Nursing Elites

1. A patient with a history of asthma is admitted with shortness of breath. What is the nurse's priority intervention?

• A. Administer a bronchodilator as prescribed.
• B. Encourage the patient to use an incentive spirometer.
• C. Place the patient in a high Fowler's position.
• D. Monitor the patient's oxygen saturation closely.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer a bronchodilator as prescribed. This intervention is the priority for a patient with asthma experiencing shortness of breath as it helps relax the airways, making breathing easier. Encouraging the use of an incentive spirometer (Choice B) is beneficial for lung expansion but not the priority in this acute situation. Placing the patient in a high Fowler's position (Choice C) can also help with breathing but is not as immediate as administering a bronchodilator. While monitoring the patient's oxygen saturation closely (Choice D) is important, the immediate action to address the breathing difficulty is administering a bronchodilator.

2. When a patient refuses to remove their religious jewelry before surgery, what is the best response for the nurse preparing for the procedure?

• A. Proceed with the surgery and document the refusal.
• B. Ask the patient for permission to secure the jewelry safely.
• C. Tape the jewelry to the patient's body during surgery.
• D. Tell the patient they must remove the jewelry for safety reasons.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best response for the nurse is to ask the patient for permission to secure the jewelry safely. Hospital policy typically requires jewelry to be secured or removed to prevent interference during surgery. Proceeding with the surgery without addressing the issue or taping the jewelry to the patient's body are not safe practices and can lead to complications during the procedure. Directing the patient to remove the jewelry without exploring alternative solutions is not patient-centered care and may create unnecessary tension.

3. A client undergoing surgery refuses to remove religious jewelry. What is the best course of action?

• A. Proceed with surgery while securing the jewelry to the patient.
• B. Remove the jewelry and document the removal.
• C. Document the refusal and delay the surgery.
• D. Remove the jewelry with the family's permission.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct course of action is to remove the jewelry and document the removal. While religious beliefs should be respected, ensuring patient safety during surgery is crucial. Securing the jewelry may not be sufficient to prevent any interference during the surgical procedure. Documenting the removal is important for legal and documentation purposes. Delaying the surgery or removing the jewelry with the family's permission may not be the best options as patient safety should be the top priority in this situation.

4. A client with a history of falls is being admitted to the unit. What intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Increase the client's medication to ensure they don't fall.
• B. Use bed alarms to monitor the client's movements.
• C. Encourage the client to use a walker for mobility.
• D. Assign the client to a nursing assistant for supervision.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Use bed alarms to monitor the client's movements.' When a client with a history of falls is admitted, the nurse's initial intervention should focus on fall prevention measures. Using bed alarms to monitor the client's movements can help alert the healthcare team if the client attempts to get out of bed and reduce the risk of falls. Choice A is incorrect because increasing medication should not be the first intervention as it may not address the underlying causes of falls and can have adverse effects. Choice C may be appropriate but is not the priority over implementing safety measures like bed alarms. Choice D is incorrect as assigning the client to a nursing assistant for supervision alone may not be as effective as utilizing bed alarms for continuous monitoring.

5. The patient has been in bed for several days and needs to be ambulated. What action should the nurse take first?

• A. Dangle the patient at the bedside.
• B. Encourage isometric exercises.
• C. Suggest a high-calcium diet.
• D. Maintain a narrow base of support.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Dangle the patient at the bedside.' When a patient has been in bed for an extended period and needs to be ambulated, it is essential to dangle the patient at the bedside first. Dangling involves helping the patient sit on the edge of the bed with their legs over the side before standing up. This action helps prevent orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure when moving from lying down to standing up, which can lead to dizziness or fainting. Encouraging isometric exercises (choice B) or suggesting a high-calcium diet (choice C) are not the first actions to take before ambulating a patient. Maintaining a narrow base of support (choice D) is related to assisting with ambulation but is not the initial step that should be taken.

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