Nursing Elites

1. How should a healthcare professional care for a client approaching death with shortness of breath and noisy respirations?

• A. Turn the client every 2 hours
• B. Provide supplemental oxygen
• C. Use a fan to reduce the feeling of breathlessness
• D. Administer diuretics as prescribed

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a palliative care setting, when caring for a client approaching death with symptoms of shortness of breath and noisy respirations, using a fan can help alleviate the sensation of breathlessness. This intervention can provide comfort by improving air circulation and reducing the perception of breathlessness. Turning the client every 2 hours may not directly address the respiratory distress caused by noisy respirations. Providing supplemental oxygen may not be indicated or effective in all cases, especially in end-of-life care where the focus is on comfort rather than aggressive interventions. Administering diuretics as prescribed would not be appropriate for addressing noisy respirations and shortness of breath in a dying client, as this may not be related to fluid overload or congestion. Therefore, the most appropriate action to help the client feel more comfortable in this situation is to use a fan to reduce the feeling of breathlessness.

2. A client with type 2 diabetes mellitus is receiving metformin (Glucophage). Which laboratory test should the LPN/LVN monitor while the client is taking this medication?

• A. Complete blood count (CBC)
• B. Liver function tests
• C. Serum electrolytes
• D. Renal function tests

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Liver function tests. While a client is taking metformin, monitoring liver function tests is crucial to assess for potential hepatic side effects. Metformin is primarily eliminated by the liver, and monitoring liver function tests helps in early detection of any liver-related complications. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. A complete blood count (CBC) is not specifically required for monitoring metformin therapy. Serum electrolytes are not directly impacted by metformin, making it less relevant for monitoring this medication. Renal function tests are important for some other diabetes medications, but in the case of metformin, liver function tests take precedence due to its hepatic metabolism.

3. A nurse is reviewing the correct use of a fire extinguisher with a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse direct the client to take first?

• A. Remove the safety pin from the extinguisher.
• B. Aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
• C. Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.
• D. Sweep the extinguisher from side to side.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct first step in using a fire extinguisher is to remove the safety pin. This action enables the extinguisher to be activated and used effectively. Choice B, aiming the extinguisher at the base of the fire, comes after removing the safety pin. Choice C, squeezing the handle to release the extinguishing agent, and choice D, sweeping the extinguisher from side to side, are subsequent steps in using a fire extinguisher and should follow removing the safety pin.

4. A healthcare professional is preparing for change of shift. Which document or tool should the healthcare professional use to communicate?

• A. SBAR
• B. SOAP
• C. DAR
• D. PIE

Correct answer: A

Rationale: SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) is a structured method for communicating critical information during shift changes or handoffs. It helps to ensure important details about a patient's condition and care are effectively communicated. Choice B, SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan), is a note-taking format used in healthcare to document patient encounters, but it is not specifically designed for shift handoffs. Choice C, DAR (Data, Action, Response), and choice D, PIE (Problem, Intervention, Evaluation), are not commonly used communication tools during shift changes in healthcare settings. Therefore, the correct choice is SBAR for effective communication during shift handoffs.

5. A client returns from surgery with two Penrose drains in place. Anticipating frequent dressing changes, what should the nurse use around the incision site?

• A. Montgomery straps
• B. Sterile gauze
• C. Adhesive tape
• D. Elastic bandages

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Montgomery straps are the correct choice in this scenario. They are specifically designed to secure dressings around drain sites, like Penrose drains, and are ideal for frequent dressing changes. Sterile gauze (Choice B) is commonly used for wound dressings but may not provide the best securement for drains. Adhesive tape (Choice C) can cause skin irritation and may not be suitable for securing drains. Elastic bandages (Choice D) are typically used for compression or support but are not appropriate for securing dressings around drain sites.

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