning.

3. In the emergency department, a nurse is performing triage for multiple clients following a disaster in the community. To which of the following types of injuries should the nurse assign the highest priority?

• A. Below-the-knee amputation.
• B. 10 cm (4 in) laceration.
• C. Fractured tibia.
• D. 95% full-thickness body burn.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A below-the-knee amputation requires immediate attention due to the risk of hemorrhage and shock, making it the highest priority. This type of injury can lead to significant blood loss and impaired perfusion, which can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly. While a 10 cm laceration, a fractured tibia, and a 95% full-thickness body burn are serious injuries requiring urgent care, they do not pose the same immediate threat to life as a below-the-knee amputation. The laceration may require suturing to control bleeding and prevent infection, the fractured tibia needs stabilization to prevent further damage and pain, and the burn necessitates immediate management to prevent complications, but they are not as acutely life-threatening as the amputation.

4. A nurse is observing an assistive personnel (AP) caring for a client. For which of the following actions by the AP should the nurse intervene?

• A. Providing care in the hallway
• B. Reporting client information in the hallway
• C. Helping another client use the restroom
• D. Feeding the client too quickly

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because reporting client information in the hallway violates privacy regulations, compromising patient confidentiality. Providing care in the hallway (choice A) may not be ideal but is not a direct violation. Helping another client use the restroom (choice C) shows the AP's willingness to assist but is not a concern unless it compromises the current client's safety. Feeding the client too quickly (choice D) is a potential concern for aspiration but may not require immediate intervention as addressing hydration and swallowing strategies can help prevent complications.

5. What is the primary intervention for a patient with a pneumothorax?

• A. Insert a chest tube
• B. Administer oxygen
• C. Monitor respiratory rate
• D. Administer analgesics

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to insert a chest tube. This intervention is considered the definitive treatment for a pneumothorax as it helps remove air or fluid from the pleural space, re-expanding the lung. Administering oxygen (Choice B) can be supportive but is not the primary intervention to treat a pneumothorax. Monitoring respiratory rate (Choice C) is important but does not address the underlying issue of air in the pleural space. Administering analgesics (Choice D) may help manage pain but does not treat the pneumothorax itself.

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