Nursing Elites

1. What is the most important assessment for a patient with respiratory distress?

• A. Monitor oxygen saturation
• B. Check for abnormal breath sounds
• C. Check for pitting edema
• D. Perform a neurological exam

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Monitoring oxygen saturation is crucial in assessing a patient with respiratory distress because it helps determine if the patient is receiving adequate oxygen. Oxygen saturation levels provide immediate feedback on the efficiency of oxygen delivery to the tissues. Checking for abnormal breath sounds (Choice B) is relevant in respiratory assessments, but it is secondary to assessing oxygen saturation. Pitting edema (Choice C) and performing a neurological exam (Choice D) are not directly related to assessing respiratory distress and are not the primary focus when managing a patient with breathing difficulties.

2. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has heart failure. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Potassium 4.0 mEq/L
• B. Hemoglobin 12 g/dL
• C. BUN 18 mg/dL
• D. Sodium 137 mEq/L

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hemoglobin 12 g/dL. In a client with heart failure, a decrease in hemoglobin levels can indicate anemia, which can exacerbate heart failure symptoms. Reporting this finding to the provider is crucial for appropriate management. Choice A, Potassium 4.0 mEq/L, is within the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L) and does not typically require immediate reporting. Choice C, BUN 18 mg/dL, and Choice D, Sodium 137 mEq/L, are also within normal ranges and not directly related to heart failure management. Therefore, the hemoglobin level is the most critical finding to report in this scenario.

3. A client with schizophrenia is pacing the hall and is agitated. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Ask the client if they intend to harm others.
• B. Tell the client to stop pacing the hall.
• C. Allow the client to pace alone until they feel less anxious.
• D. Walk with the client at a gradually slower pace.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when caring for a client with schizophrenia who is pacing the hall and agitated is to walk with the client at a gradually slower pace. This approach can help reduce the client's agitation and prevent the situation from escalating. Choice A is incorrect because directly asking about harm may increase the client's anxiety. Choice B is inappropriate as it may worsen the client's agitation. Choice C is not recommended as the client may benefit from the nurse's presence and support during this time of distress.

4. A nurse is assessing a client who is 2 days postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Serosanguineous drainage on the dressing
• B. Heart rate of 88/min
• C. Urine output of 30 mL/hr
• D. Blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because a urine output of 30 mL/hr indicates oliguria, which can be a sign of dehydration or kidney impairment postoperatively. This finding should be reported to the provider for further evaluation. Choices A, B, and D are within normal parameters for a client who is 2 days postoperative following abdominal surgery and do not raise immediate concerns. Serosanguineous drainage on the dressing is an expected finding in the early postoperative period, a heart rate of 88/min is within the normal range, and a blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg is also within normal limits.

5. A nurse is preparing to perform a bladder scan for a client who has overflow incontinence. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Place the client in a supine position.
• B. Obtain a prescription for insertion of an indwelling catheter.
• C. Cleanse the client's abdomen with an antiseptic solution.
• D. Prepare the client for urinary catheterization.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to prepare the client for urinary catheterization. Overflow incontinence may indicate bladder distention, where a bladder scan helps assess the need for catheterization. Placing the client in a supine position (Choice A) is not directly related to the procedure. Obtaining a prescription for an indwelling catheter (Choice B) is not necessary before performing a bladder scan. Cleansing the client's abdomen with an antiseptic solution (Choice C) is not specific to preparing for a bladder scan in this situation.

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