Nursing Elites

1. What is the best way to assess a patient's respiratory function after surgery?

• A. Check oxygen saturation
• B. Auscultate lung sounds
• C. Check for abnormal breath sounds
• D. Check skin color

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to check oxygen saturation. This is because checking oxygen saturation provides a direct measure of how well the patient is oxygenating post-surgery. It helps healthcare providers assess if the patient is receiving enough oxygen to meet their body's needs. Auscultating lung sounds (choice B) is important to assess respiratory function but may not provide an immediate indication of oxygenation status. Checking for abnormal breath sounds (choice C) is relevant but does not directly assess oxygenation levels. Checking skin color (choice D) can provide some information about oxygenation, but it is not as precise or direct as measuring oxygen saturation.

2. What is the best intervention for a patient with respiratory distress?

• A. Administer oxygen
• B. Administer bronchodilators
• C. Administer IV fluids
• D. Administer corticosteroids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer oxygen. In respiratory distress, the priority intervention is to improve oxygenation. Administering oxygen helps increase the oxygen levels in the blood, supporting respiratory function. While bronchodilators may be used in specific respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD, they are not the primary intervention for respiratory distress. IV fluids are not indicated as the initial treatment for respiratory distress unless there is an underlying cause such as dehydration. Corticosteroids may be used in certain respiratory conditions to reduce inflammation, but they are not the first-line intervention for acute respiratory distress.

3. What is the best initial nursing intervention for a patient with suspected pulmonary embolism?

• A. Administer oxygen
• B. Administer anticoagulants
• C. Reposition the patient
• D. Check oxygen saturation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering oxygen is the best initial nursing intervention for a patient with suspected pulmonary embolism because it helps address hypoxia, a common complication of this condition. Oxygen therapy can improve oxygenation and support vital organ function. Administering anticoagulants (Choice B) is a treatment option for confirmed pulmonary embolism but not the initial intervention. Repositioning the patient (Choice C) and checking oxygen saturation (Choice D) are important assessments but do not address the immediate need to improve oxygenation in a patient with suspected pulmonary embolism.

4. A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about ergonomic principles. Which action by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. Stand with feet together when lifting a client.
• B. Raise the client's head of bed before pulling the client up.
• C. Use a mechanical lift to move a client.
• D. Place a gait belt around the client's chest before assisting the client.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Use a mechanical lift to move a client.' Using a mechanical lift is an essential ergonomic principle to prevent injury and ensure safe client handling. Choice A is incorrect because standing with feet together when lifting a client can lead to instability and improper weight distribution. Choice B is incorrect as raising the client's head of bed before pulling the client up does not primarily relate to ergonomic principles. Choice D is incorrect because while using a gait belt is important for assisting clients with mobility, it is not specifically related to ergonomic principles for safe handling.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Oxygen saturation of 92%
• B. Use of pursed-lip breathing
• C. Increased anterior-posterior chest diameter
• D. Productive cough with green sputum

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A productive cough with green sputum can indicate a bacterial infection, which is a concern for clients with COPD. Reporting this finding to the provider is important for further evaluation and management. Choices A, B, and C are not as concerning in the context of COPD management. An oxygen saturation of 92% is within an acceptable range for COPD patients, pursed-lip breathing is a helpful technique for managing breathing difficulties in COPD, and an increased anterior-posterior chest diameter is a common finding in clients with COPD due to chronic air trapping.

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