Nursing Elites

1. What are the key considerations when administering opioid analgesics to a patient in pain?

• A. Monitoring for respiratory depression
• B. Administering opioid antagonist if needed
• C. Assessing respiratory rate and pain level before administration
• D. Monitoring the patient's level of consciousness

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct key consideration when administering opioid analgesics to a patient in pain is monitoring for respiratory depression. Opioids can lead to respiratory depression, making it crucial to carefully monitor the patient's breathing. Administering an opioid antagonist is not a key consideration during the administration of opioids; it is used to reverse opioid effects in cases of overdose, not as a routine practice. Assessing respiratory rate and pain level before administration is important but not the key consideration compared to monitoring for respiratory depression. Monitoring the patient's level of consciousness is also essential but not as critical as monitoring for respiratory depression when administering opioids.

2. A client has a new prescription for guaifenesin. What information regarding the action of guaifenesin should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Decreases mucus production
• B. Reduces nasal congestion
• C. Increases cough production
• D. Reduces fever

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Increases cough production.' Guaifenesin is an expectorant that works by increasing cough production to help clear secretions from the airways. Option A is incorrect because guaifenesin does not decrease mucus production but rather helps to make the mucus easier to cough up. Option B is incorrect as guaifenesin does not reduce nasal congestion. Option D is incorrect because guaifenesin does not have any effect on reducing fever.

3. When assessing a client with terminal cancer receiving a continuous intravenous infusion of morphine sulfate, what should the nurse check first?

• A. Check for respiratory depression.
• B. Assess pain control.
• C. Check the infusion site for complications.
• D. Monitor the client's blood pressure.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to check for respiratory depression first when assessing a client receiving a continuous intravenous infusion of morphine sulfate. Respiratory depression is the most common life-threatening side effect associated with morphine administration. Monitoring respiratory status is crucial as it can quickly deteriorate, leading to serious complications or even respiratory arrest. Assessing pain control (choice B) is important but ensuring adequate ventilation takes precedence. Checking the infusion site for complications (choice C) and monitoring blood pressure (choice D) are also essential aspects of care but are secondary to evaluating respiratory status when administering morphine.

4. During an initial visit, a home health nurse is assessing a client who has cultural beliefs different from their own. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask to determine the client's beliefs about environmental control?

• A. Do you spend more time thinking about the past, present, or future?
• B. Who makes most of the decisions in your family group?
• C. What do you think you can do to affect your health status?
• D. Can you list any diseases that your parents or siblings have had?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct question to ask in this scenario is: 'What do you think you can do to affect your health status?' This question directly addresses the client's beliefs about their ability to control their health and reflects their beliefs about environmental control. Choices A, B, and D do not directly relate to assessing the client's beliefs about environmental control. Choice A focuses on time orientation, choice B pertains to family decision-making dynamics, and choice D is related to family medical history, which are not directly relevant to understanding the client's beliefs about environmental control.

5. The family member is observing a family member changing a dressing for a patient in the home health environment. Which observation indicates the family member has a correct understanding of how to manage contaminated dressings?

• A. The family member saves part of the dressing because it is clean.
• B. The family member places the used dressings in a plastic bag.
• C. The family member removes gloves and gathers items for disposal.
• D. The family member wraps the used dressing in toilet tissue before placing it in the trash.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct way to manage contaminated dressings is to place them in plastic bags for proper disposal. This helps prevent the spread of infection. Choice A is incorrect because saving part of the dressing is not a recommended practice. Choice C is not directly related to managing contaminated dressings. Choice D is incorrect as wrapping the used dressing in toilet tissue is not the appropriate way to dispose of contaminated dressings.

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