Nursing Elites

1. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being cared for by a nurse. What is the most appropriate action to improve the patient's oxygenation?

• A. Encourage the patient to use incentive spirometry.
• B. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula as prescribed.
• C. Assist the patient with coughing and deep breathing exercises.
• D. Position the patient in a high Fowler's position.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering oxygen via nasal cannula as prescribed is the most appropriate action to improve the patient's oxygenation in COPD. Oxygen therapy helps maintain adequate oxygen levels in the blood, which is crucial for managing COPD. Encouraging the use of incentive spirometry, assisting with coughing and deep breathing exercises, and positioning the patient in high Fowler's position are all beneficial interventions, but administering oxygen is the priority for immediate oxygenation support in COPD.

2. A health care provider asks the nurse to administer a medication with a dosage significantly higher than usual. What is the nurse's first action?

• A. Administer the medication as ordered.
• B. Question the provider and verify the dose.
• C. Administer half the dosage as a precaution.
• D. Refuse to administer the medication without clarification.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a health care provider orders a medication with a dosage significantly higher than usual, the nurse's initial action should be to question the provider and verify the dose. This is crucial to ensure patient safety and prevent medication errors. Administering the medication as ordered (Choice A) without clarification could potentially harm the patient if there was an error in the prescription. Administering half the dosage as a precaution (Choice C) is not a safe practice as it deviates from the prescribed order. Refusing to administer the medication without clarification (Choice D) is important, but the first step should be to seek clarification from the provider to prevent any unnecessary delays in patient care.

3. A client with a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order has requested resuscitation during a family visit. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Follow the client's wishes and start resuscitation.
• B. Explain that the DNR must be honored.
• C. Ignore the client's request.
• D. Consult with the family regarding the decision.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Nurses have a legal and ethical obligation to honor a client's do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order, regardless of any request for resuscitation during a family visit. It is crucial for the nurse to explain to the client that the DNR order must be respected. Choice A is incorrect because starting resuscitation against the client's documented wishes goes against the principle of autonomy. Choice C is inappropriate as it disregards the client's autonomy and legal directives. Choice D is not the best option as the nurse should prioritize honoring the client's decision as per the DNR order.

4. A nurse is preparing to administer morphine sulfate to a client. What should the nurse assess before administration?

• A. Assess for pain relief.
• B. Monitor for respiratory depression.
• C. Assess the infusion site for complications.
• D. Increase the dosage if the client reports more pain.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Correct answer: Before administering morphine sulfate, the nurse should monitor for respiratory depression as it is a significant side effect of this medication. Assessing for pain relief (Choice A) is important but not a pre-administration assessment. Checking the infusion site for complications (Choice C) is relevant for IV medications, not specifically for morphine sulfate. Increasing the dosage if the client reports more pain (Choice D) is not appropriate without further assessment and medical orders.

5. While assessing a migrant farm worker in a mobile health clinic, which of the following findings should the nurse identify as the priority?

• A. Report of back pain associated with twisting at the waist
• B. Absence of a dental health provider
• C. Lives in a home with 25 other migrant workers
• D. Report of muscle twitching and skin rash

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because muscle twitching and a rash could indicate pesticide poisoning, a serious condition that requires immediate attention in a migrant farm worker. Option A is not the priority as it could be musculoskeletal in nature and managed after addressing urgent issues. Option B, absence of a dental health provider, though important for overall health, is not an immediate priority. Option C, living with 25 other migrant workers, raises concerns about living conditions but does not present an immediate health threat compared to potential pesticide poisoning.

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