Nursing Elites

1. When providing nursing care to a client receiving oxygen therapy via a nasal cannula, which of the following interventions would be appropriate?

• A. Ensure that adequate mist is supplied
• B. Inspect the nares and ears for skin breakdown
• C. Lubricate the tips of the cannula before insertion
• D. Maintain sterile technique when handling the cannula

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to inspect the nares and ears for skin breakdown. This is important because the nasal cannula can cause skin breakdown due to prolonged use and friction. Ensuring that the skin is intact helps prevent complications. Choice A is incorrect as oxygen therapy via a nasal cannula does not involve mist. Choice C is incorrect as lubricating the tips of the cannula is not a standard practice and may lead to complications. Choice D is incorrect because while cleanliness is important, maintaining sterile technique is not necessary for handling a nasal cannula in this context.

2. While caring for a client with infective endocarditis, the nurse must be alert for signs of pulmonary embolism. Which of the following assessment findings suggests this complication?

• A. Positive Homan's sign
• B. Fever and chills
• C. Dyspnea and cough
• D. Sensory impairment

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Dyspnea and cough.' Pulmonary embolism often presents with a sudden onset of dyspnea (difficulty breathing) and cough, which are due to the obstruction of blood flow in the pulmonary arteries. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Positive Homan's sign is associated with deep vein thrombosis, fever and chills are nonspecific symptoms commonly seen in infective endocarditis, and sensory impairment is not typically indicative of pulmonary embolism.

3. The nurse should consider the following when assessing the child for chest indrawing EXCEPT:

• A. Chest indrawing should be present at all times
• B. The lower chest wall does not go in when the child breathes in
• C. The lower chest goes in when the child breathes in
• D. The child should be calm

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Chest indrawing may not always be present and can vary with the child's activity level, so it should not be expected to be present at all times. Choice B is correct because the lower chest wall should not go in when the child breathes in. Choice C is correct as the lower chest should go in when the child breathes in, indicating chest indrawing. Choice D is correct as a calm child makes it easier to assess chest indrawing, but the absence of chest indrawing does not mean the child is not calm.

4. You are teaching a client about the patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) planned for post-operative care. Which statement indicates further teaching may be needed by the client?

• A. ''I will be receiving continuous doses of medication.''
• B. ''I should call the nurse before I take additional doses.''
• C. ''I will call for assistance if my pain is not relieved.''
• D. ''The machine will prevent an overdose.''

Correct answer: B

Rationale: PCA allows patients to self-administer pain medication within prescribed limits, without the need to call the nurse before taking an additional dose. Choice B suggests a misunderstanding of how PCA works, as the patient should be educated that they can self-administer doses within the safety parameters set by the healthcare provider. Choices A, C, and D demonstrate proper understanding of PCA, hence are not indicative of needing further teaching.

5. As a client who is terminally ill has been receiving high doses of an opioid analgesic for the past month and becomes unresponsive to verbal stimuli as death approaches, what orders would the nurse expect from the healthcare provider?

• A. Decrease the analgesic dosage by half
• B. Discontinue the analgesic
• C. Continue the same analgesic dosage
• D. Prescribe a less potent drug

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Continuing the same dosage of analgesic is appropriate to manage pain effectively as death nears and the client becomes unresponsive. The primary goal of palliative care in end-of-life situations is to ensure comfort, regardless of the client's level of consciousness. Decreasing the analgesic dosage or discontinuing it could lead to inadequate pain relief, which goes against the principles of palliative care. Prescribing a less potent drug may also compromise pain management in this critical stage. Therefore, maintaining the same analgesic dosage is the most appropriate action to provide comfort and alleviate suffering.

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