Nursing Elites

1. The nurse observes that a post-operative client's surgical wound has reddened edges and is oozing. What is the appropriate nursing action?

• A. Apply an antibiotic ointment
• B. Clean the wound with sterile saline
• C. Cover the wound with a sterile dressing
• D. Notify the surgeon immediately

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action when a post-operative client's surgical wound has reddened edges and is oozing is to notify the surgeon immediately. Reddened, oozing wound edges can indicate an infection that requires prompt evaluation and intervention by the surgical team. Applying an antibiotic ointment (Choice A) without proper assessment and guidance can be inappropriate. Cleaning the wound with sterile saline (Choice B) and covering it with a sterile dressing (Choice C) may not address the potential infection adequately, and the client may require more specialized care that the surgeon can provide.

2. The healthcare provider is assessing a client who has just undergone a thyroidectomy. Which assessment finding is most concerning?

• A. Hoarseness of the voice
• B. Slight swelling at the incision site
• C. Tingling around the mouth
• D. Mild fever

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Tingling around the mouth is the most concerning finding as it may indicate hypocalcemia, a potential complication after thyroidectomy. Hoarseness of the voice is common due to surgical manipulation, slight swelling at the incision site is expected postoperatively, and mild fever can be a normal inflammatory response. Hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy can lead to serious complications and should be addressed promptly to prevent further issues.

3. While caring for a client's postoperative dressing, the nurse observes purulent wound drainage. Previously, the wound was inflamed and tender but without drainage. Which is the most important action for the nurse to take?

• A. Determine if the drainage has an unpleasant odor.
• B. Monitor the client's white blood cell count (WBC).
• C. Request a culture and sensitivity of the wound.
• D. Cleanse the wound with a sterile saline solution.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Requesting a culture and sensitivity of the wound is the most crucial action in this scenario. This will help identify the specific organism causing the infection and determine its sensitivity to antibiotics, guiding appropriate antibiotic therapy. Option A is less critical as odor alone may not provide enough information about the type of infection. Monitoring the client's white blood cell count (WBC) in option B is important but not as immediate as obtaining a wound culture. Cleansing the wound with a sterile saline solution in option D is necessary but should follow after obtaining the culture results to ensure proper treatment.

4. A client with a severe peanut allergy accidentally ingested peanut-containing food and is experiencing anaphylaxis. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Administer an epinephrine injection
• B. Call for immediate medical help
• C. Monitor airway, breathing, and circulation
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority action for a client experiencing anaphylaxis due to a severe peanut allergy is to administer an epinephrine injection. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis as it can rapidly reverse the severe allergic reaction. While calling for immediate medical help is important, administering epinephrine takes precedence because it can be life-saving in this situation. Monitoring airway, breathing, and circulation is essential in managing anaphylaxis, but administering epinephrine is the priority action to halt the progression of the allergic reaction and stabilize the client's condition. Therefore, 'Administer an epinephrine injection' is the most critical initial intervention.

5. The nurse is caring for a client who is NPO (nothing by mouth) due to a small bowel obstruction. Which nursing intervention is most important?

• A. Monitor bowel sounds
• B. Provide frequent oral care
• C. Encourage ambulation
• D. Measure abdominal girth

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Providing frequent oral care is crucial when a client is NPO to ensure comfort and prevent drying of the oral mucosa. In this situation, the priority is maintaining oral hygiene to prevent complications such as oral mucosa breakdown. Monitoring bowel sounds may be important in assessing bowel activity, but it is not the priority when the client is NPO due to a small bowel obstruction. Encouraging ambulation can be beneficial for other conditions, but in this case, oral care takes precedence. Measuring abdominal girth is more relevant for assessing abdominal distention, which is not the priority when the client is NPO. Therefore, the most important nursing intervention is to provide frequent oral care.

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