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. In an emergency situation where a client is unconscious and requires immediate surgery, what action is necessary with regard to informed consent?

• A. The healthcare team will proceed with the surgery as consent is not needed in emergencies.
• B. The healthcare team will wait until the client's family can be contacted for consent.
• C. The healthcare team will contact the hospital clergy to provide informed consent.
• D. The healthcare team will obtain consent from the client's legal guardian before proceeding.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In emergency situations where obtaining consent is not possible due to the client's condition, healthcare providers are allowed to perform life-saving procedures without informed consent. It is assumed that the client would want to receive necessary treatment to save their life. Therefore, the correct action is for the healthcare team to proceed with the surgery as consent is not needed. Waiting to contact the client's family for consent can delay life-saving treatment, risking the client's life. Contacting the hospital clergy for consent is unnecessary and can cause further delays. Obtaining consent from the client's legal guardian is not feasible in this critical situation and may lead to a delay in providing essential care.

3. Which of the following statements by a client with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) indicates adequate understanding?

• A. "I should eat right before bedtime."?
• B. "I should eat large meals."?
• C. "I should sit up after eating."?
• D. "I should lie flat after eating."?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct statement for a client with GERD is, 'I should sit up after eating.' This helps prevent reflux by keeping the stomach contents down. Choice A is incorrect as eating right before bedtime can exacerbate GERD symptoms by increasing the likelihood of reflux during the night. Choice B is incorrect because consuming large meals can lead to increased stomach pressure and worsen reflux symptoms. Choice D is incorrect because lying flat after eating can promote reflux due to gravity assisting the flow of stomach contents into the esophagus, worsening GERD.

4. Which of the following represents a normal serum potassium level?

• A. 1.5 mEq/L
• B. 3.0 mEq/L
• C. 4.0 mEq/L
• D. 6.0 mEq/L

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 4.0 mEq/L. Normal serum potassium levels typically range from 3.5-5.5 mEq/L. Choice A (1.5 mEq/L) is below the normal range, Choice B (3.0 mEq/L) is also below the normal range, and Choice D (6.0 mEq/L) is above the normal range. Therefore, the only option within the normal range is Choice C (4.0 mEq/L).

5. Why might breast implants interfere with mammography?

• A. They might cause additional discomfort.
• B. They are contraindications to mammography.
• C. They are likely to be dislodged.
• D. They might prevent detection of masses.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Breast implants can interfere with mammography by potentially preventing the detection of masses. The presence of implants can obscure a clear view of breast tissue, making it difficult to identify abnormalities such as masses that may indicate breast cancer. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because discomfort, contraindications, and dislodgment are not primary reasons why breast implants interfere with mammography. The main concern is the impedance of detecting abnormalities accurately due to the implants.

Similar Questions