Nursing Elites

1. A patient has suddenly developed shortness of breath and appears to be in significant respiratory distress. After calling the physician and placing the patient on oxygen, which of these actions is the best for the nurse to take when further assessing the patient?

• A. Count the patient's respirations.
• B. Bilaterally percuss the thorax, noting any differences in percussion tones.
• C. Call for a chest x-ray and wait for the results before beginning an assessment.
• D. Inspect the thorax for any new masses and bleeding associated with respirations.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a situation where a patient is in significant respiratory distress, bilaterally percussing the thorax to note any differences in percussion tones is a crucial nursing intervention. Percussion provides instant feedback regarding changes in underlying tissue density, which can give important clues about the patient's physical status. This hands-on assessment technique is readily available and can be performed promptly. Counting the patient's respirations, while important, may not provide as much detailed information as percussion. Ordering a chest x-ray and waiting for the results can cause a delay in assessing and addressing the patient's immediate needs. Inspecting the thorax for new masses and bleeding, although relevant, may not offer as much real-time information about the patient's condition compared to percussion.

2. Which technique of assessment will the healthcare provider use to determine the presence of crepitus, swelling, and pulsations?

• A. Palpation
• B. Inspection
• C. Percussion
• D. Auscultation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Palpation involves using the sense of touch to assess various characteristics such as texture, temperature, moisture, organ location and size, as well as detecting swelling, pulsations, vibrations, rigidity, crepitus, lumps, masses, and tenderness or pain. In this scenario, the healthcare provider would utilize palpation to physically feel for crepitus, swelling, and pulsations. Inspection primarily relies on visual assessment, percussion involves assessing through palpable vibrations and audible sounds, and auscultation uses the sense of hearing. Therefore, the correct answer is palpation for assessing the presence of crepitus, swelling, and pulsations.

3. A physician's order instructs a nurse to take a temperature at the axilla. Where would the nurse place the thermometer?

• A. In the rectum
• B. In the mouth
• C. On the temples
• D. In the armpit

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a physician's order specifies taking a temperature at the axilla, the nurse should place the thermometer in the armpit. The axilla is the anatomical area of the armpit located under the arms, proximal to the trunk. Placing the thermometer in the rectum (Choice A) is used for rectal temperature measurements, in the mouth (Choice B) for oral temperature measurements, and on the temples (Choice C) is not a common site for temperature assessment. Therefore, the correct placement based on the given instruction is in the armpit.

4. Which of the following is an example of emotional neglect?

• A. A slap to the person's hand
• B. Threatening the person
• C. Ignoring and isolating a person
• D. Leaving a patient soiled for hours

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is ignoring and isolating a person. Emotional neglect involves failing to meet the emotional needs of individuals, which can include ignoring their feelings and isolating them. Choices A, B, and D involve physical aggression, verbal threats, and neglect of physical care, respectively. These actions may be forms of abuse or neglect, but they do not specifically relate to emotional neglect as described in the question.

5. A nurse is preparing to irrigate a client's indwelling catheter through a closed, intermittent system. Which of the following steps must the nurse take as part of this process?

• A. Use sterile solution at room temperature
• B. Position the client in a comfortable position
• C. Clamp the catheter at the level above the injection port
• D. Inject sterile solution through the injection port into the catheter

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When performing closed intermittent system catheter irrigation, the nurse should use sterile solution at room temperature with sterile technique. It is important to position the client comfortably for easy access to the catheter site and to assess the abdomen during the procedure. Clamping the catheter should be done below the level of the injection port, not above. The correct step is to inject sterile solution through the injection port into the catheter, allowing the fluid to travel up the catheter to irrigate the tubing and the bladder.

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