Nursing Elites

1. After an endotracheal tube is placed in a client who experienced sudden onset of respiratory distress, what should the nurse do?

• A. Secure the tube in place with tape
• B. Order a chest x-ray for the client
• C. Document the depth of tube insertion
• D. Auscultate both lungs for breath sounds

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After endotracheal tube insertion, the nurse should auscultate both lungs for the presence of breath sounds. This step helps confirm proper tube placement and adequate ventilation. Auscultation of breath sounds is crucial to ensure that the tube is correctly positioned in the trachea and not in the esophagus. While securing the tube with tape is important, it is not the immediate priority after insertion. Ordering a chest x-ray may be necessary but is not the first action to take immediately post-intubation. Documenting the depth of tube insertion is important but ensuring proper ventilation through auscultation takes precedence.

2. A client with a history of lung disease is at risk for respiratory acidosis. For which of the following signs and symptoms does the nurse assess this client?

• A. Disorientation and dyspnea
• B. Drowsiness, headache, and tachypnea
• C. Tachypnea, dizziness, and paresthesias
• D. Dysrhythmias and decreased respiratory rate and depth

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Disorientation and dyspnea. In respiratory acidosis, the retention of carbon dioxide leads to an increase in carbonic acid, causing the pH of the blood to decrease. This can result in symptoms such as dyspnea (difficulty breathing) due to hypoxia and disorientation due to the effects of hypercapnia (elevated carbon dioxide levels) on the brain. Choice B is incorrect because while drowsiness and tachypnea can be present in respiratory acidosis, headache is not a common symptom. Choice C is incorrect because dizziness and paresthesias are not typical symptoms of respiratory acidosis. Choice D is incorrect because dysrhythmias and a decreased respiratory rate and depth are more commonly associated with respiratory alkalosis, not respiratory acidosis.

3. A client has just returned to the nursing unit after computerized tomography (CT) with contrast medium. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take as part of routine after-care for this client?

• A. Administering a laxative
• B. Encouraging fluid intake
• C. Maintaining the client on strict bed rest
• D. Holding all medications for at least 2 hours

Correct answer: B

Rationale: After CT scanning with contrast medium, the client does not require special restrictions or interventions. Encouraging fluid intake is important to help flush out the contrast dye and prevent dehydration. Administering a laxative (Choice A) is unnecessary and not indicated after CT with contrast. Maintaining the client on strict bed rest (Choice C) is not necessary unless specified by the healthcare provider. Holding all medications for at least 2 hours (Choice D) is not a standard practice after CT with contrast.

4. After teaching a client with nephrotic syndrome and a normal glomerular filtration rate, the nurse assesses the client’s understanding. Which statement made by the client indicates a correct understanding of the nutritional therapy for this condition?

• A. I must decrease my intake of fat.
• B. I will increase my intake of protein.
• C. A decreased intake of carbohydrates will be required.
• D. An increased intake of vitamin C is necessary.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In nephrotic syndrome, there is significant renal loss of protein leading to hypoalbuminemia and edema formation. If glomerular filtration is normal or near normal, increased protein loss should be matched by an increased intake of protein. Therefore, the correct statement indicating a correct understanding of the nutritional therapy for this condition is increasing protein intake. Decreasing fat, decreasing carbohydrates, or increasing vitamin C intake is not necessary for addressing the underlying issues associated with nephrotic syndrome.

5. The nurse is preparing to administer the first dose of an antibiotic to a patient admitted for a urinary tract infection. Which action is most important prior to administering the antibiotic?

• A. Administering a small test dose to determine if hypersensitivity exists
• B. Having epinephrine available in case of a severe hypersensitivity reaction
• C. Monitoring baseline vital signs, including temperature and blood pressure
• D. Obtaining a specimen for culture and sensitivity

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most crucial action before administering an antibiotic for a urinary tract infection is to obtain a specimen for culture and sensitivity. This ensures the accurate identification of the causative organism and helps determine the most effective antibiotic therapy. Administering a test dose to detect hypersensitivity is usually reserved for cases with a strong suspicion of allergy to a needed antibiotic. Keeping epinephrine available is important when there is a significant risk of a severe allergic reaction. Monitoring baseline vital signs is essential during antibiotic therapy but is not the top priority before administering the first dose.

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