Nursing Elites

1. During the suctioning of a tracheostomy tube, if the catheter appears to attach to the tracheal walls and creates a pulling sensation, what is the best action for the nurse to take?

• A. Release the suction by opening the vent.
• B. Continue suctioning to remove obstruction.
• C. Increase the pressure.
• D. Suction deeper.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When the catheter of the suctioning device attaches to the tracheal walls, causing a pulling sensation, the nurse should release the suction by opening the vent. This action will alleviate the pulling sensation and prevent trauma to the delicate tracheal walls. Continuing suctioning or applying more pressure can lead to tissue damage and should be avoided. Suctioning deeper can increase the risk of injuring the patient's airway.

2. An older adult male client is admitted to the medical unit following a fall at home. When undressing him, the nurse notes that he is wearing an adult diaper, and skin breakdown is obvious over his sacral area. What action should the nurse implement first?

• A. Establish a toileting schedule to decrease episodes of incontinence
• B. Complete a functional assessment of the client’s self-care abilities
• C. Apply a barrier ointment to intact areas that may be exposed to moisture
• D. Determine the size and depth of skin breakdown over the sacral area

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The initial step the nurse should take when faced with skin breakdown over the sacral area of the client is to determine the size and depth of the affected area. Assessing and documenting these aspects are crucial before initiating any treatment. This evaluation will guide the nurse in developing an appropriate care plan to address the skin breakdown effectively. Options A, B, and C are not the first steps to take in this situation. While establishing a toileting schedule and completing a functional assessment are important, assessing the size and depth of the skin breakdown is the priority to initiate proper treatment. Applying a barrier ointment without assessing the extent of the breakdown may not address the underlying issue effectively.

3. A client is receiving external radiation therapy for lung cancer. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the client's plan of care?

• A. Encourage the client to use sunscreen when outdoors.
• B. Apply a heating pad to the radiation site.
• C. Instruct the client to avoid using deodorant on the skin near the radiation site.
• D. Advise the client to increase intake of green leafy vegetables.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Instructing the client to avoid using deodorant on the skin near the radiation site (C) is crucial to prevent skin irritation and potential adverse reactions during external radiation therapy. Sunscreen (A), heating pad (B), and dietary changes (D) are less pertinent in this situation.

4. A high school senior is complaining of a persistent cough and admits to smoking 10 to 15 cigarettes daily for the past year. He is convinced that he is hopelessly addicted to tobacco since he tried unsuccessfully to quit smoking last week. Which intervention is best for the nurse to implement?

• A. Encourage the student to associate with non-smokers only while attempting to stop smoking.
• B. Tell the student that he is still young and should continue trying various smoking cessation methods.
• C. Describe cigarette smoking as a habit that requires a strong will to overcome its addictiveness.
• D. Provide the student with the latest research data describing the long-term effects of tobacco use.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Adolescents are particularly influenced by peers, so associating with non-smokers may help the student quit smoking. By being surrounded by non-smokers, the student is less likely to feel pressured to smoke and may be encouraged to adopt healthier behaviors. This intervention leverages the power of social influence to support smoking cessation efforts and create a more conducive environment for the student to quit smoking. Choices B, C, and D do not address the social aspect of smoking behavior and the influence of peers on smoking habits, making them less effective interventions in this case.

5. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of fluid volume excess. Which intervention should the nurse include in the client's plan of care?

• A. Encourage increased fluid intake.
• B. Place the client in a high Fowler's position.
• C. Measure the client's intake and output.
• D. Restrict dietary sodium intake.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Restricting dietary sodium intake (D) is the most critical intervention for a client with fluid volume excess to prevent further fluid retention. Encouraging increased fluid intake (A) would exacerbate the issue by adding more fluid to the body. Placing the client in a high Fowler's position (B) is more relevant for respiratory issues than fluid volume excess. While measuring intake and output (C) is important for assessing fluid balance, restricting sodium intake is the priority as it helps manage fluid levels more effectively by reducing fluid retention.

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