Nursing Elites

1. An infant has just returned from surgery for placement of a gastrostomy tube as an initial treatment for tracheoesophageal fistula. The mother asks, 'When can the tube be used for feeding?' The nurse's best response would be which of these comments?

• A. "Feedings can begin in 5 to 7 days."
• B. "The use of the feeding tube can begin immediately."
• C. "The stomach contents and air must be drained first."
• D. "The incision healing must be complete before feeding."

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'The stomach contents and air must be drained first.' Before starting feedings through a gastrostomy tube, it is essential to drain the stomach contents and air. This process helps prevent complications and ensures the proper functioning of the tube after placement. Choice A is incorrect because initiating feedings within 5 to 7 days may lead to complications if the stomach is not adequately prepared. Choice B is incorrect as feeding should not begin immediately to allow for proper preparation of the tube and the stomach. Choice D is incorrect because although incision healing is important, draining the stomach contents and air is a more immediate concern to prevent complications.

2. Which of the following is not classified as an essential health service?

• A. Provision of eye glasses and dentures for the elderly
• B. Maternal and child care
• C. Basic sanitation and prevention and control of locally endemic diseases
• D. Promotion of proper nutrition, adequate supply of safe water, and health education

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The provision of eyeglasses and dentures for the elderly is not classified as an essential health service. Essential health services typically focus on preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative care that address the primary healthcare needs of individuals and communities. Choices B, C, and D are examples of essential health services as they directly contribute to improving and maintaining the health of populations. Maternal and child care, basic sanitation, disease prevention, nutrition promotion, safe water supply, and health education are essential components of public health initiatives.

3. A client has just returned to the medical-surgical unit following a segmental lung resection. After assessing the client, the first nursing action would be to:

• A. Administer pain medication
• B. Suction excessive tracheobronchial secretions
• C. Assist the client to turn, deep breathe, and cough
• D. Monitor oxygen saturation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: After a segmental lung resection, the priority nursing action should be to suction excessive tracheobronchial secretions. This helps in preventing airway obstruction from secretions, ensuring the patency of the airway and optimizing respiratory function. Administering pain medication can be important but addressing airway clearance takes precedence. Assisting the client to turn, deep breathe, and cough is essential for respiratory hygiene but not the first action immediately post-op. Monitoring oxygen saturation is crucial, but ensuring airway clearance is the priority to prevent complications.

4. The home health care agency can expect to obtain Medicare reimbursement for which home visit performed by a registered nurse (RN) or a practical nurse (PN)?

• A. Assessment of the speech pattern of a mobile adult who had a mild stroke last year.
• B. Safety teaching for an older male client whose wife complains that he uses an unsafe ladder while painting.
• C. Wound care for a client who had a postoperative infection following abdominal surgery two weeks ago.
• D. Evaluation of crutch use by a 65-year-old male client who broke his tibia while snow skiing.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because wound care for a postoperative infection is a skilled service that qualifies for Medicare reimbursement. Choices A, B, and D involve assessments, teaching, and evaluation, which may not meet the criteria for Medicare reimbursement as they do not directly involve a skilled nursing service related to a postoperative condition.

5. A client is admitted for COPD. Which finding would require the nurse's immediate attention?

• A. Nausea and vomiting
• B. Restlessness and confusion
• C. Low-grade fever and cough
• D. Irritating cough and liquefied sputum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Restlessness and confusion are signs of hypoxia and hypercapnia in a client with COPD, indicating that the client's condition may be deteriorating rapidly. Immediate attention is necessary to prevent further complications. Nausea and vomiting (Choice A) may be related to various factors but do not directly indicate respiratory distress. Low-grade fever and cough (Choice C) are common in COPD and may not require immediate intervention. Irritating cough and liquefied sputum (Choice D) are typical symptoms of COPD exacerbation but do not signal an immediate need for attention as restlessness and confusion.

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