Nursing Elites

1. A 14-year-old girl with asthma complains of feeling nervous and jittery after a respiratory therapy bronchodilator treatment. What explanation is best for the nurse to provide to this adolescent?

• A. Nervousness should disappear when hypoxia is relieved after several bronchodilator treatments
• B. Tremors result from the rapid dilation of the bronchioles and an increased heart rate
• C. A fast heart rate and jitteriness are side effects of the bronchodilator treatment containing albuterol
• D. Excessive coughing, which causes tachypnea and anxiety, result from the use of bronchodilators

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because a fast heart rate and jitteriness are common side effects of bronchodilators like albuterol. Choice A is incorrect as nervousness is more likely a side effect of the medication than solely related to hypoxia. Choice B is incorrect as it provides a partial explanation focusing only on tremors and heart rate, not mentioning jitteriness. Choice D is incorrect because excessive coughing and tachypnea are not typically associated with bronchodilator use; instead, they may indicate inadequate relief or other issues.

2. A client who is 32-weeks pregnant is diagnosed with partial placenta previa. Which instruction should the nurse include in this client’s teaching plan?

• A. Wear a tight abdominal binder at all times
• B. Take a daily laxative to prevent constipation
• C. Refrain from sexual intercourse until your next appointment
• D. Restrict fluids to less than 1000 ml per day

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Refraining from sexual intercourse helps prevent complications with partial placenta previa.

3. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen at 2 liters per minute by nasal cannula. The client develops respiratory distress and the nurse increases the oxygen to 4 liters per minute. Shortly afterward, the client becomes lethargic and confused. What action should the nurse take first?

• A. Reposition the nasal cannula
• B. Lower the oxygen rate
• C. Encourage the client to cough and deep breathe
• D. Monitor the client's oxygen saturation level

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the client with COPD receiving increased oxygen is experiencing oxygen toxicity, leading to lethargy and confusion. Lowering the oxygen rate is the priority action to prevent further harm. Repositioning the nasal cannula, encouraging coughing and deep breathing, and monitoring oxygen saturation are all important interventions, but the immediate concern is to address the oxygen toxicity by lowering the oxygen rate.

4. The nurse is planning care for a client who is receiving phenytoin (Dilantin) for seizure control. Which intervention is most important to include in this client’s plan of care?

• A. Monitor serum calcium levels
• B. Obtain a baseline electrocardiogram
• C. Implement seizure precautions
• D. Encourage a low-protein diet

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to implement seizure precautions. Phenytoin is an antiepileptic medication used for seizure control. Seizure precautions are crucial for clients taking this medication to ensure their safety during a seizure episode. Monitoring serum calcium levels (Choice A) is not directly related to phenytoin therapy. Obtaining a baseline electrocardiogram (Choice B) is important for some medications but not the priority for a client on phenytoin. Encouraging a low-protein diet (Choice D) is not specifically indicated for clients on phenytoin and is not the most important intervention.

5. The nurse is making assignments for a new graduate from a practical nursing program who is orienting to the unit. Because the unit is particularly busy this day, there will be little time to provide supervision of this new employee. Which client is the best for the nurse to assign to this newly graduated practical nurse?

• A. Whose discharge has been delayed because of a postoperative infection
• B. With poorly controlled type 2 diabetes who is on a sliding scale for insulin administration
• C. Newly admitted with a head injury who requires frequent assessments
• D. Receiving IV heparin that is regulated based on protocol

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because a client with a stable infection requires less supervision and is suitable for the new nurse. Choice B involves insulin administration for a client with poorly controlled diabetes, which may require more experience and supervision. Choice C involves a newly admitted patient with a head injury who requires frequent assessments, indicating a need for close monitoring. Choice D involves a patient receiving IV heparin, which requires precise monitoring and adjustment based on protocol, making it a higher-risk assignment for a new nurse without close supervision.

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