Nursing Elites

1. A patient recovering from a stroke has difficulty swallowing. Which action should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Begin feeding the patient soft solids.
• B. Place the patient on NPO (nothing by mouth) status.
• C. Provide ice chips to help soothe the throat.
• D. Start the patient on a clear liquid diet.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to place the patient on NPO (nothing by mouth) status. Patients recovering from a stroke with difficulty swallowing are at high risk for aspiration, which can lead to serious complications like aspiration pneumonia. Therefore, the priority is to keep the patient on NPO until a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider is completed. Choice A is incorrect as feeding the patient soft solids can increase the risk of aspiration. Choice C is incorrect as providing ice chips may further compromise swallowing safety. Choice D is incorrect as starting the patient on a clear liquid diet can also increase the risk of aspiration in this scenario.

2. A healthcare professional is preparing to admit a client to the PACU who received a competitive neuromuscular blocking agent. Which of the following items should the healthcare professional place at the client's bedside?

• A. Defibrillator machine
• B. Chest tube equipment
• C. Central venous catheter tray
• D. Bag-valve-mask device

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: A bag-valve-mask device is necessary in case of respiratory complications that may arise due to the effects of the neuromuscular blocking agent. The competitive nature of the agent can lead to muscle weakness, including respiratory muscles, necessitating immediate respiratory support. Placing a defibrillator machine, chest tube equipment, or central venous catheter tray at the client's bedside would not be the priority in this situation. While these items may be important in specific scenarios, ensuring the availability of a bag-valve-mask device is crucial to address potential airway and breathing issues promptly.

3. A nurse is preparing to administer medication to a client by nasogastric tube. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Administer the medication without further assessment.
• B. Check the tube placement before administering any medication.
• C. Administer the medication in liquid form only.
• D. Administer half the dosage as a precaution.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Check the tube placement before administering any medication. Before administering medication through a nasogastric tube, the nurse must first verify the tube's correct placement to ensure the medication reaches the stomach and to prevent complications such as aspiration. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because administering medication without confirming proper tube placement can lead to serious consequences for the client.

4. A client with diabetes mellitus is prescribed prednisone for a rash. Which statement by the client indicates the need for further teaching?

• A. I might have trouble falling asleep while taking prednisone
• B. I might feel emotional when I am on this medicine
• C. I might need to increase my regular insulin during this time
• D. I will gradually stop the prednisone when my rash goes away

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Prednisone should never be stopped abruptly; it must be tapered down. Stopping it suddenly can lead to adrenal insufficiency. Choices A, B, and C are all potential side effects or considerations when taking prednisone and do not indicate a need for further teaching.

5. If a client refuses surgery, but the family insists, what should the nurse do in this situation?

• A. Respect the family's decision and proceed with the surgery.
• B. Respect the client's decision and notify the healthcare provider.
• C. Try to mediate between the family and the client.
• D. Encourage the client to follow their family's wishes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this situation, the nurse should respect the client's decision and notify the healthcare provider. The client has the right to refuse treatment, and the nurse must advocate for the client's autonomy. Proceeding with the surgery against the client's wishes would violate their autonomy and ethical principles. Trying to mediate between the family and the client may be appropriate, but ultimately, the client's decision should be respected. Encouraging the client to follow their family's wishes disregards the client's autonomy and is not ethically appropriate.

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