Nursing Elites

1. What is the priority nursing action during the immediate postoperative period for a client who just underwent a coronary artery bypass graft?

• A. Monitor for signs of infection
• B. Ensure the client is pain-free
• C. Assess for bleeding and arrhythmias
• D. Maintain a patent airway

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Maintaining a patent airway is the priority nursing action during the immediate postoperative period for a client who just underwent a coronary artery bypass graft. This is crucial to ensure adequate oxygenation, especially in the early recovery phase. Monitoring for signs of infection, ensuring the client is pain-free, and assessing for bleeding and arrhythmias are important aspects of postoperative care but maintaining a clear airway takes precedence in this scenario to prevent hypoxia and respiratory compromise. In the immediate postoperative period, maintaining a patent airway is essential to prevent complications such as airway obstruction, hypoxia, and respiratory distress, which are critical in ensuring the client's safety and recovery.

2. A client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is receiving erythropoietin therapy. What is the primary purpose of this medication?

• A. To lower blood pressure
• B. To improve appetite
• C. To increase red blood cell production
• D. To reduce fluid retention

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'To increase red blood cell production.' Erythropoietin stimulates the production of red blood cells to treat anemia associated with CKD. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because erythropoietin therapy is primarily used to address anemia by increasing the production of red blood cells rather than lowering blood pressure, improving appetite, or reducing fluid retention.

3. Before administration of a stat dose of potassium chloride IV for a client with hypokalemia, what is the most important action for the nurse?

• A. Ensure the IV is flowing freely
• B. Mix the medication thoroughly
• C. Check the client’s electrolyte levels
• D. Obtain a baseline ECG

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most crucial action for the nurse before administering a stat dose of potassium chloride IV to a client with hypokalemia is to ensure the IV is flowing freely. A freely flowing IV is essential to safely and effectively deliver potassium chloride, helping to prevent infusion-related issues. Checking the client's electrolyte levels or obtaining a baseline ECG may be important but are not the most critical actions before administering the medication. Mixing the medication thoroughly is not applicable in this scenario as potassium chloride is typically provided ready to use.

4. Which nursing activity is within the scope of practice for the practical nurse?

• A. Complete an admission assessment in the normal newborn nursery
• B. Discontinue a central venous catheter that has become dislodged
• C. Observe a client rotate the subcutaneous site for an insulin pump
• D. Monitor a continuous narcotic epidural for a postoperative client

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Observe a client rotate the subcutaneous site for an insulin pump.' This activity is within the scope of practice for a practical nurse as it involves observing and ensuring proper technique for using an insulin pump, which aligns with their training and responsibilities. Choices A, B, and D are beyond the typical scope of practice for a practical nurse. Completing an admission assessment for a newborn nursery is usually performed by a registered nurse. Discontinuing a dislodged central venous catheter and monitoring a narcotic epidural require advanced skills and knowledge, usually carried out by registered nurses or advanced practice nurses.

5. When taking blood pressure at the brachial artery, the nurse should place the client's arm in which position?

• A. Slightly above the level of the heart
• B. At the level of the heart
• C. At a level of comfort for the client
• D. Below the level of the heart

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When taking blood pressure at the brachial artery, it is crucial to place the client's arm at the level of the heart to ensure accurate measurement. Placing the arm above or below the heart level can lead to incorrect readings. Option A, placing the arm slightly above the heart level, would result in falsely lower blood pressure readings as gravity would assist in a lower value. Option C, placing the arm at a level of comfort for the client, may not align with the standardized technique required for accurate blood pressure assessment. Option D, placing the arm below the level of the heart, would likely yield falsely higher blood pressure readings due to increased hydrostatic pressure pushing the blood against gravity.

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