Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following actions would be of highest priority with regards to the external shunt?

• A. Avoid taking blood pressure or blood sample from the arm with the shunt
• B. Instruct the patient not to exercise the arm with the shunt
• C. Heparinize the shunt daily
• D. Change the dressing of the shunt daily

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Heparinizing the shunt daily (choice C) is the highest priority action as it prevents the formation of blood clots that can occlude the shunt, leading to potential complications such as thrombosis. Avoiding taking blood pressure or blood samples from the arm with the shunt (choice A) is also important, but secondary to heparinizing the shunt. Similarly, instructing the patient not to exercise the arm with the shunt (choice B) can help prevent unnecessary strain on the shunt, but it is not as critical as preventing clot formation. Changing the dressing of the shunt daily (choice D) is a standard nursing care practice to prevent infection, but again, it is not as critical as ensuring the shunt remains patent through daily heparinization.

2. In responding to the care concerns of children with severe disease, referral to the hospital is of the essence especially if the child manifests which of the following?

• A. Wheezing
• B. Stop feeding well
• C. Fast breathing
• D. Difficulty to awaken

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Patient safety and efficacy of care depend on actions rooted in established nursing protocols that consider both the immediate and long-term needs of the patient.

3. A client states they are taking greater than the recommended daily allowance of vitamin E to prevent cataracts. Which complication should the nurse educate the client as related to taking excessive amounts of vitamin E?

• A. Lung cancer
• B. Stroke
• C. Diarrhea
• D. Liver damage

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Stroke. High doses of vitamin E supplements have been associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke due to its blood-thinning properties. Option A, lung cancer, is not a known complication of excessive vitamin E intake. Option C, diarrhea, is more commonly associated with excessive intake of other vitamins or minerals. Option D, liver damage, is not a commonly reported complication of vitamin E overdose.

4. During the acute phase of a burn, the priority nursing intervention in caring for this client is:

• A. Prevention of infection
• B. Pain management
• C. Prevention of bleeding
• D. Fluid resuscitation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During the acute phase of a burn, fluid resuscitation is the priority nursing intervention. This phase is characterized by fluid loss and the risk of hypovolemic shock. Administering fluids is crucial to maintain perfusion and prevent complications such as organ failure. While prevention of infection, pain management, and prevention of bleeding are important aspects of burn care, fluid resuscitation takes precedence in the acute phase to stabilize the client's condition and prevent further damage.

5. In some hip surgeries, an epidural catheter for Fentanyl epidural analgesia is given. What is your nursing priority care in such a case?

• A. Instruct the client to observe strict bed rest
• B. Check for epidural catheter drainage
• C. Administer analgesia through the epidural catheter as prescribed
• D. Assess respiratory rate carefully

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nursing priority care in a case where an epidural catheter for Fentanyl epidural analgesia is given during hip surgeries is to assess the respiratory rate carefully. Respiratory depression is a potential side effect of Fentanyl, especially when administered epidurally. Monitoring the respiratory rate is crucial to detect any signs of respiratory distress promptly. Instructing the client to observe strict bed rest (Choice A) may be necessary but is not the priority over ensuring respiratory function. Checking for epidural catheter drainage (Choice B) and administering analgesia through the epidural catheter as prescribed (Choice C) are important aspects of care, but ensuring adequate ventilation takes precedence to prevent complications.

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