Nursing Elites

1. After a myocardial infarction, why is the hospitalized client taught to move the legs while resting in bed?

• A. Prepare the client for ambulation.
• B. Promote urinary and intestinal elimination.
• C. Prevent thrombophlebitis and blood clot formation.
• D. Decrease the likelihood of pressure ulcer formation.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Moving the legs helps prevent thrombophlebitis and blood clot formation by promoting venous return in clients on bed rest. This prevents stasis and clot formation in the lower extremities. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the primary goal of moving the legs is to prevent thrombophlebitis and blood clot formation, rather than preparing for ambulation, promoting elimination, or decreasing pressure ulcer formation. Ambulation preparation involves different exercises, urinary and intestinal elimination are not directly related to leg movements, and pressure ulcer prevention is more related to repositioning and skin care.

2. The healthcare provider notes a blood pressure of 160/90 mm Hg in a patient taking a thiazide diuretic. The patient reports taking an herbal medication that a friend recommended. Which herbal product is likely, given this patient’s blood pressure?

• A. Ginkgo
• B. Hawthorn
• C. Licorice
• D. St. John’s wort

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ginkgo. Increased blood pressure can result when ginkgo is used in combination with a thiazide diuretic. Option B (Hawthorn) is incorrect because hawthorn is more commonly associated with lowering blood pressure. Option C (Licorice) is incorrect because licorice can lead to sodium and water retention, potentially exacerbating hypertension. Option D (St. John’s wort) is incorrect as it is not typically associated with significant blood pressure effects.

3. The client is being educated by the nurse on home blood glucose monitoring. Which of the following blood glucose measurements indicates hypoglycemia?

• A. 59 mg/dL (3.3 mmol/L)
• B. 75 mg/dL (4.2 mmol/L)
• C. 108 mg/dL (6 mmol/L)
• D. 119 mg/dL (6.6 mmol/L)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A blood glucose level of 59 mg/dL (3.3 mmol/L) is considered hypoglycemia, which is an abnormally low blood sugar level. This level requires immediate attention as it can lead to symptoms such as confusion, shakiness, and even loss of consciousness if left untreated. Choices B, C, and D have blood glucose levels within the normal range or slightly higher, indicating euglycemia or normal blood sugar levels, and not hypoglycemia.

4. What is an ideal goal of treatment set by the nurse in the care plan for a client diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to reduce the risk of pulmonary edema?

• A. Maintaining oxygen saturation above 92%
• B. Absence of crackles and wheezes in lung sounds
• C. Maintaining a balanced intake and output
• D. Absence of shortness of breath at rest

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The ideal goal of treatment for a client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to reduce the risk of pulmonary edema is to maintain a balanced intake and output. This helps in achieving optimal fluid balance, enabling the heart to eject blood effectively without increasing pressure in the left ventricle and pulmonary vessels. While maintaining oxygen saturation above 92% is important for adequate tissue oxygenation, the primary focus in this scenario is fluid balance. Absence of crackles and wheezes in lung sounds is important to assess for pulmonary status, but it is not the primary goal to prevent pulmonary edema specifically. Similarly, absence of shortness of breath at rest is a relevant goal, but the emphasis in CKD management is on fluid balance to prevent pulmonary complications.

5. A nurse is suctioning a client through a tracheostomy tube. During the procedure, the client begins to cough, and the nurse hears a wheeze. The nurse tries to remove the suction catheter from the client’s trachea but is unable to do so. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Call a code
• B. Contact the physician
• C. Administer a bronchodilator
• D. Disconnect the suction source from the catheter

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Inability to remove a suction catheter is a critical situation that may indicate the presence of bronchospasm and bronchoconstriction, as evidenced by the client coughing and wheezing. The immediate action for the nurse is to disconnect the suction source from the catheter, allowing the catheter to remain in the trachea. By doing so, the nurse can then connect the oxygen source to the catheter to provide essential oxygenation to the client. Contacting the physician is necessary to notify them of the situation and to obtain further orders, typically for an inhaled bronchodilator to relieve the bronchospasm. Administering a bronchodilator without physician's orders is not within the nurse's scope of practice and should not be the first action. Calling a code would be excessive at this point and should only be done if the client's condition deteriorates and immediate resuscitation is required.

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