Nursing Elites

1. The client with a chest tube after a coronary artery bypass graft has significantly slowed drainage. What action is most important for the nurse to take?

• A. Increase the setting on the suction.
• B. Notify the provider immediately.
• C. Re-position the chest tube.
• D. Take the tubing apart to assess for clots.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: If the drainage from the chest tube decreases significantly, it may indicate a blockage by a clot, potentially leading to cardiac tamponade. The nurse's priority action should be to notify the healthcare provider immediately for further evaluation and intervention. Increasing suction, re-positioning the chest tube, or disassembling the tubing independently are not appropriate actions without healthcare provider guidance in this situation.

2. Which action best demonstrates respect for autonomy when working with a client?

• A. Asks if the client has questions before signing a consent form
• B. Provides the client with accurate information when questioned
• C. Honors the promises made to the client and family
• D. Ensures fair treatment of the client compared to others

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Respect for autonomy involves allowing individuals to make decisions about their care. By asking if the client has questions before signing a consent form, the nurse is respecting the client's right to make informed choices and decisions regarding their healthcare. This action supports the principle of self-determination and autonomy in healthcare decision-making.

3. A nurse assesses a client who has a mediastinal chest tube. Which symptoms require the nurse's immediate intervention? (Select ONE that does not apply)

• A. Production of pink sputum
• B. Tracheal deviation
• C. Pain at insertion site
• D. Sudden onset of shortness of breath

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a client with a mediastinal chest tube, the presence of pink sputum does not necessarily require immediate intervention. However, tracheal deviation could indicate a tension pneumothorax, sudden shortness of breath could signal tube issues or pneumothorax, and drainage exceeding 70 mL/hr might suggest hemorrhage. Disconnection at the Y site could lead to air entering the tubing, necessitating prompt attention.

4. A healthcare professional wishes to provide client-centered care in all interactions. Which action by the healthcare professional best demonstrates this concept?

• A. Assesses for cultural influences affecting healthcare
• B. Ensures that all the client's basic needs are met
• C. Informs the client and family about all upcoming tests
• D. Thoroughly orients the client and family to the room

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Client-centered care focuses on individualizing care to meet the client's unique needs, preferences, and values. Assessing for cultural influences affecting healthcare allows the healthcare professional to provide culturally sensitive and competent care, respecting the client's beliefs and practices. It promotes effective communication, understanding, and collaboration, essential components of client-centered care.

5. When preparing a client for transfer to the ICU for placement of a pulmonary artery catheter, the nurse should explain that this catheter is used to monitor which of the following conditions?

• A. Intracranial pressure
• B. Spinal cord perfusion
• C. Renal function
• D. Hemodynamic status

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A pulmonary artery catheter is primarily used to monitor hemodynamic status. It provides essential information on cardiac output, preload, afterload, and overall cardiovascular function. This data helps healthcare providers manage the client's fluid status, cardiac function, and guide treatment interventions in critically ill patients. Monitoring intracranial pressure, spinal cord perfusion, or renal function would require different monitoring devices and techniques, not a pulmonary artery catheter.

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