Nursing Elites

1. A nurse on an acute unit has received a change of shift report for 4 clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?

• A. A client who is 1 hr postoperative and has hypoactive bowel sounds.
• B. A client who has a fractured left tibia and pallor in the affected extremity.
• C. A client who had a cardiac catheterization 3 hr ago and has 3+ pedal pulses.
• D. A client who has an elevated AST level following the administration of azithromycin.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because pallor in an extremity after a fracture could indicate compromised circulation, making it a priority for assessment. Choice A is not the priority as hypoactive bowel sounds in a client 1 hr postoperative, while concerning, do not indicate a life-threatening condition. Choice C, a client who had a cardiac catheterization 3 hr ago and has 3+ pedal pulses, indicates good perfusion and does not require immediate attention. Choice D, a client with an elevated AST level following the administration of azithromycin, may require further assessment but is not as urgent as the client with potential compromised circulation in choice B.

2. What are the key nursing interventions for a patient with a tracheostomy?

• A. Maintain a patent airway and monitor for infection
• B. Suction airway secretions and provide humidified oxygen
• C. Educate patient on self-care and tracheostomy cleaning
• D. Change tracheostomy ties daily

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to maintain a patent airway and monitor for infection. These are crucial nursing interventions for patients with tracheostomies to ensure adequate oxygenation and prevent complications. Suctioning airway secretions and providing humidified oxygen can be part of the care plan but are not as essential as maintaining a patent airway. Educating the patient on self-care and tracheostomy cleaning is important for long-term management but is not as immediate as ensuring a patent airway and monitoring for infection. Changing tracheostomy ties daily is a specific task related to tracheostomy care but is not as critical as ensuring the airway is clear and infection-free.

3. When a nurse questions a medication prescription as too extreme due to a client's advanced age and unstable status, this action exemplifies which ethical principle?

• A. Fidelity
• B. Autonomy
• C. Justice
• D. Non-maleficence

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Non-maleficence. Non-maleficence refers to the ethical principle of avoiding harm. In this scenario, the nurse questions the medication prescription to prevent potential harm to the client, demonstrating the principle of non-maleficence. Choice A, fidelity, pertains to being faithful and keeping promises, which is not the focus of the scenario. Choice B, autonomy, relates to respecting a client's right to make decisions about their care, not the nurse's actions. Choice C, justice, involves fairness and equal treatment, which is not directly applicable to the nurse questioning a medication prescription to prevent harm.

4. A client is prescribed simvastatin. Which instruction should the nurse provide during teaching?

• A. Take this medication in the morning.
• B. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice.
• C. Increase your intake of leafy green vegetables.
• D. Monitor your pulse daily while taking this medication.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Avoid drinking grapefruit juice.' Grapefruit juice can increase the risk of toxicity when taken with simvastatin. Instructing the client to avoid grapefruit juice helps prevent this interaction. Choice A is incorrect because the timing of medication administration for simvastatin is usually in the evening. Choice C is unrelated to simvastatin therapy. Choice D is not necessary for monitoring while taking simvastatin.

5. What is the priority for the nurse when caring for a patient with a chest tube?

• A. Ensure tube patency and observe for air leaks
• B. Maintain sterile technique during dressing changes
• C. Monitor drainage and record output
• D. Observe for signs of infection and monitor for subcutaneous emphysema

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority for the nurse when caring for a patient with a chest tube is to ensure tube patency and observe for air leaks. This is essential to prevent complications such as pneumothorax and ensure the patient's lung function. While maintaining sterile technique during dressing changes, monitoring drainage, recording output, and observing for signs of infection and subcutaneous emphysema are also important, ensuring tube patency takes precedence as it directly impacts the patient's respiratory status and overall safety.

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