Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is performing a focused assessment on a client who has a history of COPD and is experiencing dyspnea. Which of the findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Flaring of the nostrils
• B. Normal respiratory rate
• C. Clear lung sounds
• D. Decreased work of breathing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Flaring of the nostrils indicates increased respiratory effort, common in clients with dyspnea due to COPD. In COPD, the airways are narrowed, causing difficulty in breathing, leading to increased work of breathing. Normal respiratory rate and clear lung sounds are less likely findings in a client with COPD experiencing dyspnea. Decreased work of breathing is not expected in this situation as COPD typically results in increased work of breathing.

2. A nurse is caring for a client with a chest tube following a thoracotomy. Which of the following findings requires intervention by the nurse?

• A. Tidaling with spontaneous respirations
• B. Drainage collection chamber is 1/3 full
• C. 1 cm of water present in the water seal chamber
• D. Suction chamber pressure of -20 cm H2O

Correct answer: C

Rationale: 1 cm of water in the water seal chamber is insufficient to ensure proper functioning of the chest tube. The water seal chamber typically requires a water level of 2 cm. Tidaling with spontaneous respirations (choice A) is an expected finding indicating proper functioning. Having the drainage collection chamber 1/3 full (choice B) is within the normal range. A suction chamber pressure of -20 cm H2O (choice D) is an appropriate level for chest tube drainage.

3. A nurse has been caring for a female client who has bruises on her arms that she explains are a result of physical abuse by her husband. The client states, “I don’t know how much longer I can take this, but I’m afraid he’ll really hurt me if I leave.” Which of the following is an appropriate nursing intervention?

• A. Offer to speak to the client’s husband regarding his abusive behavior
• B. Help the client to recognize signs of escalation in abusive behavior
• C. Assist the client in identifying personal behaviors that trigger abuse
• D. Assist the client in reporting the abusive behavior to authorities

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Assisting the client in reporting the abuse is a critical step in ensuring her safety and initiating legal action to protect her from further harm. Option A is inappropriate as it may escalate the situation and put the client at further risk. Option B focuses on the client recognizing signs of abuse, which is not as urgent as reporting it to authorities. Option C places the responsibility on the client for triggering the abuse, which is victim-blaming and not helpful in this context.

4. A healthcare provider is providing education on the use of atorvastatin. Which of the following should be included?

• A. Monitor for liver function
• B. It can cause muscle pain
• C. It is safe to take during pregnancy
• D. Both A and B

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Atorvastatin requires monitoring for liver function due to its potential to cause liver abnormalities. It can also lead to muscle pain or weakness, a condition known as myopathy. Choice C is incorrect as atorvastatin is contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential harm to the fetus, making choices A and B the correct options to include in patient education.

5. A nurse is reviewing the ABG results of a client with chronic emphysema. Which result suggests the need for further treatment?

• A. PaO2 level of 89 mm Hg
• B. PaCO2 level of 55 mm Hg
• C. HCO3 level of 25 mEq/L
• D. pH level of 7.37

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. A PaCO2 level of 55 mm Hg is elevated, indicating carbon dioxide retention, a common complication of emphysema that necessitates intervention. Elevated PaCO2 can lead to respiratory acidosis, reflecting inadequate ventilation. Choices A, C, and D are within normal ranges. A PaO2 level of 89 mm Hg is acceptable. An HCO3 level of 25 mEq/L falls within the normal range, suggesting adequate compensation. A pH level of 7.37 is also within the normal range, indicating the client's acid-base balance is maintained.

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