Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent atelectasis?

• A. Encourage deep breathing exercises
• B. Encourage the client to cough every 2 hours
• C. Administer an incentive spirometer
• D. Assist the client to ambulate in the hallway

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Administer an incentive spirometer. Using an incentive spirometer helps prevent atelectasis by encouraging lung expansion after surgery. Encouraging deep breathing exercises (choice A) is beneficial but may not be as effective as an incentive spirometer. Encouraging the client to cough (choice B) helps with airway clearance but does not directly prevent atelectasis. Assisting the client to ambulate (choice D) is important for preventing complications such as deep vein thrombosis, but it is not the most effective intervention for preventing atelectasis.

2. What are the complications of untreated fluid overload?

• A. Pulmonary edema and congestive heart failure
• B. Hypertension and electrolyte imbalance
• C. Liver failure and electrolyte imbalance
• D. Pulmonary embolism and dehydration

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Untreated fluid overload can lead to complications such as pulmonary edema and congestive heart failure. Pulmonary edema occurs when excess fluid accumulates in the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing and potentially life-threatening respiratory distress. Congestive heart failure can result from the heart's inability to pump effectively due to the excess fluid volume, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because hypertension, liver failure, pulmonary embolism, and dehydration are not the primary complications directly associated with untreated fluid overload.

3. What is the most appropriate strategy for a client with an NG tube who is experiencing nausea and decreased gastric secretions?

• A. Increase the suction pressure
• B. Irrigate the NG tube with sterile water
• C. Turn the client onto their side
• D. Replace the NG tube with a new one

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Irrigating the NG tube with sterile water is the most appropriate strategy for a client with an NG tube experiencing nausea and decreased gastric secretions. This intervention helps in relieving blockages within the tube and can help reduce nausea by ensuring proper drainage. Increasing the suction pressure (Choice A) can lead to complications and should not be done without healthcare provider orders. Turning the client onto their side (Choice C) is a general measure for patient comfort but does not directly address the issue with the NG tube. Replacing the NG tube with a new one (Choice D) is not necessary unless there are specific indications like tube damage or dislodgement.

4. A client is reinforcing teaching with a nurse about how to use an incentive spirometer. Which of the following actions by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. The client exhales deeply before inhaling
• B. The client attempts to elevate the cylinder by inhaling deeply
• C. The client inhales quickly through the spirometer
• D. The client inhales several short breaths

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because inhaling deeply and slowly elevates the cylinder on the spirometer, promoting lung expansion. Choice A is incorrect as exhaling deeply before inhaling is not the correct technique for using an incentive spirometer. Choice C is incorrect as inhaling quickly through the spirometer does not promote optimal lung expansion. Choice D is incorrect as inhaling several short breaths does not facilitate the proper use of an incentive spirometer.

5. What are the key steps in administering oral medications to a patient with dysphagia?

• A. Crush medications and mix with food
• B. Use a straw to facilitate swallowing
• C. Encourage the patient to drink thickened liquids
• D. Have the patient lie flat during administration

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Crush medications and mix with food. When administering oral medications to a patient with dysphagia, crushing the medications and mixing them with food is a common method to aid in swallowing. Choice B is incorrect because using a straw could pose a choking hazard for patients with dysphagia. Choice C is incorrect as thickened liquids may not always be suitable for all medications. Choice D is incorrect because having the patient lie flat can increase the risk of aspiration, which is not recommended for patients with dysphagia.

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