Nursing Elites

1. What are the primary differences between left-sided and right-sided heart failure?

• A. Left-sided: Pulmonary congestion; Right-sided: Systemic edema
• B. Right-sided: Pulmonary congestion; Left-sided: Systemic edema
• C. Left-sided: Systemic edema; Right-sided: Pulmonary congestion
• D. Right-sided: Pulmonary congestion; Left-sided: Heart failure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Left-sided: Pulmonary congestion; Right-sided: Systemic edema." Left-sided heart failure primarily affects the lungs, leading to pulmonary congestion, which manifests as symptoms like shortness of breath and cough. On the other hand, right-sided heart failure causes systemic congestion and edema, often presenting as swelling in the legs and abdomen due to fluid retention. Choice B is incorrect because it swaps the features of left-sided and right-sided heart failure. Choice C is incorrect as it also incorrectly switches the characteristics of the two types of heart failure. Choice D is incorrect because it inaccurately associates left-sided heart failure with pulmonary congestion and right-sided heart failure with heart failure itself, which is not a distinguishing feature.

2. A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a client who has a chest tube connected to a closed drainage system. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

• A. Clamp the chest tube
• B. Maintain the drainage below the level of the chest
• C. Elevate the chest tube above chest level
• D. Avoid frequent dressing changes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with a chest tube connected to a closed drainage system is to maintain the drainage below the level of the chest. This position allows proper drainage of fluids and helps prevent complications such as backflow of blood or fluids into the chest cavity. Clamping the chest tube (Choice A) is incorrect as it can lead to a tension pneumothorax. Elevating the chest tube above chest level (Choice C) is also incorrect because it can impede proper drainage. Avoiding frequent dressing changes (Choice D) is important to prevent introducing infection, but it is not directly related to the position of the drainage system.

3. How can pain in a post-operative patient be managed effectively?

• A. Administer analgesics as prescribed
• B. Encourage deep breathing exercises
• C. Provide distractions
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Managing pain in a post-operative patient requires a multimodal approach, which includes both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies. Administering analgesics as prescribed helps in controlling pain pharmacologically. Encouraging deep breathing exercises can aid in pain management by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Providing distractions, such as music or activities, can help divert the patient's attention from pain. Therefore, all the given options are essential components of an effective pain management plan for post-operative patients.

4. A nurse at a long-term care facility is transcribing new prescriptions for four clients. Which of the following prescriptions is accurately transcribed by the nurse?

• A. KCl 10 mEq PO once daily
• B. KCl 20 mEq PO once daily
• C. Potassium gluconate PO
• D. Potassium chloride 20 mEq PO every morning

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because it accurately transcribes the prescription by specifying the medication (Potassium chloride), the dose (20 mEq), the route (PO for by mouth), and the frequency (every morning). Choice A is incorrect as it specifies a lower dose compared to the correct prescription. Choice B is incorrect due to an inaccurate dose. Choice C is incorrect as it lacks specificity regarding the type of potassium prescribed and the dose.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who is in severe pain. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask first?

• A. How severe is your pain on a scale of 1 to 10?
• B. Where is your pain located?
• C. What medication are you taking for the pain?
• D. When did the pain start?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Where is your pain located?' When a client is experiencing severe pain, determining the location of the pain is crucial as it helps the nurse identify potential causes and select appropriate interventions. Option A may be important but assessing the location of pain takes precedence as it can provide valuable information for immediate management. Option C focuses on the current treatment, which is important but not the first priority. Option D, knowing when the pain started, is relevant but does not help in immediate pain management.

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