Nursing Elites

1. When should a nurse suction a client with a tracheostomy?

• A. Every 6 hours, regardless of distress signs
• B. When the client's respiratory rate drops below 10
• C. When the client shows signs of irritability
• D. When the client begins to cough or show signs of airway blockage

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to suction the client when they show signs of irritability. Signs of irritability, such as restlessness or agitation, can indicate the need for suctioning in a client with a tracheostomy. This early indicator suggests that there may be an accumulation of secretions affecting the client's airway. Suctioning should be performed promptly to maintain a clear airway and prevent complications. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because suctioning should be based on clinical signs and symptoms indicating the need for intervention, rather than a fixed schedule or specific vital sign parameters.

2. What is the primary action the nurse should take first for a client with a pressure ulcer who has a serum albumin level of 3 g/dL?

• A. Increase the protein intake in the diet
• B. Consult with a dietitian to create a high-protein diet
• C. Increase the IV fluid infusion rate
• D. Administer a protein supplement

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to consult with a dietitian to create a high-protein diet. A serum albumin level of 3 g/dL indicates hypoalbuminemia, which can impair wound healing. Consulting with a dietitian to optimize the client's protein intake is crucial in promoting wound healing for pressure ulcers. Increasing the protein intake in the diet (Choice A) may not be sufficient without proper guidance from a dietitian. Increasing the IV fluid infusion rate (Choice C) is not directly related to addressing the protein deficiency. Administering a protein supplement (Choice D) should be guided by a healthcare professional's recommendation after consulting with a dietitian.

3. What is the most important step when preparing to administer a blood transfusion?

• A. Check if the client has a fever
• B. Ensure the blood type is compatible with the client
• C. Administer the blood via IV push
• D. Ensure the blood is warmed to body temperature

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ensure the blood type is compatible with the client. This is the most crucial step in preparing for a blood transfusion to prevent severe transfusion reactions. Checking the client for a fever (Choice A) is important but not the most critical step. Administering blood via IV push (Choice C) is incorrect as blood transfusions are usually administered as a slow drip. Warming the blood to body temperature (Choice D) is not a standard practice and can lead to hemolysis, making it an incorrect choice.

4. What is the proper technique for obtaining a blood specimen from a central venous line?

• A. Use sterile gloves and discard the first 10 mL of blood
• B. Flush the line with heparin and then draw the specimen
• C. Draw the specimen and then administer heparin
• D. Use non-sterile gloves to reduce contamination risk

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct technique for obtaining a blood specimen from a central venous line is to use sterile gloves and discard the first 10 mL of blood. This practice helps ensure that the blood sample collected is not contaminated. Choice B is incorrect because flushing the line with heparin before drawing the specimen can contaminate the sample. Choice C is incorrect as administering heparin before drawing the specimen can affect the accuracy of the blood sample. Choice D is incorrect as using non-sterile gloves increases the risk of contamination, which is not recommended when obtaining a blood specimen from a central venous line.

5. How should a healthcare provider educate a patient with hypertension about lifestyle modifications?

• A. Reduce sodium intake
• B. Increase physical activity
• C. Quit smoking
• D. Avoid alcohol

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When educating a patient with hypertension about lifestyle modifications, reducing sodium intake is crucial as excess sodium can contribute to high blood pressure. While increasing physical activity is beneficial for overall health, it is not the primary lifestyle modification specifically targeted at hypertension. Quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol are important for general health but are not the first-line lifestyle modifications recommended for hypertension. Therefore, the correct answer is to reduce sodium intake.

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