Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is performing a neurological assessment on a client post right cerebrovascular accident. Which finding, if observed by the nurse, would warrant immediate attention?

• A. Decrease in level of consciousness
• B. Loss of bladder control
• C. Altered sensation to stimuli
• D. Emotional lability

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A decrease in the level of consciousness is a critical finding that would warrant immediate attention in a client post right cerebrovascular accident. This change may indicate an increase in intracranial pressure, leading to inadequate oxygenation of the brain. It could also reveal the presence of a transient ischemic attack, which may signal an impending thrombotic cerebrovascular accident. Loss of bladder control (choice B) can be managed and monitored but does not indicate an immediate threat to the client's life. Altered sensation to stimuli (choice C) can be a concerning finding but may not require immediate attention unless it affects the client's safety. Emotional lability (choice D) may be distressing for the client but does not pose an immediate risk to their health compared to a decrease in the level of consciousness.

2. The healthcare provider is assessing the mental status of a client admitted with possible organic brain disorder. Which of these questions will best assess the function of the client's recent memory?

• A. Name the year. What season is this? (pause for answer after each question)
• B. Subtract 7 from 100 and then subtract 7 from that. (pause for answer) Now continue to subtract 7 from the new number.
• C. I am going to say the names of three things, and I want you to repeat them after me: blue, ball, pen.
• D. What is this on my wrist? (point to your watch) Then ask, What is the purpose of it?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to ask the client to perform a calculation that involves working memory and processing skills. This question not only assesses the recent memory but also evaluates attention and executive functioning. The choice 'I am going to say the names of three things, and I want you to repeat them after me: blue, ball, pen' assesses immediate recall rather than recent memory. Asking about the current year or season tests orientation rather than recent memory. Inquiring about the watch and its purpose assesses comprehension and judgment rather than recent memory.

3. A client is in need of hemodialysis for end-stage renal failure. The physician has inserted an AV fistula. Which of the following nursing interventions is appropriate when caring for this access site?

• A. Assess for clotting in fistula tubing
• B. Apply a dressing over the fistula site
• C. Assess for a bruit or thrill at the site of the fistula
• D. Assess circulation proximal to the fistula site

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When caring for an AV fistula used for hemodialysis, it is important to assess for a bruit (a humming sound) or thrill (a vibrating sensation) at the site of the fistula. These indicate proper blood flow through the fistula, ensuring it is patent and suitable for hemodialysis. Assessing for clotting in fistula tubing (Choice A) is not a routine nursing intervention for AV fistulas. Applying a dressing over the fistula site (Choice B) is not necessary as the site needs to be accessible for hemodialysis. Assessing circulation proximal to the fistula site (Choice D) is important but not specific to caring for the access site of an AV fistula.

4. While auscultating a patient's lungs, the nurse hears low-pitched, bubbling sounds during inhalation in the lower third of both lungs. How should the nurse document this finding?

• A. Inspiratory crackles at the bases
• B. Expiratory wheezes in both lungs
• C. Abnormal lung sounds in the apices of both lungs
• D. Pleural friction rub in the right and left lower lobes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Inspiratory crackles at the bases.' Crackles are low-pitched, bubbling sounds typically heard during inspiration, which aligns with the nurse's finding. Expiratory wheezes are high-pitched sounds and are not consistent with the described auscultation findings. The lower third of both lungs refers to the bases, not the apices, so option C is incorrect. Pleural friction rubs are grating sounds heard during both inspiration and expiration, unlike the described finding of only hearing the sounds during inhalation in the lower third of both lungs.

5. Which of the following statements best describes postural drainage as part of chest physiotherapy?

• A. Tapping on the chest wall to loosen secretions
• B. Squeezing the abdomen to increase expansion of the upper chest
• C. Using gravity to move secretions in the lung tissue
• D. Dilating the trachea to facilitate better release of secretions

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Postural drainage is a technique used in chest physiotherapy for clients with accumulated lung secretions. It involves positioning the client to utilize gravity in moving secretions from the lungs. Choice A, tapping on the chest wall, describes percussion, not postural drainage. Choice B, squeezing the abdomen, is not a correct description of postural drainage. Choice D, dilating the trachea, is not related to postural drainage but may be associated with airway clearance techniques.

Similar Questions