Nursing Elites

1. Which symptom is the client who self-administered an overdose of acetaminophen most likely to exhibit?

• A. Pink frothy sputum
• B. Seizure activity
• C. Jaundiced conjunctiva
• D. Diaphoresis and fever

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a client self-administers an overdose of acetaminophen, the liver is primarily affected. Jaundiced conjunctiva, which is yellowing of the eyes, is a common symptom of liver damage. Pink frothy sputum is typically associated with conditions like pulmonary edema, not acetaminophen overdose. Seizure activity is not a common symptom of acetaminophen overdose but can be seen in other toxicities. Diaphoresis and fever are more generalized symptoms and not specific to acetaminophen overdose.

2. Which client should the nurse see first?

• A. Recurring crushing chest pain
• B. Needing an IV for surgery in 5 minutes
• C. Needing PCA morphine for pain control post-hysterectomy
• D. Waiting to get back to bed after sitting in a chair for 30 minutes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The client presenting with recurring crushing chest pain should be seen first as this symptom could indicate a myocardial infarction (MI), which is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate attention. Assessing and managing potential cardiac issues take priority over other concerns like needing an IV for surgery, pain control post-hysterectomy, or assistance with mobility. While all clients require care, addressing the chest pain promptly is crucial to ensure the client's safety and well-being.

3. What is the number one reason a person with alcohol addiction does not seek treatment?

• A. Co-dependency
• B. Denial
• C. Depression
• D. Stigma

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Denial. Individuals with alcohol addiction often deny that they have a drinking problem and may become defensive when confronted about it. This sense of denial can be a significant barrier to seeking treatment. Co-dependency, referred to in choice A, is a relationship dynamic and is not the primary reason for avoiding treatment. Depression, as mentioned in choice C, is a common co-occurring condition with alcohol addiction but is not typically the main factor preventing treatment-seeking. Stigma, as in choice D, can act as a deterrent, but denial of the problem itself is usually the primary obstacle to seeking help.

4. A client is admitted to the critical care unit after suffering from a massive cerebral vascular accident. The client's vital signs include BP 160/110, HR 42, Cheyne-Stokes respirations. Based on this assessment, the nurse anticipates the client to be in which acid-base balance?

• A. Respiratory acidosis
• B. Respiratory alkalosis
• C. Metabolic acidosis
• D. Metabolic alkalosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the client is exhibiting Cheyne-Stokes respirations, which are characterized by periods of deep breathing alternating with apnea. This pattern indicates respiratory insufficiency, resulting in an accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood. The elevated BP and slow heart rate further support the respiratory insufficiency, leading to respiratory acidosis. Therefore, the correct answer is Respiratory acidosis. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by decreased carbon dioxide levels in the blood, which is not indicated by the client's presentation. Metabolic acidosis results from conditions such as renal failure or diabetic ketoacidosis and is not the primary imbalance in this case. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by elevated pH and bicarbonate levels, which are not present in the client's vital signs.

5. A client asks a nurse working in a dental office what type of drug the dentist uses to provide anesthesia during the extraction of the client's wisdom teeth. The dentist uses an anesthetic gas, also known as laughing gas. This agent is:

• A. nitrous oxide.
• B. nitrogen.
• C. nitric oxide.
• D. nitrogen dioxide.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is commonly known as laughing gas and is used as an anesthetic gas for procedures like dental extractions. It produces analgesia and mild euphoria without loss of consciousness. Nitrogen is a nonmetallic element found in air, while nitric oxide is a vasodilator produced from L-arginine. Nitrogen dioxide is a poisonous gas found in smog and exhaust fumes and is not used for anesthesia.

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