Nursing Elites

1. Prior to a thoracentesis, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Position the client in an upright position, leaning over the bedside table.
• B. Explain the procedure.
• C. Obtain ABGs.
• D. Administer benzocaine spray.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Positioning the client in an upright position, leaning over the bedside table helps to facilitate access to the thoracic cavity during the thoracentesis procedure. This position allows for easier identification and access to the insertion site. Explaining the procedure to the client is important, but positioning is the priority. Obtaining ABGs is not directly related to the thoracentesis procedure. Administering benzocaine spray is not a standard practice before a thoracentesis.

2. What is the most important legal responsibility for the healthcare team after a patient's death in a hospital?

• A. Obtaining consent for an autopsy
• B. Notifying the coroner or medical examiner
• C. Labeling the body appropriately
• D. Ensuring the attending physician issues the death certificate

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After a patient's death in a hospital, the most crucial legal responsibility for the healthcare team is ensuring that the attending physician issues the death certificate. The death certificate is a vital legal document that confirms the cause of death and is required for legal and administrative purposes, including the completion of the patient's medical records and facilitating the family's ability to proceed with funeral arrangements and insurance claims. While other actions such as obtaining consent for an autopsy, notifying the coroner or medical examiner, and labeling the body appropriately are important, ensuring the timely and accurate issuance of the death certificate takes precedence in this scenario.

3. In which of the following organs does the exchange of gases take place?

• A. Kidneys
• B. Lungs
• C. Liver
• D. Heart

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The exchange of gases, specifically oxygen and carbon dioxide, occurs in the lungs. In the lungs, oxygen from the air we breathe enters the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide is removed from the bloodstream and exhaled. This process is essential for respiration and supplying the body with oxygen for energy production. The kidneys filter waste from the blood to produce urine and regulate fluid balance (Choice A). The liver is involved in detoxification, protein synthesis, and producing bile (Choice C). The heart is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body to deliver oxygen and nutrients (Choice D).

4. What is the correct sequence for assessing the abdomen?

• A. Tympanic percussion, measurement of abdominal girth, and inspection
• B. Assessment for distention, tenderness, and discoloration around the umbilicus
• C. Percussion, palpation, and auscultation
• D. Auscultation, percussion, and palpation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct sequence for assessing the abdomen is auscultation, percussion, and palpation. Auscultation allows the healthcare provider to listen for bowel sounds, followed by percussion to assess for areas of tenderness or abnormal distention, and finally palpation to feel for masses or organ enlargement. This sequence ensures a systematic and thorough assessment of the abdomen.

5. A client is receiving brachytherapy for treatment of prostate cancer. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Cleanse equipment before removal from the client's room.
• B. Limit the client's visitors to 30 minutes per day.
• C. Discard the client's linens in a double bag.
• D. Discard the radioactive source in a biohazard bag

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When caring for a client receiving brachytherapy, it is crucial to handle radioactive sources appropriately. Discarding the radioactive source in a biohazard bag is essential to prevent exposure to radiation. Cleaning equipment before removal, limiting client's visitors, or discarding linens in a double bag are not specific to the management of radioactive sources in brachytherapy.

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