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 client with an acute myocardial infarction is concerned about extreme fatigue. What is the best strategy to promote independence in self-care?

• A. Instruct the client to limit all activity until fully rested
• B. Encourage the client to gradually resume self-care tasks with rest periods
• C. Assign assistive personnel to complete self-care tasks
• D. Ask the client's family to assist with self-care

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Encouraging the client to gradually resume self-care tasks with rest periods is the best strategy to promote independence in self-care for a client with acute myocardial infarction. This approach allows the client to regain independence while considering the need for rest to prevent overexertion. Instructing the client to limit all activity until fully rested (Choice A) may hinder independence by promoting inactivity. Assigning assistive personnel to complete self-care tasks (Choice C) does not promote the client's independence. Asking the client's family to assist with self-care (Choice D) may not foster the client's self-reliance and may not always be feasible.

3. What should the nurse do first when a client with a tracheostomy exhibits respiratory distress?

• A. Notify the provider
• B. Suction the tracheostomy
• C. Administer a bronchodilator
• D. Increase the oxygen flow rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct initial action when a client with a tracheostomy exhibits respiratory distress is to suction the tracheostomy. This helps to clear secretions and improve the client's ability to breathe. Notifying the provider (choice A) can cause a delay in immediate intervention. Administering a bronchodilator (choice C) may be necessary but is not the priority in this situation. Increasing the oxygen flow rate (choice D) can be helpful but should come after addressing the immediate need for suctioning to clear the airway.

4. What are the early signs of sepsis in a patient?

• A. Increased heart rate and fever
• B. Low blood pressure and confusion
• C. Elevated blood sugar and sweating
• D. Increased urine output and abdominal pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased heart rate and fever. These are early signs of sepsis and indicate a systemic infection. It is crucial to identify these signs promptly to initiate appropriate treatment. Choice B is incorrect because low blood pressure and confusion are more indicative of severe sepsis or septic shock rather than early signs. Choice C is incorrect as elevated blood sugar and sweating are not typical early signs of sepsis. Choice D is also incorrect as increased urine output and abdominal pain are not early signs of sepsis.

5. A nurse is providing discharge instructions for a client with diabetes. What is the most important teaching point?

• A. Monitor blood sugar levels weekly
• B. Administer insulin before meals as prescribed
• C. Take medication only when feeling unwell
• D. Monitor blood sugar only in the morning

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer insulin before meals as prescribed. This is the most important teaching point because insulin administration before meals helps manage blood sugar effectively in diabetic patients. Choice A is incorrect because monitoring blood sugar levels weekly may not provide timely information for managing diabetes. Choice C is incorrect as medications for diabetes should be taken as prescribed, not only when feeling unwell. Choice D is incorrect as blood sugar levels should be monitored at various times throughout the day, not just in the morning, to get a complete picture of the patient's condition.

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