Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary function of neutrophils?

• A. Heparin secretion
• B. Transport oxygen
• C. Phagocytotic action
• D. Antibody formation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Phagocytotic action. Neutrophils are key components of the immune system, primarily involved in the phagocytosis of bacteria and other pathogens. Choice A, Heparin secretion, is incorrect as heparin is primarily secreted by mast cells and basophils. Choice B, Transport oxygen, is incorrect as this is mainly the function of red blood cells. Choice D, Antibody formation, is incorrect as antibody production is primarily carried out by B lymphocytes.

2. When caring for a client with a tracheostomy, what is the most important assessment to perform?

• A. Check the client's oxygen saturation
• B. Assess the tracheostomy site for signs of infection
• C. Monitor the client's respiratory rate
• D. Ensure the tracheostomy ties are secure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most important assessment to perform when caring for a client with a tracheostomy is to check the client's oxygen saturation. This assessment is crucial as it ensures that the client is receiving adequate oxygen through the tracheostomy. Monitoring oxygen saturation provides immediate information on the client's respiratory status and the effectiveness of the airway management. Assessing the tracheostomy site for signs of infection is important but not as critical as ensuring adequate oxygenation. Monitoring the respiratory rate is also essential but does not directly assess the effectiveness of oxygenation. Ensuring tracheostomy ties are secure is important for maintaining the device but does not directly evaluate the client's oxygenation status.

3. A client who fell 20 feet from the roof of his home has multiple injuries, including a right pneumothorax. Chest tubes were inserted in the emergency department prior to his transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU). The nurse observes that the suction control chamber is bubbling at the -10 cm H20 mark, with fluctuation in the water seal, and over the past hour, 75 mL of bright red blood is measured in the collection chamber. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Increase wall suction to eliminate fluctuation in the water seal.
• B. Give blood from the collection chamber as autotransfusion.
• C. Add sterile water to the suction control chamber.
• D. Manipulate blood in tubing to drain into chamber.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct intervention for the nurse to implement is to add sterile water to the suction control chamber. This action helps maintain the proper functioning of the chest tube system by regulating the negative pressure. Increasing wall suction is not recommended as it could lead to excessive negative pressure. Giving blood from the collection chamber as autotransfusion is inappropriate and poses a risk of complications such as air embolism. Manipulating blood in the tubing is also unsafe as it could introduce air into the system, increasing the risk of complications for the client.

4. A client with a diagnosis of hypertension is prescribed a thiazide diuretic. Which potential side effect should the nurse monitor for?

• A. Hyperkalemia
• B. Hypernatremia
• C. Hypokalemia
• D. Hypoglycemia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Hypokalemia.' Thiazide diuretics commonly cause potassium loss, which can lead to hypokalemia. Monitoring potassium levels is essential when a client is taking thiazide diuretics to prevent complications such as cardiac dysrhythmias. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Hyperkalemia (choice A) is an elevated level of potassium, which is not typically associated with thiazide diuretics. Hypernatremia (choice B) is an elevated level of sodium, and hypoglycemia (choice D) is low blood sugar, neither of which are directly linked to thiazide diuretic use.

5. Prior to administering morphine sulfate (Morphine), the nurse takes the client's vital signs. Based on which finding should the nurse withhold administration of the medication until the charge nurse is notified?

• A. Temperature of 100.8°F
• B. A pulse rate of 150 beats per minute
• C. A respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute
• D. A blood pressure of 180/110

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because a low respiratory rate is a critical concern when administering opioids like morphine, as they can suppress breathing. A high pulse rate (choice B) and high blood pressure (choice D) are not immediate contraindications for administering morphine. A slightly elevated temperature (choice A) may not necessarily require withholding morphine.

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