Nursing Elites

1. A patient presents with an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by shortness of breath, orthopnea, thick, tenacious secretions, and a dry hacking cough. An appropriate nursing diagnosis would be:

• A. Ineffective airway clearance related to thick, tenacious secretions.
• B. Ineffective airway clearance related to dry, hacking cough.
• C. Ineffective individual coping with COPD.
• D. Pain related to immobilization of affected leg.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The patient's symptoms of shortness of breath, orthopnea, thick, tenacious secretions, and a dry hacking cough all point towards a potential airway clearance issue. This makes option A, 'Ineffective airway clearance related to thick, tenacious secretions,' the most appropriate nursing diagnosis. It directly addresses the thick secretions and suggests a potential cause of the breathing difficulty the patient is experiencing.

2. Which chamber of the heart receives oxygenated blood from the lungs?

• A. Left atrium
• B. Right atrium
• C. Left ventricle
• D. Right ventricle

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, the left atrium. The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs through the pulmonary veins. This blood is then pumped into the left ventricle before being circulated throughout the body. The right atrium, represented by choice B, actually receives deoxygenated blood from the body through the vena cava. Choices C and D, the left ventricle and right ventricle respectively, are chambers involved in pumping blood out of the heart to the body and lungs, rather than receiving blood from the lungs.

3. When discussing hair loss with Mrs. Lim, who begins to cry, the best response would be:

• A. Don’t worry. It’s only temporary
• B. Why are you crying? I didn’t get to the bad news yet
• C. Your hair is really pretty
• D. I know this will be difficult for you, but your hair will grow back after the completion of chemotherapy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a patient is emotionally affected, it is essential to acknowledge their feelings while providing reassurance and information. Option D demonstrates empathy by acknowledging the difficulty Mrs. Lim is facing and offers hope by reassuring her that her hair will grow back after chemotherapy, which can provide comfort and support during a challenging time.

4. During discharge teaching, a client informs the nurse about a new prescription for prednisone for asthma. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding in teaching?

• A. I will decrease my fluid intake while taking this medication.
• B. I will expect to have black, tarry stools.
• C. I will take my medication with meals.
• D. I will monitor for weight loss while on this medication.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Taking prednisone with meals can help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal upset and irritation. It is important for the client to understand how to take the medication correctly to maximize its effectiveness and minimize potential side effects. Monitoring for weight loss or changes in stools may be important but does not directly relate to the administration of the medication with meals.

5. Prior to a thoracentesis, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Position the client in an upright position, leaning over the bedside table.
• B. Explain the procedure.
• C. Obtain ABGs.
• D. Administer benzocaine spray.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Positioning the client in an upright position, leaning over the bedside table helps to facilitate access to the thoracic cavity during the thoracentesis procedure. This position allows for easier identification and access to the insertion site. Explaining the procedure to the client is important, but positioning is the priority. Obtaining ABGs is not directly related to the thoracentesis procedure. Administering benzocaine spray is not a standard practice before a thoracentesis.

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