Nursing Elites

1. When providing oral care to an unconscious patient, what action should the nurse take to protect the patient from injury?

• A. Moisten the mouth using lemon-glycerin sponges.
• B. Hold the patient's mouth open with gloved fingers.
• C. Use foam swabs to help remove plaque.
• D. Suction the oral cavity.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When caring for an unconscious patient, it is crucial to prevent choking and aspiration. Suctioning the oral cavity helps in removing secretions and preventing potential harm. Moisten the mouth using lemon-glycerin sponges may not effectively clear secretions. Holding the patient's mouth open with gloved fingers can cause discomfort and potential harm. Using foam swabs to remove plaque may not address the immediate risk of aspiration.

2. A nurse is assessing the heart sounds of a client who has developed chest pain that becomes worse with inspiration. The nurse auscultates a high-pitched scratching sound during both systole and diastole with the diaphragm of the stethoscope positioned at the left sternal border. Which of the following heart sounds should the nurse document?

• A. Pericardial friction rub
• B. Mitral stenosis
• C. Aortic regurgitation
• D. Tricuspid stenosis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mitral stenosis. A high-pitched scratching sound heard during both systole and diastole with the diaphragm of the stethoscope positioned at the left sternal border indicates mitral stenosis, not a pericardial friction rub. Pericardial friction rub is a to-and-fro, grating, or scratching sound due to inflamed pericardial surfaces rubbing together, typically heard in early diastole and late systole. Aortic regurgitation and tricuspid stenosis would present with different auscultatory findings compared to the described scenario, making them incorrect choices in this context.

3. During auscultation of the anterior chest wall of a client newly admitted to a medical-surgical unit, what type of breath sounds should a nurse expect to hear?

• A. Normal breath sounds
• B. Adventitious breath sounds
• C. Absent breath sounds
• D. Diminished breath sounds

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During auscultation of the chest, normal breath sounds are the expected findings in a client who is newly admitted without respiratory complaints. Normal breath sounds indicate proper airflow through the airways without any abnormalities. Adventitious breath sounds (Choice B) refer to abnormal lung sounds such as crackles or wheezes, which are indicative of underlying respiratory issues. Absent breath sounds (Choice C) suggest a lack of airflow to a particular lung area, which could be due to conditions like pneumothorax. Diminished breath sounds (Choice D) indicate reduced airflow or consolidation in a specific lung region, often seen in conditions like pleural effusion or pneumonia. Therefore, in a newly admitted client without respiratory complaints, the nurse should expect to hear normal breath sounds during auscultation.

4. A home health nurse who has attended a training session for the therapeutic use of aromatherapy with essential oils is planning to use this modality with some of her clients. For which of the following clients should the nurse consult the provider before using this complementary therapy?

• A. A client who has asthma.
• B. A client who has diabetes.
• C. A client who has hypertension.
• D. A client who has a history of depression.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: a client who has asthma. Essential oils have the potential to trigger asthma symptoms due to their strong scents and chemical components. Consulting with the healthcare provider is crucial before using aromatherapy with essential oils to ensure the safety and well-being of the client with asthma. Choices B, C, and D do not pose immediate risks with aromatherapy use, making them less of a priority for consultation compared to asthma. Clients with diabetes, hypertension, or depression do not have the same immediate risks associated with the use of aromatherapy as clients with asthma. However, it is still advisable for the nurse to be aware of any potential interactions or contraindications with these conditions and consult with the provider if needed.

5. What intervention can help prevent atelectasis and pneumonia in a client with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?

• A. Active and passive range of motion exercises twice a day
• B. Every 4 hours incentive spirometer
• C. Chest physiotherapy twice a day
• D. Repositioning every 2 hours around the clock

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Chest physiotherapy is essential for clients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to prevent atelectasis and pneumonia. Chest physiotherapy aids in clearing secretions, maintaining lung function, and preventing respiratory complications. Active and passive range of motion exercises (Choice A) are important for maintaining joint mobility but are not directly associated with preventing atelectasis and pneumonia in ALS. Incentive spirometer use every 4 hours (Choice B) is beneficial for lung expansion and preventing atelectasis but may not be as effective as chest physiotherapy in managing secretions. Repositioning every 2 hours (Choice D) is crucial for preventing pressure ulcers but is not directly related to preventing atelectasis and pneumonia in ALS.

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