Nursing Elites

1. Which intervention is most effective in managing a patient with chronic pain?

• A. Administer opioid medications as prescribed.
• B. Teach the patient relaxation techniques.
• C. Encourage the patient to perform range of motion exercises.
• D. Recommend complete bed rest to minimize pain.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most effective intervention in managing a patient with chronic pain is teaching the patient relaxation techniques. Relaxation techniques can help reduce stress, decrease muscle tension, and improve pain management in patients with chronic pain. Administering opioids as prescribed may have risks of dependence and side effects, making it less favorable as a first-line intervention. Encouraging range of motion exercises can be beneficial, but relaxation techniques directly target stress reduction, a common exacerbating factor in chronic pain. Recommending complete bed rest is generally discouraged in chronic pain management as it can lead to deconditioning and worsen pain over time.

2. A nurse is caring for a patient postoperatively after a thyroidectomy. Which of the following findings should be reported immediately?

• A. Hoarseness
• B. Difficulty swallowing
• C. Numbness in the fingers
• D. Tingling around the mouth

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Tingling around the mouth should be reported immediately as it may indicate hypocalcemia, a serious complication resulting from accidental removal or damage to the parathyroid glands during thyroidectomy. Hoarseness and difficulty swallowing are common post-thyroidectomy symptoms related to the surgery itself and the manipulation of the vocal cords and nearby structures. Numbness in the fingers is not typically associated with immediate serious complications of a thyroidectomy.

3. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being cared for by a nurse. What is the most appropriate action to improve the patient's oxygenation?

• A. Encourage the patient to use incentive spirometry.
• B. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula as prescribed.
• C. Assist the patient with coughing and deep breathing exercises.
• D. Position the patient in a high Fowler's position.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering oxygen via nasal cannula as prescribed is the most appropriate action to improve the patient's oxygenation in COPD. Oxygen therapy helps maintain adequate oxygen levels in the blood, which is crucial for managing COPD. Encouraging the use of incentive spirometry, assisting with coughing and deep breathing exercises, and positioning the patient in high Fowler's position are all beneficial interventions, but administering oxygen is the priority for immediate oxygenation support in COPD.

4. What is a key component of a comprehensive discharge plan for a patient with heart failure?

• A. Advising on appropriate physical activity and exercise
• B. Fluid restriction to prevent fluid overload
• C. Dietary recommendations, including a low-sodium diet
• D. Medication management, including diuretics and ACE inhibitors

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The main components of a comprehensive discharge plan for a patient with heart failure include advising on appropriate physical activity and exercise to improve cardiovascular health and overall well-being. While fluid restriction and dietary recommendations are important aspects of heart failure management, advising on physical activity and exercise is crucial for improving cardiac function and quality of life post-discharge. Medication management is also essential but focusing on physical activity is particularly relevant for long-term management and preventing readmissions.

5. A patient with diabetes is admitted with high blood sugar levels. What is the nurse's priority intervention?

• A. Administer insulin as prescribed.
• B. Encourage the patient to exercise regularly.
• C. Encourage the patient to drink water.
• D. Provide the patient with a low-sugar diet.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering insulin is the priority intervention for a patient admitted with high blood sugar levels because it helps lower the blood sugar levels effectively and rapidly. Insulin is a crucial medication for managing hyperglycemia in diabetes. Encouraging exercise (choice B) can be beneficial in the long term for managing blood sugar levels but is not the most immediate priority. While staying hydrated (choice C) is important, it is not the priority intervention when dealing with high blood sugar levels. Providing a low-sugar diet (choice D) is essential for long-term diabetes management but is not the immediate action needed to address high blood sugar levels in an admitted patient.

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