Nursing Elites

1. A patient on mechanical ventilation experiences a sudden drop in oxygen saturation. What should the nurse check first?

• A. Check the ventilator tubing for disconnection.
• B. Increase the patient's oxygen flow.
• C. Perform a full physical assessment.
• D. Reassess the patient's oxygen levels after 5 minutes.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to check the ventilator tubing for disconnection first when a patient on mechanical ventilation experiences a sudden drop in oxygen saturation. This is crucial because equipment malfunction, such as tubing disconnection, can lead to decreased oxygen delivery, resulting in a drop in oxygen saturation. Checking the tubing ensures that the ventilation system is functioning properly and that the patient is receiving the necessary oxygen. Option B is incorrect because increasing oxygen flow without checking for equipment issues may not address the root cause of the drop in saturation. Option C is not the priority in this situation as the immediate focus should be on assessing and ensuring the functioning of the ventilation equipment. Option D delays addressing the potential equipment malfunction, which could worsen the patient's condition if not promptly resolved.

2. A nurse is providing home care for a client who is receiving tube feedings and medication through a gastrostomy tube. The family member providing the feedings reports that the client has begun to have diarrhea. For which of the following practices should the nurse intervene?

• A. Cleanse the bag every 24 hours
• B. Cleanse the bag every 48 hours
• C. Use tap water
• D. Flush the tube every 4 hours

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Cleansing the bag every 24 hours can lead to contamination, increasing the risk of infection and diarrhea. Using tap water (choice C) is not recommended for cleaning the gastrostomy tube due to the risk of introducing harmful microorganisms. Cleansing the bag every 48 hours (choice B) is not frequent enough and may also contribute to infection. Flushing the tube every 4 hours (choice D) is a standard practice to ensure patency and should not be intervened by the nurse.

3. A healthcare provider is reviewing the medical record of a client who has a new prescription for clozapine. Which of the following findings indicates a contraindication to clozapine?

• A. Fasting blood glucose of 120 mg/dL
• B. Asthma
• C. Hypertension
• D. WBC count of 3,300/mm3

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A low WBC count (3,300/mm3) is a contraindication to clozapine because this medication can cause severe neutropenia. Neutropenia is a significant reduction in white blood cell count, increasing the risk of infections. Elevated fasting blood glucose, asthma, and hypertension are not direct contraindications to clozapine.

4. A charge nurse is planning care for a group of clients on a medical-surgical unit. Which of the following tasks should the nurse delegate to an assistive personnel (AP)?

• A. Giving a glycerin suppository to a client for constipation
• B. Evaluating the effectiveness of ibuprofen administered to a client who reported a headache
• C. Discussing dietary changes with a client who has a prescription for a gluten-free diet
• D. Measuring hourly urinary output for a client who is postoperative

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because measuring hourly urinary output is a task that falls within the scope of practice for assistive personnel. This task involves a technical skill that can be delegated by the charge nurse. Choices A, B, and C require higher-level nursing assessments and interventions that should be performed by licensed nursing staff. Giving a glycerin suppository involves medication administration, evaluating the effectiveness of ibuprofen requires assessment and critical thinking, and discussing dietary changes involves education and assessment of the client's understanding and compliance, all of which are beyond the scope of practice for assistive personnel.

5. A patient with COPD is admitted with shortness of breath and a productive cough. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first?

• A. Administer oxygen at 4 L/min via nasal cannula
• B. Encourage the patient to cough and deep breathe
• C. Place the patient in a high-Fowler’s position
• D. Administer a bronchodilator as prescribed

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Placing the patient in a high-Fowler’s position should be implemented first. This intervention helps improve lung expansion, making it easier for the patient to breathe. Elevating the head of the bed reduces the work of breathing and can alleviate symptoms of respiratory distress. Administering oxygen, encouraging coughing and deep breathing, and administering a bronchodilator are important interventions in the care of a patient with COPD, but positioning the patient for optimal lung expansion takes precedence in this scenario.

Similar Questions