Nursing Elites

1. What are the signs of an acute myocardial infarction?

• A. Chest pain radiating to the arm and shortness of breath
• B. Nausea, vomiting, and high fever
• C. Headache, confusion, and low blood pressure
• D. Increased heart rate and bradycardia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Chest pain radiating to the arm and shortness of breath. These are classic signs of an acute myocardial infarction. Choice B is incorrect because nausea, vomiting, and high fever are not typical signs of a heart attack. Choice C is incorrect as headache, confusion, and low blood pressure are not specific to myocardial infarction. Choice D is incorrect because an acute myocardial infarction typically presents with an increased heart rate, not bradycardia.

2. A client with a chest tube is post-op. What is the priority nursing action?

• A. Clamp the chest tube every 2 hours
• B. Check for air leaks and proper functioning of the chest tube
• C. Encourage deep breathing and coughing every 2 hours
• D. Encourage frequent coughing to clear secretions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to check for air leaks and ensure the proper functioning of the chest tube. This action is crucial post-op to prevent complications such as pneumothorax or hemothorax. Clamping the chest tube every 2 hours (Choice A) is incorrect as it can lead to a buildup of pressure within the chest, risking complications. Encouraging deep breathing and coughing every 2 hours (Choice C) is important for respiratory hygiene but not the priority over ensuring the chest tube's proper function. Encouraging frequent coughing to clear secretions (Choice D) is not the priority when assessing a chest tube post-op; ensuring the chest tube's integrity and function take precedence.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy and reports tingling and numbness in the hands. The nurse should expect to administer which of the following medications?

• A. Sodium bicarbonate.
• B. Calcium gluconate.
• C. Potassium chloride.
• D. Magnesium sulfate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Tingling and numbness in the hands can indicate hypocalcemia, a common complication following a thyroidectomy. Hypocalcemia requires immediate intervention to prevent severe complications like tetany and seizures. Calcium gluconate is the drug of choice for rapidly raising serum calcium levels in hypocalcemic patients. Sodium bicarbonate is not indicated for treating hypocalcemia or related symptoms. Potassium chloride is used to correct potassium imbalances, not calcium. Magnesium sulfate is not the appropriate treatment for hypocalcemia; it is commonly used for conditions like preeclampsia or eclampsia.

4. What are the complications of untreated deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

• A. Pulmonary embolism and stroke
• B. Kidney failure and hypertension
• C. Liver failure and electrolyte imbalance
• D. Fluid overload and bradycardia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Untreated DVT can lead to complications such as pulmonary embolism and stroke. Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot from the leg travels to the lungs, potentially blocking blood flow and causing respiratory distress. Stroke can occur if a blood clot dislodges from the leg veins, travels to the brain, and obstructs a blood vessel, leading to brain tissue damage. Both of these complications are life-threatening if not managed promptly. The other choices (B, C, D) do not represent common complications of untreated DVT and are therefore incorrect.

5. A nurse is planning care for a preschool-age child who is in the acute phase of Kawasaki disease. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Administer scheduled doses of acetaminophen every 6 hr.
• B. Monitor the child's cardiac status.
• C. Administer antibiotics via intermittent IV bolus for 24 hr.
• D. Provide stimulation with children of the same age in the playroom.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Monitoring cardiac status is crucial during the acute phase of Kawasaki disease because of the potential for coronary artery complications. Acetaminophen may be used for fever management but is not the priority intervention. Antibiotics are not indicated as Kawasaki disease is not caused by a bacterial infection. Providing stimulation in the playroom is important for the child's emotional well-being but does not address the immediate physiological concern of cardiac monitoring.

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