Nursing Elites

1. When preparing a client for transfer to the ICU for placement of a pulmonary artery catheter, the nurse should explain that this catheter is used to monitor which of the following conditions?

• A. Intracranial pressure
• B. Spinal cord perfusion
• C. Renal function
• D. Hemodynamic status

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A pulmonary artery catheter is primarily used to monitor hemodynamic status. It provides essential information on cardiac output, preload, afterload, and overall cardiovascular function. This data helps healthcare providers manage the client's fluid status, cardiac function, and guide treatment interventions in critically ill patients. Monitoring intracranial pressure, spinal cord perfusion, or renal function would require different monitoring devices and techniques, not a pulmonary artery catheter.

2. While caring for a client with extensive partial and full-thickness burns of the head, neck, and chest, which risk should the nurse prioritize for assessment and intervention?

• A. Airway obstruction
• B. Infection
• C. Fluid imbalance
• D. Paralytic ileus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a client sustains burns to the head, neck, or chest, the risk of airway obstruction is a critical concern due to potential swelling, inflammation, or inhalation injury. Any compromise to the airway can lead to severe respiratory distress or failure. Early recognition and intervention to maintain a clear airway are essential to prevent life-threatening complications in burn patients.

3. A client is scheduled to have a tracheostomy placed in an hour. What action by the nurse is the priority?

• A. Administer prescribed anxiolytic medication.
• B. Ensure informed consent is on the chart.
• C. Reinforce any teaching done previously.
• D. Start the preoperative antibiotic infusion.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority action for the nurse is to ensure that informed consent is on the chart. Before any surgical procedure, it is essential to have the client's informed consent documented. While administering anxiolytics, starting antibiotic infusion, and reinforcing teaching may also be necessary, obtaining informed consent takes precedence to ensure the client's understanding and agreement to proceed with the tracheostomy.

4. A healthcare professional is assessing a client with left-sided heart failure. Which finding is most commonly associated with this condition?

• A. Peripheral edema
• B. Jugular vein distention
• C. Hepatomegaly
• D. Crackles in the lungs

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Crackles in the lungs are commonly associated with left-sided heart failure due to pulmonary congestion. Left-sided heart failure leads to the backup of blood into the lungs, causing fluid leakage into the alveoli, which results in the characteristic crackling sound upon auscultation.

5. A client with dyspnea and difficulty climbing stairs is classified as having class III dyspnea. Which intervention should the nurse include in the client's plan of care?

• A. Assistance with activities of daily living.
• B. Daily physical therapy activities.
• C. Oxygen therapy at 2 liters per nasal cannula.
• D. Complete bedrest with frequent repositioning.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Class III dyspnea indicates significant limitations in activity due to shortness of breath. Clients with this level of dyspnea should be encouraged to participate in activities within their tolerance levels. Providing assistance with activities of daily living helps conserve energy for essential tasks while promoting independence. Oxygen therapy is only necessary if hypoxia is present, and complete bedrest is generally not recommended for clients with dyspnea unless specifically indicated.

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