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. When assessing a client with signs of delirium, which factor should be the nurse's priority in determining the cause?

• A. Medication history
• B. Fluid and electrolyte imbalances
• C. Psychosocial stressors
• D. Environmental factors

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a nurse assesses a client with signs of delirium, the priority in determining the cause should be focusing on fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Delirium can often be linked to imbalances in these essential elements, making it crucial to address them promptly. While medication history, psychosocial stressors, and environmental factors can also contribute to delirium, they should be assessed after addressing fluid and electrolyte imbalances due to their immediate impact on cognitive function.

3. What are the nursing interventions for a patient receiving anticoagulant therapy?

• A. Monitor INR levels and check for bleeding
• B. Administer antiplatelet therapy
• C. Check for signs of DVT and provide anticoagulation
• D. Administer aspirin and monitor for bleeding

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct nursing intervention for a patient receiving anticoagulant therapy is to monitor INR levels and check for signs of bleeding. Monitoring the INR levels helps assess the effectiveness and safety of anticoagulant therapy, while checking for bleeding is essential due to the increased risk associated with anticoagulants. Choice B is incorrect as antiplatelet therapy is not the standard treatment for patients on anticoagulant therapy. Choice C is incorrect as providing additional anticoagulation is not a direct nursing intervention in this scenario. Choice D is incorrect because administering aspirin, an antiplatelet medication, along with anticoagulants can increase the risk of bleeding and is generally avoided.

4. Which of the following is an early sign that suctioning is required for a client with a tracheostomy?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Irritability
• C. Confusion
• D. Hypotension

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Irritability is an early sign that suctioning is necessary to clear the airway in a client with a tracheostomy. When secretions build up in the tracheostomy tube, the client may become irritable due to the discomfort and the compromised airway. Bradycardia, confusion, and hypotension are not typically early signs that suctioning is required. Bradycardia may occur if the airway becomes severely compromised, confusion may be a late sign of hypoxia, and hypotension is not directly related to the need for suctioning in a client with a tracheostomy.

5. A client is learning about preventing hip dislocation before total hip arthroplasty. Which instruction should be included?

• A. Avoid bending the hip more than 90 degrees
• B. Avoid lying on the unaffected side
• C. Avoid crossing the legs at the knees
• D. Avoid keeping the legs in a neutral position

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction to prevent hip dislocation after total hip arthroplasty is to avoid crossing the legs at the knees. This position can put stress on the hip joint and increase the risk of dislocation. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Bending the hip more than 90 degrees, lying on the unaffected side, or keeping the legs in a neutral position are not directly related to preventing hip dislocation in this context.

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