Nursing Elites

1. A client admitted with left-sided heart failure presents with shortness of breath and pink frothy sputum. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Decreased breath sounds bilaterally.
• B. Heart rate of 110 bpm and irregular rhythm.
• C. Pink frothy sputum and increased respiratory rate.
• D. Elevated blood pressure and shortness of breath.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Correct Answer: Pink frothy sputum and increased respiratory rate. Pink frothy sputum is a sign of pulmonary edema, indicating fluid in the lungs, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention to prevent respiratory failure. Increased respiratory rate is also concerning as it indicates the body's effort to compensate for the decreased oxygenation. Options A, B, and D are not the most critical findings in this situation. Decreased breath sounds bilaterally may indicate a pneumothorax or atelectasis, heart rate of 110 bpm and irregular rhythm can be managed with medications and further assessment, and elevated blood pressure with shortness of breath is not as urgent as pink frothy sputum and increased respiratory rate.

2. A client receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is experiencing nausea and vomiting. What is the nurse's first action?

• A. Check the client's blood glucose level.
• B. Decrease the rate of TPN infusion.
• C. Administer an antiemetic as prescribed.
• D. Check the client's TPN bag for solution accuracy.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take when a client receiving TPN is experiencing nausea and vomiting is to check the client's TPN bag for solution accuracy. This is crucial to ensure that the correct solution is being administered and to address any potential errors. Checking the blood glucose level or administering an antiemetic may be necessary interventions but addressing the TPN bag's accuracy should be the priority to prevent any complications related to incorrect TPN solution.

3. In assessing an adult client with a partial rebreather mask, the nurse notes that the oxygen reservoir bag does not deflate completely during inspiration and the client’s respiratory rate is 14 breaths/minute. What action should the nurse implement?

• A. Remove the mask immediately
• B. Document the assessment data
• C. Increase the oxygen flow
• D. Increase the respiratory rate setting

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to document the assessment data. In a partial rebreather mask, it is normal for the oxygen reservoir bag not to deflate completely during inspiration. Additionally, a respiratory rate of 14 breaths/minute falls within the normal range. Therefore, these findings indicate that the mask is functioning as intended. Removing the mask immediately is unnecessary as there are no signs of distress. Increasing the oxygen flow or adjusting the respiratory rate setting is not warranted based on the assessment findings, as they are within normal parameters.

4. A client with emphysema reports shortness of breath. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Administer oxygen therapy.
• B. Assess the client’s respiratory rate and effort.
• C. Prepare the client for intubation.
• D. Increase the client's oxygen flow rate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Shortness of breath in a client with emphysema may indicate respiratory distress. Assessing the client’s respiratory rate and effort is the first priority to determine the severity of the distress and guide appropriate interventions. Administering oxygen therapy (Choice A) could be necessary, but assessing the client first is crucial to tailor the intervention. Intubation (Choice C) is an invasive procedure that is not the initial priority. Increasing oxygen flow rate (Choice D) should only be done after a thorough assessment to avoid potential harm.

5. A client with chronic kidney disease is admitted with complaints of fatigue and swelling in the lower extremities. What laboratory finding is most important for the nurse to report?

• A. Serum creatinine level of 2.0 mg/dL.
• B. Hemoglobin level of 8 g/dL.
• C. Potassium level of 5.6 mEq/L.
• D. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 25 mg/dL.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. A hemoglobin level of 8 g/dL suggests anemia, which commonly occurs in clients with chronic kidney disease and requires prompt intervention. Reporting this finding is crucial to address the anemic condition. Choices A, C, and D are important in the context of chronic kidney disease but do not directly relate to the symptoms of fatigue and swelling in the lower extremities described in the scenario.

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