Nursing Elites

1. What is the nurse's priority when caring for a client with a tracheostomy who is showing signs of respiratory distress?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to suction the tracheostomy. When a client with a tracheostomy is experiencing respiratory distress, the priority intervention is to clear the airway by suctioning the tracheostomy to remove secretions that may be obstructing the air passage. Administering a bronchodilator (Choice A) may be considered if bronchospasm is present, but the immediate focus should be on clearing the airway. Notifying the physician (Choice C) is important but should not delay the immediate intervention of suctioning. Increasing the oxygen flow rate (Choice D) may provide temporary relief, but addressing the root cause of the distress by suctioning is the priority.

2. A client has an NG tube that needs to be irrigated every 8 hours. Which solution should the nurse use to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance?

• A. Tap water
• B. Sterile water
• C. 0.9% sodium chloride
• D. 0.45% sodium chloride

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct solution to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance during NG tube irrigation is 0.9% sodium chloride. This solution is isotonic and helps prevent electrolyte imbalances. Using tap water or sterile water can lead to electrolyte disturbances due to their hypotonic nature, while 0.45% sodium chloride is hypotonic and may cause further imbalances in the client's electrolyte levels.

3. A healthcare provider is caring for a client who has a leg fracture and reports severe pain. Which of the following actions should the healthcare provider take first?

• A. Administer pain medication
• B. Reposition the client's leg
• C. Elevate the client's leg
• D. Check the client's neurovascular status

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Checking the client's neurovascular status is the priority when caring for a client with severe pain after a leg fracture. This assessment is crucial to identify any signs of vascular compromise or nerve damage, such as compartment syndrome. Administering pain medication can help alleviate the pain but should only be done after ensuring the client's neurovascular status is stable. Repositioning or elevating the leg may worsen the condition if there are underlying vascular issues, making these options lower in priority than assessing neurovascular status.

4. When managing a physically assaultive client, the nurse's INITIAL priority is to

• A. Restrict the client to the room
• B. Place the client under one-to-one supervision
• C. Restore the client's self-control and prevent further loss of control
• D. Clear the immediate area of other clients to prevent harm

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When dealing with a physically assaultive client, the initial priority is to focus on restoring the client's self-control and preventing further escalation. Restricting the client to the room (choice A) may escalate the situation and is not the initial priority. Placing the client under one-to-one supervision (choice B) is important but comes after ensuring the client's self-control. Clearing the immediate area of other clients (choice D) is essential for safety but is not the initial priority when compared to restoring the client's self-control.

5. A nurse is teaching a client who is to undergo total knee arthroplasty about postoperative care. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Apply heat to the affected knee
• B. Avoid placing pillows under the knee
• C. Avoid moving the knee for 2-3 days
• D. Apply ice to the affected knee for 24-48 hours

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to apply ice to the affected knee for 24-48 hours. Applying ice helps to reduce inflammation and pain after knee surgery, promoting healing. Choice A is incorrect because heat is not recommended postoperatively, as it can increase swelling. Choice B is incorrect because pillows should be placed under the knee to keep it elevated. Choice C is incorrect because early mobilization is essential for preventing complications such as blood clots.

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