Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and refuses to use an incentive spirometer following major abdominal surgery. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?

• A. Demonstrate how to use the spirometer
• B. Set a realistic postoperative goal
• C. Determine the reasons why the client is refusing
• D. Request that a respiratory therapist discuss the technique

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority action for the nurse is to determine the reasons why the client is refusing to use the incentive spirometer. By understanding the client's concerns or issues, the nurse can address them effectively, provide education or support, and encourage the client to comply with the necessary postoperative care. This approach fosters a patient-centered care environment. Demonstrating how to use the spirometer (Choice A) may be important but is not the priority at this moment. Setting a realistic postoperative goal (Choice B) is relevant but not as immediate as understanding the client's refusal. Requesting a respiratory therapist (Choice D) can be considered later if needed, but the nurse's initial focus should be on understanding the client's perspective.

2. A home health nurse is teaching about chest physiotherapy (CPT) treatments to a client with COPD. Which of the following client statements should the nurse identify as an indication that the teaching has been understood?

• A. My coughing will decrease during CPT treatments.
• B. CPT treatments will decrease my respiratory infections.
• C. I will perform postural drainage after eating meals.
• D. CPT treatments will help cure my COPD.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because chest physiotherapy (CPT) helps reduce respiratory infections by loosening mucus in the lungs. Choice A is incorrect because coughing may temporarily increase during CPT treatments as mucus is being cleared. Choice C is incorrect because postural drainage is typically performed before meals. Choice D is incorrect because while CPT can help manage symptoms and improve lung function in COPD, it does not cure the disease.

3. A patient with severe pain and leg swelling is admitted. What should the nurse assess for?

• A. Check for signs of deep vein thrombosis.
• B. Assess for compartment syndrome.
• C. Increase the patient's fluid intake.
• D. Prepare the patient for surgery to relieve pain.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a patient presents with severe pain and leg swelling, the nurse should assess for compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome is a serious condition that can develop due to increased pressure within a muscle compartment, leading to compromised circulation and potential tissue damage. It is crucial to identify compartment syndrome promptly as it may require immediate intervention to prevent further complications. Checking for signs of deep vein thrombosis (Choice A) is also important in a patient with leg swelling, but in this scenario, the focus should be on assessing for compartment syndrome due to the severity of the symptoms. Increasing fluid intake (Choice C) may not address the underlying cause of the patient's symptoms. Preparing the patient for surgery (Choice D) without a comprehensive assessment and diagnosis is premature and may not be the appropriate initial intervention.

4. A client in her first trimester of pregnancy is being taught by a nurse about over-the-counter medications that belong to pregnancy risk category B. Which of the following medications should the nurse include?

• A. Naproxen
• B. Aspirin
• C. Ibuprofen
• D. Acetaminophen

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Acetaminophen is the correct choice as it belongs to pregnancy risk category B, making it considered safe during pregnancy. Naproxen, Aspirin, and Ibuprofen are not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, as they are classified in higher-risk categories which may be harmful to the developing fetus.

5. What is the most appropriate method for assessing a patient's pain level?

• A. Observe the patient's facial expressions.
• B. Use a standardized pain scale, such as 0-10.
• C. Ask the patient to rate their pain based on their mood.
• D. Ask the patient's family members to assess the pain.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate method for assessing a patient's pain level is to use a standardized pain scale, such as a 0-10 scale. This method provides an objective and consistent way to measure and communicate the intensity of pain experienced by the patient. Choice A, observing facial expressions, can be subjective and may not always accurately reflect the level of pain. Choice C, asking the patient to rate their pain based on their mood, may be influenced by various factors unrelated to pain. Choice D, involving the patient's family members in assessing the pain, is not ideal as pain is a subjective experience that should be reported by the patient themselves.

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