Nursing Elites

1. A patient has just undergone a tracheostomy. What is the nurse's priority intervention?

• A. Suction the tracheostomy to maintain a patent airway.
• B. Administer pain medication as prescribed.
• C. Change the tracheostomy dressing every 4 hours.
• D. Monitor the patient's oxygen saturation closely.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to suction the tracheostomy to maintain a patent airway. After a tracheostomy, the priority intervention is to ensure a clear airway to prevent respiratory distress. Administering pain medication, changing the tracheostomy dressing, and monitoring oxygen saturation are important but are secondary to maintaining a patent airway in a patient who has just undergone a tracheostomy.

2. A nurse is preparing to administer a high dose of morphine to a patient with terminal cancer. What is the nurse's primary consideration before administration?

• A. Ensure the family is aware of the dosage to be administered.
• B. Monitor the patient for respiratory depression.
• C. Administer the morphine in divided doses.
• D. Delay administration until the next assessment.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitor the patient for respiratory depression. When administering a high dose of morphine, the nurse's primary consideration should be to monitor the patient for respiratory depression, as morphine can slow down breathing, especially in higher doses. Option A is incorrect because the primary focus should be on the patient's well-being and safety rather than family awareness at this point. Option C is not the best approach as the immediate concern is monitoring the patient closely for any adverse effects. Option D is not advisable as delaying administration without a valid reason can compromise pain management in a terminal cancer patient.

3. A client with hyperthyroidism is prescribed propranolol. Which finding indicates that the propranolol is effective?

• A. The client reports an increase in weight
• B. The client has a decrease in blood pressure
• C. The client reports an increase in energy
• D. The client's respiratory rate has increased

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because a decrease in blood pressure is an expected outcome when propranolol, a beta-blocker, is effectively managing hyperthyroidism. Propranolol helps control symptoms such as tachycardia and hypertension associated with hyperthyroidism. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because weight gain, increased energy, and an increased respiratory rate are not direct indicators of propranolol's effectiveness in treating hyperthyroidism.

4. A nurse on a rehabilitation unit is creating a plan of care for a newly admitted client who has difficulty swallowing following a stroke. Which of the following inter-professional team members should the nurse anticipate consulting regarding the client's condition?

• A. Speech-language pathologist
• B. Occupational therapist
• C. Dietitian
• D. Pharmacy technician

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Speech-language pathologist. A speech-language pathologist specializes in evaluating and treating swallowing difficulties, known as dysphagia, which commonly occurs following a stroke. They are experts in developing strategies to help individuals improve their ability to swallow safely. Occupational therapists (B) focus on helping individuals regain independence in activities of daily living, not specifically addressing swallowing concerns. Dietitians (C) primarily work on developing appropriate nutrition plans but may not directly address swallowing issues. Pharmacy technicians (D) assist pharmacists in dispensing medications and are not directly involved in managing swallowing difficulties.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and has compression stockings. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Check the stockings for wrinkles
• B. Apply the stockings while the client is sitting in a chair
• C. Measure the size of the client's foot
• D. Remove the stockings once each day

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to check the stockings for wrinkles. This is important to ensure that the stockings are applied correctly without any folds or wrinkles, which can hinder proper circulation and compression. Option B is incorrect because compression stockings should be applied with the client lying down, not sitting in a chair. Option C is unnecessary as the size of the client's foot is unlikely to change postoperatively. Option D is incorrect as compression stockings are usually worn continuously except for specific care needs.

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