Nursing Elites

1. What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient with a new tracheostomy?

• A. Suction the tracheostomy as needed to maintain a patent airway.
• B. Monitor the patient's oxygen saturation.
• C. Provide humidified air to prevent drying of the airway.
• D. Administer pain medication as prescribed.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to suction the tracheostomy as needed to maintain a patent airway. After a tracheostomy procedure, the immediate concern is airway patency to prevent respiratory compromise. Suctioning helps clear secretions and maintains a clear airway, reducing the risk of respiratory distress. Monitoring the patient's oxygen saturation (choice B) is important but not the priority compared to ensuring a clear airway. Providing humidified air (choice C) and administering pain medication (choice D) are also essential aspects of care for a patient with a tracheostomy, but they are not the priority when immediate airway management is required.

2. A nurse is assessing a client with diabetes who reports frequent episodes of hypoglycemia. What should the nurse recommend to prevent these episodes?

• A. Increase protein intake
• B. Monitor blood glucose levels frequently
• C. Increase the dose of insulin
• D. Reduce carbohydrate intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct recommendation to prevent hypoglycemic episodes in a client with diabetes who reports frequent episodes is to monitor blood glucose levels frequently. By monitoring blood glucose levels, the nurse can make necessary adjustments to insulin dosage and diet to maintain blood sugar levels within the target range. Increasing protein intake (Choice A) is not directly related to preventing hypoglycemia; it is more important to focus on balancing carbohydrates and insulin. Increasing the dose of insulin (Choice C) without proper monitoring can lead to further hypoglycemic episodes. Similarly, reducing carbohydrate intake (Choice D) should be done cautiously as carbohydrates are a main source of energy and sudden reduction can cause hypoglycemia in diabetic patients.

3. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has osteomyelitis and a prescription for gentamicin IV every 8 hours. Which of the following serum laboratory results should the nurse report to the provider before administering the gentamicin?

• A. Hematocrit 45%
• B. Sodium 140 mEq/L
• C. Creatinine 2.4 mg/dL
• D. Potassium 4.0 mEq/L

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An elevated creatinine level indicates potential kidney dysfunction, which is crucial when administering gentamicin as it can be nephrotoxic. Reporting a high creatinine level to the provider is essential to prevent further kidney damage. Choice A (Hematocrit 45%) is within the normal range and not directly related to gentamicin administration. Choice B (Sodium 140 mEq/L) and Choice D (Potassium 4.0 mEq/L) are also within normal limits and do not directly impact the administration of gentamicin.

4. A client is being taught about which foods to include in a low fiber diet. Which statement indicates understanding?

• A. Choosing a fresh pear would be a good snack option
• B. I should make refried beans for supper
• C. Selecting white rice as a side dish is a good choice
• D. Opting for bran cereal would be a good breakfast choice

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because white rice is a low-fiber food suitable for a low-fiber diet, making it an appropriate choice. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because fresh pear, refried beans, and bran cereal are high-fiber foods and not suitable for a low-fiber diet.

5. While reviewing notes from a previous shift, a nurse finds incomplete documentation. What is the most appropriate action?

• A. Complete the missing documentation
• B. Notify the nurse manager of the issue
• C. Ask the nurse to complete the documentation
• D. Confront the nurse about the incomplete notes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate action when finding incomplete documentation is to notify the nurse manager of the issue. This ensures that accurate records are maintained and the situation can be addressed properly. Completing the missing documentation on behalf of someone else may lead to inaccuracies, asking the nurse to complete it may not guarantee timely correction, and confronting the nurse could create a confrontational situation that is not conducive to effective teamwork.

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