Nursing Elites

1. When teaching a client with left-leg weakness how to use a cane, which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Use the cane on the weak side of the body
• B. Advance the cane and the strong leg simultaneously
• C. Maintain two points of support on the floor
• D. Advance the cane 30 to 45 cm (12-18 in) with each step

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for the client with left-leg weakness using a cane is to maintain two points of support on the floor. This ensures stability and balance while walking. Choice A is incorrect because the cane should be used on the strong side of the body to provide additional support. Choice B is incorrect as the cane and the weak leg should move together for support. Choice D is incorrect as advancing the cane too far with each step may compromise balance and stability.

2. A nurse in a provider's office is reinforcing discharge teaching with a client who is postoperative following cataract removal from one eye. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Use eye drops to soothe dryness
• B. Avoid rubbing the eye
• C. Sleep on the side of the affected eye
• D. Avoid lying on the affected side

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After cataract surgery, it is essential to avoid lying on the affected side to reduce pressure and promote healing. Sleeping on the side of the affected eye (Choice C) may increase pressure on the eye, leading to complications. While using eye drops to soothe dryness (Choice A) is generally recommended postoperatively, it is not as crucial as avoiding pressure on the eye. Rubbing the eye (Choice B) should be avoided to prevent irritation and potential damage, but it is not as critical as avoiding pressure on the affected eye.

3. A client with a chest tube is post-op. What is the priority nursing action?

• A. Clamp the chest tube every 2 hours
• B. Check for air leaks and proper functioning of the chest tube
• C. Encourage deep breathing and coughing every 2 hours
• D. Encourage frequent coughing to clear secretions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to check for air leaks and ensure the proper functioning of the chest tube. This action is crucial post-op to prevent complications such as pneumothorax or hemothorax. Clamping the chest tube every 2 hours (Choice A) is incorrect as it can lead to a buildup of pressure within the chest, risking complications. Encouraging deep breathing and coughing every 2 hours (Choice C) is important for respiratory hygiene but not the priority over ensuring the chest tube's proper function. Encouraging frequent coughing to clear secretions (Choice D) is not the priority when assessing a chest tube post-op; ensuring the chest tube's integrity and function take precedence.

4. What is the proper technique for measuring a patient's blood pressure?

• A. Place the cuff at heart level and listen for Korotkoff sounds
• B. Ensure the patient is in a seated position and inflate the cuff to 180 mmHg
• C. Use a manual sphygmomanometer and measure blood pressure on both arms
• D. Monitor pulse rate and apply pressure to the brachial artery

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct technique for measuring blood pressure involves placing the cuff at heart level to ensure accurate readings. Listening for Korotkoff sounds helps determine the systolic and diastolic pressures. Choice B is incorrect as inflating the cuff to 180 mmHg is excessive and can lead to inaccurate readings. Choice C is incorrect as it is unnecessary to measure blood pressure on both arms unless there is a specific medical reason to do so. Choice D is incorrect as monitoring pulse rate and applying pressure to the brachial artery are not part of the standard blood pressure measurement technique.

5. What are the key signs of hyperkalemia and how should it be treated?

• A. Elevated potassium levels, muscle weakness; administer calcium gluconate
• B. Decreased potassium levels, confusion; administer potassium chloride
• C. Elevated sodium levels, bradycardia; administer sodium bicarbonate
• D. Low sodium levels, muscle cramps; administer sodium chloride

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct signs of hyperkalemia include elevated potassium levels and muscle weakness. The treatment involves administering calcium gluconate to help stabilize the heart. Choice B is incorrect as hyperkalemia is characterized by elevated, not decreased, potassium levels. Choice C is incorrect as hyperkalemia does not involve elevated sodium levels, and the treatment is not sodium bicarbonate. Choice D is incorrect as hyperkalemia does not lead to low sodium levels, and sodium chloride is not the treatment for hyperkalemia.

Similar Questions