Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a patient with heart failure who has developed pulmonary edema. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Administer a diuretic as prescribed.
• B. Place the patient in a high Fowler's position.
• C. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula.
• D. Monitor the patient's lung sounds every 2 hours.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to place the patient in a high Fowler's position. This position helps improve lung expansion and oxygenation in cases of pulmonary edema by reducing venous return to the heart and enhancing respiratory mechanics. Administering a diuretic (Choice A) can be important but is not the priority over positioning in this situation. Administering oxygen (Choice C) is essential, but the priority action for improving oxygenation is the positioning of the patient. Monitoring lung sounds (Choice D) is crucial for ongoing assessment but is not the priority action when the patient is in distress with pulmonary edema.

2. A healthcare professional in a clinic sees a client who has an acute asthma exacerbation. Which of the following medications should reduce the symptoms?

• A. Cromolyn via metered dose inhaler
• B. Budesonide via dry powder inhaler
• C. Montelukast orally
• D. Albuterol via jet nebulizer

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Albuterol via jet nebulizer is the correct choice in this scenario as it is a short-acting bronchodilator that quickly relieves bronchospasm during an asthma exacerbation. Cromolyn (Choice A) is a mast cell stabilizer used for prevention, not quick relief. Budesonide (Choice B) is an inhaled corticosteroid used for long-term control, not for acute symptom relief. Montelukast (Choice C) is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for maintenance therapy, not for immediate symptom relief during an exacerbation.

3. A client complains of pain in their leg, and the nurse notes swelling and pallor. What is the priority nursing action?

• A. Administer pain medication.
• B. Elevate the limb and monitor closely.
• C. Encourage movement to reduce swelling.
• D. Notify the provider immediately about the symptoms.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Notify the provider immediately about the symptoms. Swelling and pallor in a limb can be indicative of serious circulatory issues or compartment syndrome. It is crucial to inform the healthcare provider promptly to assess and address the situation. Administering pain medication (choice A) may temporarily alleviate the symptoms but does not address the underlying cause. Elevating the limb and monitoring closely (choice B) can be beneficial but does not replace the need for immediate professional evaluation. Encouraging movement to reduce swelling (choice C) is contraindicated in this scenario as it may worsen the condition if a circulatory issue or compartment syndrome is present.

4. A female client with anxiety disorder is being taught about alprazolam by a nurse. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. This medication may increase your blood pressure
• B. Use a reliable form of contraception while taking this medication
• C. If a dose is missed, double the next dose of medication
• D. Do not eat aged cheeses while taking this medication

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Alprazolam can increase the risk of pregnancy complications, so using a reliable form of contraception is essential to prevent unintended pregnancies. Choice A is incorrect because alprazolam typically does not increase blood pressure. Choice C is incorrect as doubling the next dose after a missed dose can lead to overdose and adverse effects. Choice D is unrelated to alprazolam and is not a concern when taking this medication.

5. When caring for a patient with a nasogastric (NG) tube, what is the most appropriate intervention to prevent aspiration?

• A. Flush the NG tube with water before each feeding.
• B. Check the placement of the NG tube before each feeding.
• C. Elevate the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees.
• D. Provide the patient with oral care every 4 hours.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees is the most appropriate intervention to prevent aspiration in a patient with an NG tube. This position helps reduce the risk of regurgitation and aspiration by promoting the proper flow of contents through the gastrointestinal tract and minimizing the chances of stomach contents entering the airway. Flushing the NG tube with water before each feeding may not directly prevent aspiration. Checking the placement of the NG tube is important but does not specifically address the prevention of aspiration. Providing oral care every 4 hours is essential for maintaining oral hygiene but is not directly related to preventing aspiration in a patient with an NG tube.

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