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. Which intervention will best help a patient with chronic pain maintain mobility?

• A. Provide the patient with opioids to control pain.
• B. Encourage stretching exercises to improve flexibility.
• C. Teach the patient to use assistive devices like a cane.
• D. Recommend complete bed rest until the pain subsides.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Encouraging stretching exercises is the most appropriate nursing intervention to help a patient with chronic pain maintain mobility. Stretching exercises can improve flexibility, prevent stiffness, and promote better range of motion in patients with chronic pain. Providing opioids (Choice A) may help control pain but does not directly address mobility. Teaching the patient to use assistive devices (Choice C) may be beneficial but does not focus on improving mobility directly. Recommending complete bed rest (Choice D) can lead to deconditioning and further loss of mobility, which is not recommended for chronic pain management.

3. A nurse witnesses a colleague administering the wrong IV solution to a client. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Complete an incident report.
• B. Ask the colleague if they intend to report the error.
• C. Call the healthcare provider to notify them of the error.
• D. Notify the supervisor about the situation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first step for the nurse to take in this situation is to ask the colleague if they intend to report the error. It is important to address the error promptly and directly with the colleague involved to ensure that the appropriate actions are taken to correct the mistake and prevent harm to the client. Completing an incident report, calling the healthcare provider, or notifying the supervisor can be done after discussing the error with the colleague. Immediate communication with the colleague directly involved in the error is crucial to address the situation effectively.

4. A nurse is caring for a newborn in the nursery following a circumcision. The newborn's grandparent, who does not have an identification bracelet, requests to take the newborn to his parents' room. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Check the newborn's identification bracelet against the chart
• B. Obtain permission from the newborn's parents
• C. Respectfully deny the grandparent's request
• D. Review the newborn's footprints record

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, where the grandparent lacks proper identification, the nurse should respectfully deny the request to take the newborn. It is crucial to prioritize the newborn's safety and security by following hospital policies and procedures. Checking the newborn's identification bracelet against the chart (Choice A) may not be sufficient to address the situation at hand, as the grandparent's lack of identification is the primary concern. While obtaining permission from the newborn's parents (Choice B) is important, the lack of proper identification from the grandparent takes precedence. Reviewing the newborn's footprints record (Choice D) is not necessary in this situation, as the immediate concern is ensuring proper identification and security before allowing the newborn to leave the nursery.

5. 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.

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