Nursing Elites

1. A small amount of bubbling is seen in the water seal of a pleural drainage system when a client coughs. What should the nurse do?

• A. Consider it a normal finding.
• B. Check the system for leaks.
• C. Clamp the chest tube.
• D. Change the drainage system.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A small amount of bubbling is a normal finding in the water seal of a pleural drainage system when a client coughs. It is only a problem to find continuous, excessive bubbling in the water seal, which indicates a leak. Checking the system for leaks would be appropriate if there is continuous, excessive bubbling. Clamping the chest tube or changing the drainage system is not necessary in response to a small amount of bubbling during a cough, as this is considered a normal finding.

2. What spinal change occurring with pregnancy alters mobility?

• A. Scoliosis.
• B. Kyphosis.
• C. Lordosis.
• D. Ankylosing spondylitis.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Lordosis.' During pregnancy, the enlarging uterus places increased weight on the spine, causing an exaggerated inward curvature known as lordosis. This change alters mobility by shifting the center of gravity forward, leading to a compensatory change in posture. Scoliosis (choice A) is a sideways curvature of the spine, not typically associated with pregnancy. Kyphosis (choice B) is an exaggerated outward curvature of the spine, while ankylosing spondylitis (choice D) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the spine, neither of which are directly related to the spinal changes seen in pregnancy.

3. What should be included in the assessment of a client with a cast?

• A. capillary refill, warm toes, no discomfort.
• B. posterior tibial pulses, warm toes.
• C. moist skin essential, pain threshold.
• D. discomfort of the metacarpals.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing a client with a cast, it is crucial to check for capillary refill to ensure adequate circulation. Warm toes indicate good circulation, while the absence of discomfort suggests the cast is not causing any pain or undue pressure on the client. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not address the essential components of assessing a client with a cast.

4. Which of the following statements describes the purpose of client restraint?

• A. Restraints are a nursing measure used to maintain client control.
• B. Restraints are an emergency intervention taken as a last resort to protect a client from imminent danger.
• C. Restraints are a therapeutic measure designed to positively reinforce client behavior.
• D. Restraints are an emergency measure that can only be taken by a nurse under the direct supervision of a physician.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Restraints are used as an emergency intervention when all other options to protect a client from imminent danger have been exhausted. Restraints should only be used as a last resort to ensure the safety of the client and others. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because restraints are not used to maintain control, reinforce behavior, or are exclusively taken under direct physician supervision. It is crucial to remember that restraint use should always be based on careful assessment, documentation, and adherence to legal and ethical guidelines.

5. Following a classic cholecystectomy resection for multiple stones, the PACU nurse observes serosanguinous drainage on the dressing. The most appropriate intervention is to:

• A. notify the physician of the drainage.
• B. change the dressing.
• C. reinforce the dressing.
• D. apply an abdominal binder

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Serosanguinous drainage is expected after a classic cholecystectomy resection. The appropriate intervention is to reinforce the dressing to maintain pressure and promote clot formation. Changing the dressing prematurely increases the risk of infection as it disturbs the wound. Applying an abdominal binder is not indicated as it can interfere with visualizing the dressing and assessing for any signs of bleeding or infection. Notifying the physician is not necessary at this point unless there are signs of excessive bleeding or other concerning symptoms.

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