Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is assessing a client with left-sided heart failure. Which finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Shortness of breath
• B. Jugular venous distention
• C. Crackles in the lungs
• D. Peripheral edema

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Crackles in the lungs indicate pulmonary congestion in a client with left-sided heart failure and require immediate intervention to prevent respiratory failure. Crackles suggest fluid accumulation in the lungs, leading to impaired gas exchange and potentially respiratory distress. Shortness of breath, jugular venous distention, and peripheral edema are common manifestations of heart failure but do not directly indicate acute respiratory compromise like crackles in the lungs do.

2. A nurse is preparing to insert a nasogastric tube (NGT) in a client. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Assess the client's history for nasal trauma or surgery
• B. Ask the client to cough and deep breathe.
• C. Measure the length of the tube to be inserted.
• D. Explain the procedure to the client and obtain consent.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take when preparing to insert a nasogastric tube (NGT) in a client is to explain the procedure to the client and obtain consent. It is crucial to ensure that the client is informed about the procedure, understands it, and consents to it before proceeding. Assessing the client's history for nasal trauma or surgery (Choice A) is important but can be done after obtaining consent. Asking the client to cough and deep breathe (Choice B) is not directly related to the initial step of preparing for NGT insertion. Measuring the length of the tube to be inserted (Choice C) is a necessary step but should come after explaining the procedure and obtaining consent.

3. The nurse needs to add a medication to a liter of 5% Dextrose in Water (D5W) that is already infusing into a client. At what location should the nurse inject the medication?

• A. Medication port
• B. IV drip chamber
• C. Y-site connector
• D. At the hub of the IV catheter

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the medication port. When adding medication to an already infusing IV solution, it should be done through the medication port to ensure direct delivery into the bloodstream without interrupting the primary IV line. Injecting the medication into the IV drip chamber, Y-site connector, or at the hub of the IV catheter can lead to dilution, inaccurate dosing, or potential blockages in the IV line, which can compromise the effectiveness of the medication and patient safety.

4. A client who developed syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) associated with small carcinoma of the lung is preparing for discharge. When teaching the client about self-management with demeclocycline (Declomycin), the nurse should instruct the client to report which condition to the healthcare provider?

• A. Insomnia
• B. Muscle cramping
• C. Increased appetite
• D. Anxiety

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Muscle cramping. SIADH causes dilutional hyponatremia due to increased ADH release. Demeclocycline is used to block the action of ADH. Muscle cramping can indicate electrolyte imbalances related to hyponatremia, which should be reported to the healthcare provider. Insomnia, increased appetite, and anxiety are not typically associated with the side effects or complications of demeclocycline or SIADH.

5. A female client who is admitted to the mental health unit for opiate dependency is receiving clonidine 0.1 mg PO for withdrawal symptoms. The client begins to complain of feeling nervous and tells the nurse that her bones are itching. Which finding should the nurse identify as a contraindication for administering the medication?

• A. Blood pressure 90/76 mm Hg.
• B. Heart rate of 85 bpm.
• C. Respiratory rate of 20 breaths/minute.
• D. Temperature of 99°F (37.2°C).

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Clonidine can lower blood pressure, so a BP of 90/76 mm Hg may indicate that it is unsafe to administer another dose. In this situation, the low blood pressure reading indicates that the client is already experiencing hypotension, which is a common side effect of clonidine. Administering more clonidine could further lower the blood pressure, leading to potential complications. The heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature are within normal limits and do not serve as contraindications for administering clonidine in this scenario.

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