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. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has a new prescription for potassium chloride. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Blood pressure 110/70 mm Hg
• B. Heart rate 88/min
• C. Serum potassium 3.2 mEq/L
• D. Sodium 136 mEq/L

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A serum potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L is below the normal range, indicating hypokalemia. Before administering potassium chloride, which is used to treat low potassium levels, the nurse should report this finding to the provider for further evaluation and potential adjustment of the treatment plan. Choices A, B, and D are within normal ranges and do not directly relate to the need for potassium chloride administration.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is comatose and has advance directives that indicate the client does not want life-sustaining measures. The client's family wants the client to have life-sustaining measures. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Arrange for an ethics committee meeting to address the family's concerns
• B. Support the family's decision and initiate life-sustaining measures
• C. Complete an incident report
• D. Encourage the family to contact an attorney

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should arrange for an ethics committee meeting to address the family's concerns while ensuring the client's wishes are respected. Choosing option A allows for a formal discussion involving healthcare professionals, family members, and possibly a legal expert to navigate the situation ethically and legally. Supporting the family's decision to initiate life-sustaining measures (option B) would disregard the client's advance directives and autonomy. Completing an incident report (option C) is not appropriate in this situation as it does not address the conflict of interest between the family's desires and the client's wishes. Encouraging the family to contact an attorney (option D) may escalate the situation unnecessarily before exploring more ethical and collaborative approaches.

4. 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.

5. A client is receiving discharge teaching for a new prescription of metformin. Which of the following client statements demonstrates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will take this medication with my meals.
• B. I will take this medication at the same time every day.
• C. I will avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
• D. I will expect to experience weight gain while taking this medication.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because clients taking metformin should avoid alcohol as it increases the risk of lactic acidosis. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A is not specific to metformin but rather a general recommendation for some medications. Choice B is a good practice for medication adherence but does not relate specifically to metformin. Choice D is inaccurate as weight gain is not an expected side effect of metformin.

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