Nursing Elites

1. A patient is receiving an opioid analgesic for pain management. What is the most important assessment for the nurse to perform?

• A. Monitor the patient's blood pressure.
• B. Assess the patient's respiratory rate.
• C. Monitor the patient's oxygen saturation.
• D. Assess the patient's heart rate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the patient's respiratory rate. When a patient is receiving opioids, it is crucial to monitor their respiratory rate as opioids can depress the respiratory system, leading to respiratory depression and potential respiratory failure. Monitoring blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and heart rate are important assessments as well, but the priority lies in assessing respiratory rate due to the risk of respiratory depression associated with opioid use.

2. A healthcare provider is caring for a client who has an indwelling urinary catheter. Which of the following assessment findings indicates that the catheter requires irrigation?

• A. Bladder scan shows 525 mL
• B. Absent urinary output for 1 hour
• C. Cloudy urine
• D. Bloody urine

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A large bladder scan result (525 mL) suggests catheter blockage and may require irrigation to resolve. Choice B (absent urinary output for 1 hour) could indicate a different issue such as urinary retention but does not specifically indicate the need for catheter irrigation. Choices C (cloudy urine) and D (bloody urine) may suggest infection or other urinary issues, but they do not directly indicate the need for catheter irrigation.

3. What are the key considerations when administering opioid analgesics to a patient in pain?

• A. Monitoring for respiratory depression
• B. Administering opioid antagonist if needed
• C. Assessing respiratory rate and pain level before administration
• D. Monitoring the patient's level of consciousness

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct key consideration when administering opioid analgesics to a patient in pain is monitoring for respiratory depression. Opioids can lead to respiratory depression, making it crucial to carefully monitor the patient's breathing. Administering an opioid antagonist is not a key consideration during the administration of opioids; it is used to reverse opioid effects in cases of overdose, not as a routine practice. Assessing respiratory rate and pain level before administration is important but not the key consideration compared to monitoring for respiratory depression. Monitoring the patient's level of consciousness is also essential but not as critical as monitoring for respiratory depression when administering opioids.

4. The nurse is providing information regarding safety and accidental poisoning to a grandparent who will be taking custody of a 1-year-old grandchild. Which comment by the grandparent will cause the nurse to intervene?

• A. I should call 911 if my grandchild loses consciousness.
• B. Never induce vomiting if my grandchild drinks bleach.
• C. If my grandchild eats a plant, I should provide syrup of ipecac.
• D. The number for poison control is 800-222-1222.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Administering syrup of ipecac is no longer recommended in cases of poisoning. This is because it can lead to complications and is not considered safe. The grandparent should be informed that syrup of ipecac should not be given to a child who has ingested a toxic substance. Choices A, B, and D provide accurate information regarding actions to take in case of poisoning, such as calling 911 if the child loses consciousness, not inducing vomiting if the child drinks bleach, and having the poison control number readily available.

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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