Nursing Elites

1. After receiving a report, the nurse receives the laboratory values for four clients. Which client requires the nurse’s immediate intervention? The client who is...

• A. Short of breath after a shower and has a hemoglobin of 8 grams
• B. Bleeding from a finger stick and has a prothrombin time of 30 seconds
• C. Febrile and has a WBC count of 14,000/mm3
• D. Trembling and has a glucose level of 50 mg/dL

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A glucose level of 50 mg/dL is indicative of hypoglycemia, which requires immediate intervention to prevent further complications. Hypoglycemia can lead to serious consequences such as altered mental status, seizures, and even coma if not promptly addressed. The other options do not present immediate life-threatening conditions that require urgent intervention. Shortness of breath with a hemoglobin of 8 grams may indicate anemia but does not require immediate intervention. Bleeding from a finger stick with a prothrombin time of 30 seconds may suggest clotting issues, which are important but not as immediately critical as hypoglycemia. Being febrile with an elevated WBC count could indicate infection, which is concerning but not as urgently critical as hypoglycemia.

2. A client is scheduled for a sigmoidoscopy and expresses anxiety about the procedure. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Offer information about the procedure steps
• B. Administer an anxiolytic before the procedure
• C. Encourage the client to discuss their fears
• D. Reassure the client that the procedure is common and safe

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse when a client expresses anxiety about a procedure is to encourage the client to discuss their fears. By allowing the client to express their concerns, the nurse can provide personalized support, address specific worries, and offer tailored information. This approach helps to establish trust, reduce anxiety, and promote a therapeutic nurse-client relationship. Offering information about the procedure steps (Choice A) may be helpful but should come after addressing the client's fears. Administering an anxiolytic (Choice B) should not be the first action as it focuses on symptom management rather than addressing the underlying cause of anxiety. Reassuring the client that the procedure is common and safe (Choice D) is important but should follow active listening and addressing the client's fears.

3. During a severe asthma exacerbation in a client, what is the nurse's priority?

• A. Administer a rescue inhaler immediately
• B. Prepare for intubation
• C. Encourage deep breathing exercises
• D. Monitor oxygen saturation levels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During a severe asthma exacerbation, the nurse's priority is to administer a rescue inhaler immediately. This action helps open the airways and improve breathing, which is crucial in managing the exacerbation. Choice B, preparing for intubation, would be considered if the client's condition deteriorates and they are unable to maintain adequate oxygenation even after using the rescue inhaler. Encouraging deep breathing exercises (Choice C) may not be appropriate during a severe exacerbation as the client may struggle to breathe. While monitoring oxygen saturation levels (Choice D) is important, the immediate administration of a rescue inhaler takes precedence to address the acute breathing difficulty.

4. The nurse is caring for a client who underwent a total knee replacement yesterday. What activity level should the nurse encourage today?

• A. Bed rest with bathroom privileges only
• B. Frequent, short walks with assistance
• C. Range of motion exercises to the knee every four hours
• D. Leg elevation to reduce swelling

Correct answer: B

Rationale: After a total knee replacement, early ambulation is crucial for promoting circulation and preventing complications like thrombosis. Bed rest should be avoided as it can increase the risk of complications. Range of motion exercises are important but should be performed gradually and not excessively. Leg elevation is beneficial for reducing swelling but should not be the primary activity level encouraged immediately after surgery.

5. When using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI), which step is most important for ensuring effective medication delivery?

• A. Exhale completely before using the inhaler
• B. Inhale quickly while pressing down on the inhaler
• C. Shake the inhaler for 10 seconds before use
• D. Hold breath for 5 seconds after inhaling

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct step to ensure effective medication delivery when using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) is to exhale completely before using the inhaler. This action helps create more space in the lungs for the medication to reach deeply into the airways. Inhaling quickly while pressing down on the inhaler (Choice B) may cause the medication to impact the throat rather than reaching the lungs. Shaking the inhaler for 10 seconds before use (Choice C) is important to mix the medication but not the most crucial step for effective delivery. While holding the breath for 5 seconds after inhaling (Choice D) can help the medication stay in the lungs momentarily, exhaling completely before inhalation is more critical for optimal drug deposition.

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