Nursing Elites

1. When caring for a client with a tracheostomy, which action should the nurse take first when performing tracheostomy care?

• A. Remove the inner cannula.
• B. Clean the stoma with normal saline.
• C. Change the tracheostomy ties.
• D. Suction the tracheostomy.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Suctioning the tracheostomy is the priority action because it ensures a patent airway before proceeding with any other tracheostomy care interventions. This step helps clear secretions and maintain airway patency, which is crucial for the client's respiratory status. Removing the inner cannula, cleaning the stoma, or changing the tracheostomy ties can follow once the airway is clear. Therefore, options A, B, and C are secondary actions compared to suctioning the tracheostomy.

2. The client with liver cirrhosis needs immediate intervention for which abnormal laboratory result?

• A. Prothrombin time (PT) of 14 seconds.
• B. Bilirubin of 1.2 mg/dL.
• C. Albumin of 4 g/dL.
• D. Ammonia level of 80 mcg/dL.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An elevated ammonia level of 80 mcg/dL indicates hepatic encephalopathy, a serious complication of liver cirrhosis that requires immediate intervention. Ammonia is a neurotoxin that accumulates in the blood due to impaired liver function, leading to cognitive impairment and altered mental status. Monitoring and lowering ammonia levels are crucial in managing hepatic encephalopathy to prevent further neurological deterioration. Prothrombin time, bilirubin, and albumin levels are important parameters in assessing liver function and overall health status in clients with liver cirrhosis, but an elevated ammonia level poses an immediate threat to neurological function and warrants prompt attention.

3. The healthcare provider is preparing to administer intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) to a client with Guillain-Barre syndrome. Which assessment is most important before initiating the infusion?

• A. Lung sounds and respiratory status.
• B. Skin integrity and color.
• C. Neurological status and level of consciousness.
• D. Cardiac rate and rhythm.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, "Cardiac rate and rhythm." Monitoring cardiac rate and rhythm is crucial before initiating IVIG because bradycardia is a common side effect associated with this therapy. Assessing lung sounds and respiratory status (Choice A) is important, but cardiac monitoring takes precedence due to the risk of bradycardia. Skin integrity and color (Choice B) are important assessments, but they are not directly related to potential complications of IVIG infusion. Neurological status and level of consciousness (Choice C) are also vital assessments, but monitoring cardiac function is more pertinent in this scenario.

4. A community health nurse is working with a local organization to address food insecurity. Which action should the nurse prioritize?

• A. organizing a food drive to collect non-perishable items
• B. creating a community garden to grow fresh produce
• C. establishing a weekly meal program for those in need
• D. partnering with local businesses to donate food

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is establishing a weekly meal program for those in need. This action prioritizes providing consistent and reliable access to food for individuals experiencing food insecurity. While organizing a food drive (Choice A) and partnering with local businesses to donate food (Choice D) are helpful, they may not offer a sustainable solution for ongoing food needs. Creating a community garden (Choice B) may promote self-sufficiency and access to fresh produce, but it may not address the immediate food needs of individuals who are food insecure. Therefore, establishing a weekly meal program is the most effective choice to ensure regular access to food for those in need.

5. During a home visit, a nurse observes an older client who is attempting to ambulate to the bathroom and notes that the client is unsteady and holds onto the furniture while refusing any assistance. Which action should the nurse implement?

• A. determine home navigational safety hazards
• B. maintain the client's privacy while in the bathroom
• C. recommend that the client obtain a walker
• D. encourage the client to obtain a medical alert device

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to implement is to determine home navigational safety hazards. In this scenario, the client is unsteady and holds onto furniture while refusing assistance, indicating a risk of falls. By identifying and addressing home safety hazards, the nurse can help prevent potential accidents. Maintaining privacy in the bathroom (Choice B) is important but not the priority in this situation. Recommending a walker (Choice C) or a medical alert device (Choice D) may be appropriate interventions later but addressing home safety hazards is the immediate concern.

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