Nursing Elites

1. When educating a client who experienced a pneumothorax, which of the following statements should the nurse use?

• A. Notify the provider if you experience weakness.
• B. You should be able to return to work in 1 week.
• C. You need to wear a mask when in crowded areas.
• D. Notify your provider if you experience a productive cough.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After experiencing a pneumothorax, it is crucial for the client to be educated on potential complications. A productive cough can indicate infection or another issue, requiring prompt medical attention. Weakness, returning to work, and wearing a mask in crowded areas are important considerations but not as critical as monitoring for respiratory symptoms post-pneumothorax.

2. The physician orders a maintenance dose of 5,000 units of subcutaneous heparin (an anticoagulant) daily. Nursing responsibilities for Mrs. Mitchell now include:

• A. Reviewing daily activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time.
• B. Reporting an APTT above 45 seconds to the physician
• C. Assessing the patient for signs and symptoms of frank and occult bleeding
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. When a physician orders a maintenance dose of subcutaneous heparin, nursing responsibilities include reviewing daily activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time to monitor the patient's coagulation status, reporting an APTT above 45 seconds to the physician as it may indicate a risk of bleeding, and assessing the patient for signs and symptoms of frank and occult bleeding, which are potential adverse effects of anticoagulant therapy. Therefore, all the options listed are essential nursing responsibilities when a patient is on subcutaneous heparin therapy.

3. Which of the following is not a cause of tachycardia?

• A. Fever
• B. Exercise
• C. Sympathetic nervous system stimulation
• D. Parasympathetic nervous system stimulation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Tachycardia is an increased heart rate, and it can be caused by various factors such as fever, exercise, and sympathetic nervous system stimulation, all of which tend to increase heart rate. However, parasympathetic nervous system stimulation typically slows the heart rate, making it the exception among the choices provided. Thus, parasympathetic nervous system stimulation is not a cause of tachycardia.

4. When a client is comatose and has advance directives stating a desire to avoid life-sustaining measures, but the family wants these measures, what action should the nurse take?

• A. Arrange for an ethics committee meeting to address the family's concerns.
• B. Support the family's decision and initiate life-sustaining measures.
• C. Complete an incident report.
• D. Encourage the family to contact an attorney.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should prioritize the client's wishes as outlined in the advance directives. By arranging for an ethics committee meeting, the nurse can facilitate discussions between the family and healthcare team to ensure that the client's wishes are respected while addressing the concerns of the family. This approach promotes ethical decision-making and collaborative communication among all involved parties, ultimately aiming to provide the best possible care for the client while considering their autonomy and preferences.

5. Which pulse's absence may not be a significant finding when a patient is admitted to the hospital?

• A. Apical
• B. Radial
• C. Pedal
• D. Femoral

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The absence of the pedal pulse may not be significant if the patient has poor peripheral circulation or if the healthcare provider is focused on other pulse points. The pedal pulse is often weaker and may not always be palpable due to various factors, making its absence less concerning in certain situations. However, the absence of other pulses like radial or femoral pulses may indicate more critical conditions and require immediate attention.

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