Nursing Elites

1. A client presents to the emergency department with a severe exacerbation of asthma. The nurse notes that the client is using accessory muscles to breathe and has an oxygen saturation of 86%. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Place the client in a high-Fowler's position
• B. Obtain a peak flow reading
• C. Administer a bronchodilator
• D. Administer oxygen therapy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The first priority in an acute asthma exacerbation is to administer oxygen to improve the client's oxygen saturation. In this scenario, the client has a low oxygen saturation level of 86%, indicating hypoxemia, which can be life-threatening. Administering oxygen therapy will help improve oxygenation and support vital organ function. Once the oxygen levels are stabilized, further interventions such as bronchodilators can be implemented. Placing the client in a high-Fowler's position may also be beneficial, but ensuring adequate oxygenation takes precedence in this critical situation. Obtaining a peak flow reading is important for asthma management but is not the first intervention needed in a client with severe hypoxemia.

2. The nurse is caring for a preterm newborn with nasal flaring, grunting, and sternal retractions. After administering surfactant, which assessment is most important for the nurse to monitor?

• A. Bowel sounds
• B. Heart rate
• C. Arterial blood gases
• D. Apnea episodes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Surfactant therapy is used to improve lung function and gas exchange in premature infants with respiratory distress. Monitoring arterial blood gases is essential to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and ensure adequate oxygenation. While monitoring heart rate is important in neonatal care, assessing arterial blood gases will provide direct information regarding the infant's oxygenation status post-surfactant administration. Bowel sounds are not directly related to the respiratory distress symptoms described, and monitoring apnea episodes, although important in preterm infants, is not the most crucial assessment immediately following surfactant administration.

3. The nurse is preparing a teaching plan for a client diagnosed with asthma. The primary purpose of the plan is to

• A. Prevent respiratory infections
• B. Prevent airway inflammation
• C. Maintain an open airway
• D. Avoid allergens that trigger attacks

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Avoiding allergens that trigger asthma attacks is crucial in managing the condition and preventing exacerbations. While preventing respiratory infections and maintaining an open airway are important aspects of asthma management, the primary focus of the teaching plan is to help the client identify and avoid allergens that could trigger asthma attacks. This proactive approach can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of asthma symptoms.

4. Which strategy should the nurse implement when teaching a client with low literacy about a new diagnosis of hypertension?

• A. Provide a detailed handout with complex terms
• B. Use simple language and visual aids
• C. Encourage the client to research the diagnosis online
• D. Incorporate medical jargon to explain the condition

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct strategy for teaching a client with low literacy about a new diagnosis of hypertension is to use simple language and visual aids. This approach helps ensure better understanding of the diagnosis and treatment plan by making the information clear and accessible. Providing a detailed handout with complex terms (Choice A) would not be suitable as it may confuse the client further. Encouraging the client to research the diagnosis online (Choice C) could lead to misinformation and overwhelm the client with information they may not understand. Incorporating medical jargon to explain the condition (Choice D) would not be helpful for a client with low literacy as it may complicate rather than clarify the information.

5. A client in heart failure (HF) presents with weakness and poor urine output. Which assessment finding requires immediate action?

• A. Heart rate of 122 bpm and respiratory rate of 28.
• B. Yellow sputum expectorated.
• C. Temperature of 100.5°F (38.1°C).
• D. Shortness of breath on exertion.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An elevated temperature may indicate infection and should be treated immediately in a client with heart failure.

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