Nursing Elites

1. The nurse determines that an adult client who is admitted to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) following abdominal surgery has a tympanic temperature of 94.6°F (34.4°C), a pulse rate of 88 beats/minute, a respiratory rate of 14 breaths/minute, and a blood pressure of 94/68 mmHg. Which action should the nurse implement?

• A. Check the BP every five minutes for one hour.
• B. Raise the HOB 60 to 90 degrees.
• C. Ask the client to cough and deep breathe.
• D. Take the client’s temperature using another method.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Taking the temperature using another method is essential in this situation to verify if the low reading is accurate and requires further intervention. The tympanic temperature of 94.6°F may be inaccurate due to various factors such as improper technique or environmental conditions. Checking the blood pressure every five minutes for one hour (Choice A) is not the priority in this case as the low blood pressure reading alone does not necessitate such frequent monitoring. Raising the head of the bed 60 to 90 degrees (Choice B) is not directly related to addressing the low temperature and blood pressure. Asking the client to cough and deep breathe (Choice C) is a general intervention that may not directly address the specific concern of the low temperature reading.

2. What is the main characteristic of cystic fibrosis?

• A. Multiple upper respiratory infections
• B. An underproduction of exocrine glands
• C. Excessive, thick mucus
• D. An overproduction of thin mucus

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main characteristic of cystic fibrosis is the production of excessive, thick mucus. This thick mucus leads to blockages in the airways, digestive system, and other organs. Choice A is incorrect because while individuals with cystic fibrosis are more prone to respiratory infections, the main characteristic is the mucus production. Choice B is incorrect as cystic fibrosis is characterized by the overproduction, not underproduction, of exocrine glands. Choice D is also incorrect as the mucus produced in cystic fibrosis is thick, not thin.

3. Which instruction should the nurse provide a client who was recently diagnosed with Raynaud's disease?

• A. Avoid cold temperatures completely.
• B. Take medications only during flare-ups.
• C. Wear gloves when removing packages from the freezer.
• D. Limit physical activity to avoid stress.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client with Raynaud's disease is to wear gloves when handling cold items to prevent vasospasm. Raynaud's disease is characterized by vasospasm in response to cold or stress, leading to reduced blood flow to extremities. Wearing gloves when removing packages from the freezer helps minimize exposure to cold temperatures and can prevent triggering vasospasms. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Avoiding cold temperatures completely is impractical and may not always be possible. Taking medications only during flare-ups does not address prevention strategies, and limiting physical activity to avoid stress is not a primary intervention for Raynaud's disease.

4. A client who had surgery yesterday is becoming increasingly anxious. The client’s respiratory rate has increased to 38 breaths/minute. The client has a nasogastric tube to low intermittent suction with 500 ml of yellow-green drainage over the last four hours. The client's arterial blood gases (ABGs) indicate a decreased CO2 and an increased serum pH. Which serum laboratory value should the nurse monitor first?

• A. Electrolytes.
• B. Creatinine.
• C. Blood urea nitrogen.
• D. Glucose.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Electrolytes. In this scenario, the client is at risk for metabolic alkalosis due to the loss of gastric secretions through the nasogastric tube. Monitoring electrolytes is crucial to assess the levels of sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate, which are important in maintaining the acid-base balance of the body. Changes in these electrolyte levels can provide valuable information about the client's fluid status and acid-base balance. Creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and glucose levels are important parameters to monitor in different situations but are not the priority in this case of potential metabolic alkalosis.

5. Based on the interpretation of this strip, what action should be implemented first?

• A. Call a code.
• B. Start CPR.
• C. Administer IV fluids.
• D. Apply oxygen.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Call a code.' In the context of ventricular fibrillation (V-Fib), immediate defibrillation is crucial. Calling a code is the first step to activating the emergency response team, including individuals trained to provide defibrillation. Starting CPR (Choice B) may be necessary but should follow defibrillation. Administering IV fluids (Choice C) and applying oxygen (Choice D) are important interventions in cardiac arrest cases, but in V-Fib, the priority is defibrillation to restore normal heart rhythm.

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