Nursing Elites

1. What action should the LPN/LVN take to prevent postoperative complications in a client who has undergone abdominal surgery?

• A. Encourage the client to use an incentive spirometer regularly.
• B. Assist the client in ambulating as soon as possible.
• C. Position the client in high Fowler's position.
• D. Encourage the client to cough and deep breathe regularly.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging the client to use an incentive spirometer regularly is crucial in preventing postoperative complications after abdominal surgery. This action helps prevent atelectasis by promoting lung expansion and improving air exchange in the lungs, reducing the risk of respiratory complications. Assisting the client in ambulating early is important for preventing issues like deep vein thrombosis but may not directly address respiratory concerns postoperatively. Positioning the client in high Fowler's position can help with respiratory distress but is not as specific to preventing postoperative respiratory complications as using an incentive spirometer. While encouraging the client to cough and deep breathe is generally beneficial for lung expansion, using an incentive spirometer is more effective and targeted in preventing atelectasis after abdominal surgery.

2. A cerebrovascular accident patient is placed on a ventilator. The client’s daughter arrives with a durable power of attorney and a living will that indicates no extraordinary life-saving measures. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Refer to the risk manager
• B. Notify the healthcare provider
• C. Discontinue the ventilator
• D. Review the medical record

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to notify the healthcare provider. In this situation, involving the healthcare provider ensures appropriate review and adherence to legal and ethical standards based on the living will and durable power of attorney. Referring to the risk manager may not be directly related to the immediate decision-making process regarding the ventilator. Discontinuing the ventilator without proper authorization from the healthcare provider could lead to legal and ethical implications. Reviewing the medical record alone may not provide guidance on how to proceed with the specific instructions from the living will and durable power of attorney.

3. At 0100 on a male client's second postoperative night, the client states he is unable to sleep and plans to read until feeling sleepy. What action should the nurse implement?

• A. Stay with the client and offer assistance with relaxation techniques
• B. Assess the client's pain level and administer pain medication if needed
• C. Bring the client a prescribed PRN sedative-hypnotic
• D. Encourage the client to engage in a quiet, non-stimulating activity until feeling sleepy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: At 0100 on the client's second postoperative night, the nurse should address the client's inability to sleep. Providing a prescribed PRN sedative-hypnotic is appropriate in this situation to help the client rest. Choice A is incorrect because leaving the room and closing the door does not directly address the client's sleep concern. Choice B is not the priority at this moment since the client's main issue is insomnia, not pain. Choice D, while encouraging a non-stimulating activity, does not provide immediate relief for the client's sleeplessness as a sedative-hypnotic would.

4. A healthcare professional is caring for a client who has pharyngeal diphtheria. Which of the following types of transmission precautions should the healthcare professional initiate?

• A. Contact
• B. Droplet
• C. Airborne
• D. Protective

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Droplet. Droplet precautions are required for infections that spread via droplets larger than 5 microns in diameter, such as pharyngeal diphtheria. Contact precautions are used for diseases that spread by direct or indirect contact. Airborne precautions are for diseases that spread through small particles in the air. Protective precautions are not a standard precautionary measure for specific infections like pharyngeal diphtheria.

5. When orienting a newly licensed nurse on taking a telephone prescription, which statement indicates understanding of the process?

• A. A second nurse enters the prescription into the client’s medical record.
• B. Another nurse should listen to the phone call.
• C. The provider can clarify the prescription when they sign the health record.
• D. I should omit the 'read back' if this is a one-time prescription.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because a second nurse should verify and enter the prescription into the client’s medical record to ensure accuracy. This step is crucial to prevent errors in transcription and administration. Choice B is incorrect as having another nurse listen to the phone call does not ensure accurate transcription. Choice C is incorrect because the provider clarifying the prescription upon signing the health record does not replace the need for proper documentation. Choice D is incorrect because the 'read back' process is essential for all telephone prescriptions to confirm accuracy and prevent errors in transcription or administration.

Similar Questions