Nursing Elites

1. In which situation might an occupational health nurse consultation be necessary?

• A. A nurse is injured from using incorrect body mechanics to lift a client
• B. A nurse receives a subpoena to testify in court about a client's case
• C. A client who has been injured in a diving accident needs assistance with planning rehabilitation and surgery
• D. A nursing unit is implementing a new electronic health record system

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An occupational health nurse is involved in assessing the work environment, educating employees about safety practices, and infection control. When a nurse sustains an injury due to incorrect body mechanics, it falls under the purview of an occupational health nurse because they are responsible for documenting such incidents, providing necessary care or treatment, and ensuring that preventive measures are in place to avoid similar accidents in the future. The other options do not directly relate to the role of an occupational health nurse. Testifying in court, assisting a client with rehabilitation, or implementing a new electronic health record system are not typical scenarios where an occupational health nurse would be involved.

2. A 23-year-old patient in the 27th week of pregnancy has been hospitalized on complete bed rest for 6 days. She experiences sudden shortness of breath, accompanied by chest pain. Which of the following conditions is the most likely cause of her symptoms?

• A. Myocardial infarction due to a history of atherosclerosis.
• B. Pulmonary embolism due to deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• C. Anxiety attacks due to worries about her baby's health.
• D. Congestive heart failure due to fluid overload.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a hospitalized patient on prolonged bed rest, the most likely cause of sudden onset shortness of breath and chest pain is pulmonary embolism. Pregnancy and prolonged inactivity both increase the risk of clot formation in the deep veins of the legs, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). These clots can dislodge and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. Myocardial infarction (Choice A) is less likely in a young patient without a significant history of atherosclerosis. Anxiety attacks (Choice C) may present with similar symptoms but are less likely in this context. Congestive heart failure (Choice D) is less probable given the acute onset of symptoms and absence of typical signs like peripheral edema in this case.

3. The family of a patient who is receiving therapeutic hypothermia states they do not understand why the patient is being kept so cold. What objective information can you provide to help address their concerns?

• A. Let them talk to another patient who has had the same therapy
• B. Provide research-based information about therapeutic hypothermia
• C. Connect them with the nurse manager
• D. Call the physician and ask him to talk to the family

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Providing research-based information about the benefits of therapeutic hypothermia for their loved one will provide evidence that this is an established therapy with generally positive outcomes. Families are certainly not expected to be familiar with critical care interventions, and their concerns should be addressed with evidence-based data whenever possible. Option A is not appropriate as sharing patient information violates privacy laws and does not address the family's concerns directly. Option C may not directly provide the detailed information the family needs to understand therapeutic hypothermia. Option D involves unnecessary escalation by immediately involving the physician, when providing education and information should be the initial step in addressing the family's concerns.

4. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to maintain the patency of a client's nasogastric tube?

• A. Maintain a constant connection to low-intermittent suction
• B. Irrigate the tube as per physician's order
• C. Suction the mouth and nose every shift
• D. Perform a daily fecal occult blood sample

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to irrigate the tube as per physician's order. A client with a nasogastric tube is at risk of the tube kinking or clotting off, which can lead to complications such as abdominal distention or vomiting. To ensure the patency of the tube, the nurse should follow the physician's orders and facility policy to irrigate the tube with water or a solution as needed. Maintaining a constant connection to low-intermittent suction (Choice A) is not typically done to maintain tube patency. Suctioning the mouth and nose every shift (Choice C) is not directly related to maintaining nasogastric tube patency. Performing a daily fecal occult blood sample (Choice D) is unrelated to maintaining the patency of a nasogastric tube.

5. A client with asthma is being admitted for breathing difficulties. His arterial blood gas results are pH 7.26, PCO2 49, PaO2 90, and HCO3- 21. Which of the following best describes this condition?

• A. Uncompensated respiratory acidosis
• B. Compensated respiratory alkalosis
• C. Uncompensated metabolic acidosis
• D. Compensated metabolic alkalosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this case, the client's arterial blood gas results show a pH of 7.26 and a PCO2 of 49, both of which are abnormal. A pH below the normal range of 7.35-7.45 indicates acidosis. The elevated PCO2 of 49 mmHg suggests respiratory acidosis as the primary issue. The normal range for PCO2 is 35-45 mmHg, so a value of 49 indicates the retention of excess CO2, leading to acidosis. The low HCO3- level of 21 also supports the presence of metabolic acidosis; however, the primary abnormality is respiratory, making this an uncompensated respiratory acidosis. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Uncompensated respiratory acidosis.' Choice B, 'Compensated respiratory alkalosis,' is incorrect because the client's pH is acidic, not alkalotic. Additionally, there is no compensation occurring for the primary respiratory acidosis indicated by the elevated PCO2. Choice C, 'Uncompensated metabolic acidosis,' is incorrect because while the HCO3- level is low, the primary issue indicated by the elevated PCO2 is respiratory acidosis. Choice D, 'Compensated metabolic alkalosis,' is incorrect since the arterial blood gas results do not support a metabolic alkalosis. The low HCO3- level would typically be seen in metabolic acidosis, but in this case, the primary issue is respiratory acidosis.

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