Nursing Elites

1. During the beginning shift assessment of a client with asthma who is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 liters per minute, the nurse would be most concerned about which unreported finding?

• A. Pulse oximetry reading of 89%
• B. Crackles at the base of the lungs on auscultation
• C. Rapid shallow respirations with intermittent wheezes
• D. Excessive thirst with a dry cracked tongue

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Rapid, shallow respirations with intermittent wheezes are concerning as they indicate a potential worsening of the client's asthma. This finding suggests airway narrowing, which can lead to respiratory failure. Immediate intervention is required to address this respiratory distress. A pulse oximetry reading of 89% is low and indicates hypoxemia, but the respiratory pattern described in option C takes priority as it directly reflects the client's respiratory status. Crackles at the base of the lungs suggest fluid accumulation, which is important but not as immediately critical as the respiratory distress in asthma. Excessive thirst and a dry cracked tongue may indicate dehydration, which is relevant but not as urgent as the respiratory compromise presented in option C.

2. A client with hypothyroidism is receiving levothyroxine (Synthroid). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following side effects?

• A. Tachycardia
• B. Hypotension
• C. Weight gain
• D. Bradycardia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tachycardia. Levothyroxine, used to treat hypothyroidism, can lead to increased metabolism, causing tachycardia as a side effect. Monitoring for tachycardia is essential to ensure the client's safety. Choices B, Hypotension, and C, Weight gain, are incorrect as levothyroxine is not typically associated with causing hypotension or weight gain. Choice D, Bradycardia, is also incorrect as levothyroxine-induced bradycardia is not a common side effect.

3. The nurse should consider the following when assessing the child for chest indrawing EXCEPT:

• A. Chest indrawing should be present at all times
• B. The lower chest wall does not go in when the child breathes in
• C. The lower chest goes in when the child breathes in
• D. The child should be calm

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Chest indrawing may not always be present and can vary with the child's activity level, so it should not be expected to be present at all times. Choice B is correct because the lower chest wall should not go in when the child breathes in. Choice C is correct as the lower chest should go in when the child breathes in, indicating chest indrawing. Choice D is correct as a calm child makes it easier to assess chest indrawing, but the absence of chest indrawing does not mean the child is not calm.

4. A client with terminal cancer is experiencing severe pain. The nurse plans to implement which of the following pain management strategies?

• A. Administer analgesics on a fixed schedule
• B. Administer analgesics only when the client requests
• C. Use non-pharmacological methods only
• D. Increase the dose of analgesics when the client complains of pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering analgesics on a fixed schedule is the most appropriate pain management strategy for a client with terminal cancer experiencing severe pain. This approach ensures consistent pain control and helps prevent breakthrough pain. Administering analgesics only when the client requests (Choice B) may lead to uncontrolled pain as the client may delay requesting medication until the pain becomes unbearable. Using non-pharmacological methods only (Choice C) may not provide adequate pain relief for a client experiencing severe pain. Increasing the dose of analgesics when the client complains of pain (Choice D) may result in inconsistent pain control and could lead to potential overdose or adverse effects.

5. What components should a nurse include when conducting a community health assessment?

• A. Personal health history of community members
• B. Number of hospitals in the community
• C. Demographic data, health status indicators, and community resources
• D. Results of laboratory tests

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When conducting a community health assessment, it is essential to gather demographic data (such as age, gender, ethnicity), health status indicators (like prevalence of diseases, mortality rates), and information on community resources (such as healthcare facilities, social services). These components help in understanding the health needs of the community and planning appropriate interventions. Choices A, B, and D are not typically part of a community health assessment as they focus on individual health data or specific medical information rather than the broader population health perspective required for community assessments.

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