Nursing Elites

1. What is the first step in managing a patient with a suspected pneumothorax?

• A. Insert a chest tube
• B. Monitor respiratory status
• C. Administer oxygen
• D. Call for assistance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to insert a chest tube. In managing a patient with a suspected pneumothorax, the priority is to relieve the pressure from the pneumothorax by inserting a chest tube. Monitoring respiratory status (choice B) is important but comes after ensuring proper management of the pneumothorax. Administering oxygen (choice C) can help support oxygenation but does not address the underlying issue of pressure in the thoracic cavity. Calling for assistance (choice D) can be done concurrently with managing the pneumothorax, but the immediate intervention to address the pneumothorax itself is chest tube insertion.

2. A nurse in a long-term care facility is reviewing information about health care-associated infections with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

• A. Frequent hand washing prevents infection
• B. Prolonged use of corticosteroids increases infection risk
• C. Limit patient interaction to reduce infection spread
• D. Restrict client movement to prevent contamination

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because prolonged use of corticosteroids is a known risk factor for infections. Choice A is incorrect because frequent hand washing actually helps prevent infections. Choice C is incorrect as patient interaction is essential in healthcare but should be done following proper infection control measures. Choice D is also incorrect as restricting client movement is not a standard practice to prevent contamination.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 hr postoperative following rhinoplasty. Which of the following manifestations requires immediate action by the nurse?

• A. Increase in frequency of swallowing.
• B. Moderate sanguineous drainage on the drip pad.
• C. Bruising to the face.
• D. Absent gag reflex.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increase in frequency of swallowing. After rhinoplasty, an increase in frequency of swallowing may indicate possible bleeding, which requires immediate action by the nurse. The client could be experiencing postoperative bleeding, and prompt intervention is necessary to prevent complications. Choice B, moderate sanguineous drainage on the drip pad, is expected in the immediate postoperative period and does not require immediate action unless it becomes excessive. Choice C, bruising to the face, is a common postoperative finding and does not require immediate action unless it is excessive or affects the airway. Choice D, absent gag reflex, would not be expected immediately following rhinoplasty and would require intervention, but the manifestation of increased swallowing frequency is a higher priority due to its association with potential bleeding.

4. What is the most important action when providing wound care to a client with a pressure ulcer?

• A. Apply a dry, sterile dressing to the wound
• B. Cleanse the wound with normal saline
• C. Perform a wound culture before applying ointment
• D. Cover the wound with a wet-to-dry dressing

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Performing a wound culture before applying ointment is crucial when providing wound care to a client with a pressure ulcer. This action helps identify any underlying infections, allowing healthcare providers to select the most appropriate treatment. Options A, B, and D are not as critical as performing a wound culture, as they focus on wound dressing and cleansing rather than identifying potential infections.

5. Which instruction should be emphasized for a client with diabetes being discharged?

• A. Check blood sugar once daily
• B. Take insulin before meals as prescribed
• C. Monitor glucose levels weekly
• D. Eat carbohydrate-rich meals to maintain glucose levels

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to 'Take insulin before meals as prescribed' because it is crucial for managing blood glucose levels effectively in clients with diabetes. Insulin helps the body utilize glucose from the food consumed, preventing high blood sugar levels. Checking blood sugar once daily (Choice A) may not be sufficient for proper management, as blood sugar levels can fluctuate throughout the day. Monitoring glucose levels weekly (Choice C) is too infrequent and may lead to missed opportunities for timely intervention. Eating carbohydrate-rich meals to maintain glucose levels (Choice D) is not appropriate advice, as it can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, especially without the proper insulin dosage.

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