Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is to collect a sputum specimen for acid-fast bacillus (AFB) from a client. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Ask the client to cough sputum into a container
• B. Have the client take several deep breaths
• C. Provide an appropriate specimen container
• D. Assist with oral hygiene

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Assisting with oral hygiene is the essential initial step before collecting a sputum specimen for acid-fast bacillus (AFB) to prevent contamination of the sample. Ensuring the client's mouth is clean reduces the risk of introducing unwanted bacteria into the specimen. Asking the client to cough sputum into a container, having the client take deep breaths, and providing a specimen container are important steps in the specimen collection process, but they should follow ensuring proper oral hygiene.

2. The nurse is caring for a client post appendectomy. The client has developed a fever, and the incision site is red and swollen. Which of these assessments is a priority for the nurse to perform?

• A. Check the client's blood pressure
• B. Assess the client's pain level
• C. Inspect the incision site
• D. Monitor the client's respiratory status

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Inspecting the incision site is a priority in this situation because the redness and swelling indicate a potential infection. This assessment helps the nurse determine the extent of infection and the appropriate intervention, such as administering antibiotics or notifying the healthcare provider. Checking the client's blood pressure (Choice A) may be important but is not the priority in this scenario where signs of infection are present. Assessing the client's pain level (Choice B) is also important but addressing the infection takes precedence. Monitoring the client's respiratory status (Choice D) is essential but not the priority when dealing with a localized infection at the incision site.

3. A client diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver and ascites is receiving Spironolactone (Aldactone). The nurse understands that this medication spares the elimination of which element?

• A. Sodium
• B. Potassium
• C. Phosphate
• D. Albumin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Potassium. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, which means it helps retain potassium while eliminating sodium. This is beneficial for patients with cirrhosis and ascites as they are at risk of low potassium levels. Choice A, Sodium, is incorrect as Spironolactone does not spare the elimination of sodium but rather helps eliminate it. Choice C, Phosphate, is incorrect as Spironolactone does not directly affect phosphate levels. Choice D, Albumin, is incorrect as Spironolactone does not spare the elimination of albumin.

4. A client is receiving treatment for hypothyroidism. Which of these assessments would be most concerning to the nurse?

• A. Heart rate of 70 beats per minute
• B. Blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg
• C. Respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute
• D. Temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg would be most concerning to the nurse because changes in blood pressure can indicate worsening hypothyroidism, potentially leading to complications such as myxedema coma. A heart rate of 70 beats per minute, a respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute, and a temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit are within normal ranges and not typically directly associated with hypothyroidism complications.

5. A client is diagnosed with a spontaneous pneumothorax necessitating the insertion of a chest tube. What is the best explanation for the nurse to provide this client?

• A. The tube will drain fluid from your chest.
• B. The tube will remove excess air from your chest.
• C. The tube controls the amount of air that enters your chest.
• D. The tube will seal the hole in your lung.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'The tube will remove excess air from your chest.' In a spontaneous pneumothorax, air accumulates in the pleural space, causing lung collapse. The chest tube is inserted to remove this excess air, allowing the lung to re-expand. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the primary purpose of a chest tube in pneumothorax is to evacuate air, not fluid, control air entry, or seal a lung hole.

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