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. A nurse is evaluating care of an immobilized patient. Which action will the nurse take?

• A. Involve primarily the patient's family and healthcare team to determine goal achievement.
• B. Focus on whether the interdisciplinary team is satisfied with the care.
• C. Use objective data solely to determine whether interventions have been successful.
• D. Compare the patient's actual outcomes with the outcomes in the care plan.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because comparing the patient's actual outcomes with the outcomes in the care plan is essential in evaluating the effectiveness of care provided to an immobilized patient. This comparison helps in identifying any disparities between the planned care and the actual care received, allowing the nurse to make necessary adjustments to improve patient outcomes. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because while involving the patient's family and healthcare team, ensuring interdisciplinary team satisfaction, and using objective data are important aspects of patient care, they do not directly address the specific action needed to evaluate care for an immobilized patient.

3. A nurse is receiving change-of-shift report on a group of clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?

• A. A client who has urolithiasis and reports severe ankle pain extending toward the abdomen
• B. A client who has acute cholecystitis and reports abdominal pain radiating to the right shoulder
• C. A client who has had a total knee arthroplasty, is 1 day postoperative, and reports a pain level of 8 on a 0 to 10 pain scale
• D. A client who has a fractured femur and reports sudden sharp chest pain

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because a client with a fractured femur and sudden chest pain may be experiencing a pulmonary embolism, which requires immediate assessment. Choice A is incorrect because although severe pain is present, it is more indicative of musculoskeletal issues related to urolithiasis rather than a life-threatening condition. Choice B, related to acute cholecystitis, is less urgent than choice D as the pain radiating to the right shoulder is a common symptom but does not indicate an immediate life-threatening situation. Choice C, regarding a client post-total knee arthroplasty with a pain level of 8, is important but not as urgent as a potential pulmonary embolism in choice D.

4. A client with a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order has requested resuscitation during a family visit. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Follow the client's wishes and start resuscitation.
• B. Explain that the DNR must be honored.
• C. Ignore the client's request.
• D. Consult with the family regarding the decision.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Nurses have a legal and ethical obligation to honor a client's do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order, regardless of any request for resuscitation during a family visit. It is crucial for the nurse to explain to the client that the DNR order must be respected. Choice A is incorrect because starting resuscitation against the client's documented wishes goes against the principle of autonomy. Choice C is inappropriate as it disregards the client's autonomy and legal directives. Choice D is not the best option as the nurse should prioritize honoring the client's decision as per the DNR order.

5. A client with cirrhosis and ascites requires a care plan. Which intervention should the nurse include?

• A. Increase the client's sodium intake
• B. Increase the client's saturated fat intake
• C. Decrease the client's carbohydrate intake
• D. Decrease the client's fluid intake

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In cirrhosis with ascites, decreasing fluid intake is crucial to manage the condition. This helps prevent further fluid accumulation in the abdomen. Increasing sodium intake (Choice A) can worsen fluid retention and edema. Increasing saturated fat intake (Choice B) is not recommended as it can contribute to liver damage. Decreasing carbohydrate intake (Choice C) is not directly related to managing ascites in cirrhosis.

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