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 elderly patient has been living in a nursing home for several years. The nursing staff has begun to notice a change in her behavior. All of the following are symptoms of depression except:

• A. Changes in sleep patterns
• B. Changes in eating patterns with weight loss
• C. Excessive fatigue and increased concern with bodily functions
• D. Hyperorality

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Hyperorality is not typically a symptom of depression. Symptoms of depression often include changes in sleep patterns, eating patterns with weight loss, and excessive fatigue. Hyperorality, which refers to the tendency to examine, chew, or ingest non-nutritive substances, is not a common symptom associated with depression.

3. During the assessment, a client receiving a continuous infusion of heparin for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is found to have a nosebleed. Which finding requires immediate action?

• A. The client's activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is 70 seconds.
• B. The client has developed a nosebleed.
• C. The client's blood pressure is 150/90 mm Hg.
• D. The client reports feeling lightheaded.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A nosebleed (B) in a client receiving heparin is a sign of heparin toxicity and requires immediate action. It indicates that the client is at risk of excessive bleeding. While a prolonged aPTT of 70 seconds (A) is worth monitoring, active bleeding takes precedence. Elevated blood pressure (C) and lightheadedness (D) are potential side effects of heparin but are not as urgently concerning as active bleeding.

4. The healthcare professional observes a UAP taking a client's blood pressure in the lower extremity. Which observation of this procedure requires the healthcare professional's intervention?

• A. The cuff wraps around the girth of the leg.
• B. The UAP auscultates the popliteal pulse with the cuff on the lower leg.
• C. The client is placed in a prone position.
• D. The systolic reading is 20 mm Hg higher than the blood pressure in the client's arm.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When obtaining blood pressure in the lower extremities, the popliteal pulse is the site for auscultation when the blood pressure cuff is applied around the thigh. Auscultating the popliteal pulse with the cuff on the lower leg is incorrect as it may lead to an inaccurate reading. Placing the client in a prone position and wrapping the cuff around the girth of the leg are acceptable practices. A systolic reading that is 20 mm Hg higher in the lower extremity compared to the arm is expected due to the difference in blood pressure between the upper and lower parts of the body.

5. A Native American individual presents to the clinic with complaints of frequent abdominal cramping and nausea. They state that they have chronic constipation and have not had a bowel movement in five days, despite trying several home remedies. Which intervention is most important for the healthcare provider to implement?

• A. Evaluate the stool samples for the presence of blood
• B. Assess for the presence of an impaction
• C. Determine which home remedies were used
• D. Obtain a list of prescribed medications

Correct answer: C

Rationale: It is crucial to determine which home remedies the individual has tried to avoid interactions with prescribed treatments and consider cultural practices that may influence their healthcare choices. Understanding the home remedies used can provide insights into the individual's health beliefs, preferences, and potential interactions with conventional treatments, allowing for a more holistic approach to their care.

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