Nursing Elites

1. What is the priority when managing a client with a chest tube postoperatively?

• A. Clamp the chest tube for 30 minutes every 4 hours
• B. Check for air leaks and proper functioning of the chest tube
• C. Encourage deep breathing and coughing every 2 hours
• D. Encourage frequent coughing to clear secretions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority when managing a client with a chest tube postoperatively is to check for air leaks and ensure the proper functioning of the chest tube. This is crucial to prevent complications such as pneumothorax or hemothorax. Clamping the chest tube intermittently can lead to a buildup of pressure in the pleural space and should not be done without a specific medical indication. Encouraging deep breathing and coughing helps with lung expansion but is not the priority over ensuring the chest tube's proper function. Encouraging frequent coughing may increase the risk of dislodging the chest tube or causing complications.

2. A client has a prescription for nitroglycerin sublingual tablets. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Place the tablet under the tongue and wait 10 minutes
• B. Take up to five tablets during an angina episode
• C. Take up to three tablets during a single angina episode
• D. Swallow the tablet with water

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Take up to three tablets during a single angina episode.' Nitroglycerin can be taken up to three times during an episode to relieve angina. Choice A is incorrect because the client should place the tablet under the tongue and wait for it to dissolve, not wait for 10 minutes. Choice B is incorrect because taking up to five tablets during an angina episode is excessive and not recommended. Choice D is incorrect because nitroglycerin tablets are meant to be taken sublingually, not swallowed.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 day postoperative and is unable to ambulate. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to promote the client's venous return?

• A. Encourage deep breathing exercises
• B. Maintain the client in a supine position
• C. Apply a sequential compression device
• D. Massage the client's legs

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Apply a sequential compression device. Applying a sequential compression device promotes venous return by assisting with blood circulation in the lower extremities, reducing the risk of blood clots. Encouraging deep breathing exercises can help with lung expansion but does not directly promote venous return. Maintaining the client in a supine position may not be ideal for promoting venous return if the client is unable to move. Massaging the client's legs may be contraindicated postoperatively due to the risk of dislodging a clot or causing trauma to the surgical site.

4. How do you assess for dehydration in a pediatric patient?

• A. Check for dry mouth and decreased urine output
• B. Monitor skin turgor and capillary refill
• C. Assess for lethargy and irritability
• D. Monitor blood pressure and heart rate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct! When assessing for dehydration in a pediatric patient, checking for dry mouth and decreased urine output are crucial indicators. Dry mouth indicates reduced fluid intake or dehydration, while decreased urine output suggests decreased renal perfusion secondary to dehydration. Skin turgor and capillary refill are more indicative of perfusion status rather than dehydration specifically. Lethargy and irritability can be present in dehydrated patients but are more general signs of illness. Monitoring blood pressure and heart rate are important in assessing dehydration severity but are not the initial signs used for assessment.

5. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient with fluid overload?

• A. Monitor weight and assess for edema
• B. Monitor blood pressure and auscultate lung sounds
• C. Assess for jugular venous distention
• D. Monitor oxygen saturation and check for fluid retention

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct way to assess a patient with fluid overload is by monitoring weight and assessing for edema. Weight monitoring helps in detecting fluid retention, and edema is a visible sign of excess fluid accumulation. Although monitoring blood pressure and auscultating lung sounds are important assessments in heart failure, they are not specific to fluid overload. Assessing for jugular venous distention is more indicative of right-sided heart failure rather than fluid overload. Monitoring oxygen saturation and checking for fluid retention are not primary assessments for fluid overload.

Similar Questions