Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is feeding an older adult who was admitted with aspiration pneumonia. The client is weak and begins coughing while attempting to drink through a straw. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Encourage the client to drink more slowly
• B. Stop feeding and assess for signs of aspiration
• C. Elevate the head of the bed further
• D. Teach coughing and deep breathing exercises

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When an older adult with aspiration pneumonia coughs while attempting to drink, it may indicate aspiration. Aspiration can lead to serious complications. Therefore, the appropriate intervention for the nurse in this situation is to stop feeding immediately and assess the client for signs of aspiration. Encouraging the client to drink more slowly (Choice A) may not address the risk of aspiration. Elevating the head of the bed further (Choice C) is generally beneficial to prevent aspiration but is not the priority when immediate assessment is needed. Teaching coughing and deep breathing exercises (Choice D) is not appropriate when the client is actively coughing during feeding and requires immediate assessment for potential aspiration.

2. A client with diabetes mellitus is experiencing hyperglycemia. What laboratory value should the nurse monitor to evaluate long-term glucose control?

• A. Blood glucose level
• B. Glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C)
• C. Urine output
• D. Serum ketone level

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C). Glycosylated hemoglobin reflects long-term glucose control over the past three months. Monitoring blood glucose levels provides information on the current glucose status and immediate control, but it does not give a comprehensive view of long-term control. Urine output and serum ketone levels are important indicators for other aspects of diabetes management, such as hydration status and ketone production during hyperglycemic episodes, but they do not directly reflect long-term glucose control.

3. A client who recently underwent a tracheostomy is being prepared for discharge to home. Which instructions are most important for the nurse to include in the discharge plan?

• A. Teach signs of infection
• B. Teach tracheal suctioning techniques
• C. Educate on humidifying air
• D. Discuss the use of a speaking valve

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Teach tracheal suctioning techniques. Tracheal suctioning is crucial for maintaining a clear airway in clients with a tracheostomy. Without proper suctioning, secretions can accumulate and cause airway obstruction or respiratory infections. Educating the client on how to perform suctioning safely is a priority for discharge planning. Choices A, C, and D are important aspects of tracheostomy care, but teaching tracheal suctioning techniques takes precedence due to its direct impact on airway patency and preventing complications.

4. A client with cervical cancer is hospitalized for insertion of a sealed internal cervical radiation implant. What action should the nurse take when finding the radiation implant in the bed?

• A. Call radiation therapy for assistance
• B. Place the implant in a lead container using long-handled forceps
• C. Leave the implant in the bed and notify the provider
• D. Dispose of the implant in the nearest sharps container

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when finding the radiation implant in the bed is to use long-handled forceps to place the implant in a lead container. This procedure is crucial in reducing radiation exposure to both the patient and healthcare providers. Calling radiation therapy for assistance (Choice A) may delay the immediate need for safe handling of the implant. Leaving the implant in the bed and notifying the provider (Choice C) is unsafe and can lead to increased radiation exposure. Disposing of the implant in a sharps container (Choice D) is incorrect as the implant should be placed in a lead container, not a sharps container, to contain the radiation.

5. What instruction should the nurse include for a client prescribed nitroglycerin for a myocardial infarction?

• A. Take the medication only when experiencing severe chest pain.
• B. Store the medication in a dark container to protect it from light.
• C. Take the medication before engaging in physical activity that may trigger chest pain.
• D. Limit nitroglycerin use to no more than three doses in 15 minutes.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Limit nitroglycerin use to no more than three doses in 15 minutes.' This instruction is crucial to prevent excessive use, which can lead to severe hypotension and other complications. Choice A is incorrect because nitroglycerin should also be used preventatively, not only during severe chest pain. Choice B is irrelevant and not a necessary instruction for nitroglycerin use. Choice C is incorrect as nitroglycerin is typically taken to prevent chest pain rather than waiting for an activity that may trigger it.

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