Nursing Elites

1. A patient is experiencing shortness of breath. What is the nurse's immediate action?

• A. Assist the patient into a high Fowler's position.
• B. Administer oxygen at 2 liters per minute via nasal cannula.
• C. Encourage the patient to take deep breaths and cough.
• D. Assess the patient's lung sounds.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering oxygen at 2 liters per minute via nasal cannula is the immediate action for a patient experiencing shortness of breath. This intervention helps to improve oxygenation and relieve respiratory distress promptly. Placing the patient in a high Fowler's position (choice A) may also be beneficial but providing oxygen takes precedence in this scenario to address the underlying hypoxemia. Encouraging deep breaths and coughing (choice C) may not be appropriate as the first action, especially without assessing the patient first. Assessing lung sounds (choice D) is essential but should follow the initial intervention of administering oxygen.

2. Which of the following best describes a somatic symptom disorder?

• A. Client experiences sudden onset of symptoms due to stress
• B. Physical manifestations occur due to underlying medical conditions
• C. Client has excessive preoccupation with physical symptoms without a medical cause
• D. Client avoids medical care due to fear of receiving a diagnosis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Somatic symptom disorder is characterized by individuals having excessive preoccupation with physical symptoms that may or may not have an identifiable medical cause. Choice A is incorrect because the sudden onset of symptoms due to stress is more indicative of acute stress reaction. Choice B is incorrect as it describes physical manifestations related to known medical conditions, not somatic symptom disorder. Choice D is incorrect as it relates to health anxiety or illness anxiety disorder, where individuals avoid seeking medical care due to fear of receiving a diagnosis.

3. A nurse is assessing a client following a head injury and a brief loss of consciousness. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 12
• B. Edematous bruise on the forehead
• C. Small drops of clear fluid in the left ear
• D. Pupils are 4 mm and reactive to light

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Clear fluid draining from the ear may indicate a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, which is a serious complication following a head injury. Reporting this finding is crucial as it may require immediate medical intervention to prevent further complications. Choices A, B, and D are not as concerning as a CSF leak. A GCS score of 12 is relatively high, indicating a mild level of consciousness alteration. An edematous bruise on the forehead is a common physical finding after a head injury. Pupils that are 4 mm and reactive to light suggest normal pupillary function.

4. A client asks about becoming an organ donor. What information should the nurse provide?

• A. The process should be discussed with family first.
• B. The organ donation process should begin immediately.
• C. Organ donation can proceed even if the family disagrees.
• D. Donor cards must be signed in the presence of a witness.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. For organ donation to be legally valid, the donor must sign consent documents in the presence of a witness. Choice A is incorrect because while discussing with family is important, it is not a legal requirement for organ donation. Choice B is incorrect as the organ donation process involves various steps and procedures that cannot begin immediately. Choice C is incorrect because organ donation typically requires consent and cooperation from the family if the donor is unable to provide consent.

5. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication that requires a peak and trough level. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Administer the medication before the peak level is obtained.
• B. Withhold the medication until the trough level is obtained.
• C. Administer the medication based on the previous trough level.
• D. Ensure that the medication is administered within 2 hours of the peak level.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse's priority action should be to withhold the medication until the trough level is obtained. This is crucial to ensure accurate dosing based on the patient's levels. Administering the medication before the peak level is obtained (choice A) can lead to incorrect dosing. Administering the medication based on the previous trough level (choice C) may not reflect the current levels accurately. Ensuring that the medication is administered within 2 hours of the peak level (choice D) is not necessary for obtaining accurate peak and trough levels.

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