Nursing Elites

1. A client had an inferior wall myocardial infarction (MI). The nurse notes the client's cardiac rhythm as shown below. What action by the nurse is most important?

• A. Assess the client's blood pressure and level of consciousness.
• B. Call the health care provider or the Rapid Response Team.
• C. Obtain a permit for an emergency temporary pacemaker insertion.
• D. Prepare to administer antidysrhythmic medication.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The ECG strip shows sinus bradycardia, which is common in clients with an inferior wall MI. This rhythm can lead to decreased perfusion due to bradycardia and blocks. The most crucial initial action for the nurse is to assess the client's hemodynamic status, including blood pressure and level of consciousness. This assessment will help determine the immediate needs of the client. Calling the health care provider or the Rapid Response Team, obtaining a permit for a pacemaker insertion, or preparing to administer antidysrhythmic medication may be necessary based on the assessment findings, but the priority is to evaluate the client's current condition first.

2. A client has a disposable three-chamber chest tube in place. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing a complication?

• A. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber
• B. Occasional bubbling in the water-seal chamber
• C. Constant bubbling in the suction-control chamber
• D. Fluctuations in the fluid level in the water-seal chamber

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates air is leaking into the pleural space, which is a complication. The water-seal chamber should have intermittent bubbling during normal functioning. Occasional bubbling in the water-seal chamber is normal and shows the system is working as intended. Constant bubbling in the suction-control chamber suggests an issue with the suction control. Fluctuations in the fluid level in the water-seal chamber are an expected finding.

3. A client had a bronchoscopy 2 hours ago and asks for a drink of water. Which action should the nurse take next?

• A. Call the healthcare provider to request a prescription for food and water.
• B. Provide the client with ice chips instead of a drink of water.
• C. Assess the client's gag reflex before giving any food or water.
• D. Let the client have a small sip to assess swallowing ability.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: After a bronchoscopy, a topical anesthetic affects the gag reflex. Therefore, the nurse should assess the client's gag reflex before providing any food or water to ensure its return. This assessment is crucial to prevent aspiration or choking risk in the client.

4. After auscultating a client's breath sounds, the nurse is providing care. Which finding is correctly matched to the nurse's primary intervention?

• A. Hollow sounds are heard over the trachea. The nurse increases the oxygen flow rate.
• B. Crackles are heard in bases. The nurse encourages the client to cough forcefully.
• C. Wheezes are heard in central areas. The nurse administers an inhaled bronchodilator.
• D. Vesicular sounds are heard over the periphery. The nurse has the client breathe deeply.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Wheezes are indicative of narrowed airways, and bronchodilators help to open the air passages, making option C the correct match. Wheezes are typically heard in the central or peripheral lung areas and are associated with conditions like asthma or COPD. Inhaled bronchodilators work by dilating the bronchioles, which helps alleviate wheezing and improve airflow. Therefore, administering an inhaled bronchodilator is the appropriate intervention in response to wheezes.

5. A patient is assessing a client who has just been admitted to the emergency department. The client is having difficulty breathing and is using accessory muscles. What action by the nurse is best?

• A. Administer oxygen at 2 liters per minute via nasal cannula.
• B. Assess the client's vital signs including oxygen saturation.
• C. Notify the Rapid Response Team immediately.
• D. Place the client in a high Fowler's position.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Placing the client in a high Fowler's position is the best action in this situation as it helps to maximize lung expansion, improve breathing, and decrease the work of breathing. This position allows for better chest expansion, improving oxygenation and ventilation for the client in respiratory distress.

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