Nursing Elites

1. The nurse admits a patient who has a diagnosis of an acute asthma attack. Which statement indicates that the patient may need teaching regarding medication use?

• A. I have not had any acute asthma attacks during the last year.
• B. I became short of breath an hour before coming to the hospital.
• C. I've been taking Tylenol 650 mg every 6 hours for chest-wall pain.
• D. I've been using my albuterol inhaler more frequently over the last 4 days.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'I've been using my albuterol inhaler more frequently over the last 4 days.' This statement indicates that the patient may need teaching regarding medication use because an increased need for a rapid-acting bronchodilator suggests an exacerbation of asthma. The patient should be educated on recognizing worsening symptoms and the appropriate actions to take. Choices A, B, and C do not directly relate to asthma exacerbation or the need for medication teaching, making them incorrect. Choice A reflects a lack of recent acute asthma attacks, while choice B describes shortness of breath unrelated to medication use. Choice C mentions Tylenol use for chest-wall pain, which is not indicative of asthma exacerbation or medication teaching needs.

2. While suctioning the endotracheal tube of an adult client, what level of pressure should the nurse apply?

• A. 70-80 mmHg
• B. 100-120 mmHg
• C. 150-170 mmHg
• D. 200 mmHg

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When suctioning the endotracheal tube of an adult client, the nurse should set the suction apparatus at a level no higher than 150 mmHg, with a preferable level between 100 and 120 mmHg. Suction pressure that is too high can contribute to the client's hypoxia. Alternatively, too low suction pressure may not clear adequate amounts of secretions. Choice A (70-80 mmHg) is too low and may not effectively clear secretions. Choices C (150-170 mmHg) and D (200 mmHg) are too high and can potentially harm the client by causing hypoxia or damaging the airway.

3. A client is receiving digoxin (Lanoxin) 0.25 mg daily. The health care provider has written a new order to give metoprolol (Lopressor) 25 mg B.I.D. In assessing the client prior to administering the medications, which of the following should the nurse report immediately to the health care provider?

• A. Blood pressure 94/60 mm Hg
• B. Heart rate 76 bpm
• C. Urine output 50 ml/hour
• D. Respiratory rate 16 bpm

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Blood pressure 94/60 mm Hg.' Both digoxin and metoprolol decrease the heart rate. Metoprolol specifically affects blood pressure. Therefore, the heart rate and blood pressure need to be within normal range (HR 60-100 bpm; systolic BP above 100 mm Hg) to safely administer both medications. A blood pressure of 94/60 mm Hg indicates hypotension, which could be exacerbated by metoprolol, necessitating immediate reporting to the healthcare provider. Choices B, C, and D are within normal limits and do not pose immediate risks related to the administration of these medications.

4. The pediatric nurse caring for a 3-year-old child with cerebral palsy (CP) prepares a home care teaching plan for the caregivers on discharge. Which items will the nurse include in the teaching plan? (Select one that does not apply.)

• A. Apply splints and braces to facilitate muscle control.
• B. Buy toys that are appropriate for the child's abilities.
• C. Encourage the child to perform self-care tasks.
• D. Use skeletal muscle relaxants for short-term control.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When developing a discharge teaching plan for a child with cerebral palsy (CP), the nurse should focus on strategies to enhance the child's independence and functional abilities. Choices A, B, and C are appropriate interventions to include in the teaching plan for a child with CP. Applying splints and braces can help facilitate muscle control and improve body functioning. Buying toys that are appropriate for the child's abilities can promote engagement and development. Encouraging the child to perform self-care tasks fosters independence and skill development. However, the use of skeletal muscle relaxants for short-term control is not typically a part of routine care for pediatric patients with CP. These medications are usually reserved for specific situations and are not a standard component of home care teaching plans for children with CP.

5. A thirty-five-year-old male has been an insulin-dependent diabetic for five years and now is unable to urinate. Which of the following would you most likely suspect?

• A. Atherosclerosis
• B. Diabetic nephropathy
• C. Autonomic neuropathy
• D. Somatic neuropathy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this case, the correct answer is autonomic neuropathy. Autonomic neuropathy affects the autonomic nerves, which control various bodily functions including the bladder. In diabetes, it can lead to bladder paralysis, resulting in symptoms like urgency to urinate and difficulty initiating urination. Atherosclerosis (choice A) is a condition involving the hardening and narrowing of arteries, not directly related to the inability to urinate in this context. Diabetic nephropathy (choice B) primarily affects the kidneys, leading to kidney damage, but does not typically cause urinary retention. Somatic neuropathy (choice D) involves damage to sensory nerves, not the autonomic nerves responsible for bladder control, making it less likely to be the cause of the urinary issue described in the question.

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