Nursing Elites

1. A client who had a left hemicolectomy is experiencing a low-grade fever on post-operative day three. What is the nurse's best action?

• A. Encourage deep breathing and the use of the incentive spirometer.
• B. Administer antipyretic medication as prescribed.
• C. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
• D. Increase the client’s fluid intake.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A low-grade fever on post-operative day three can be a sign of atelectasis, a common post-operative complication. Encouraging deep breathing and the use of the incentive spirometer can help prevent and treat this condition. Atelectasis is often due to shallow breathing, so option A is the best initial action to promote lung expansion. Administering antipyretic medication (option B) may help reduce the fever but does not directly address the underlying cause. Notifying the healthcare provider immediately (option C) is not necessary at this point unless other concerning symptoms are present. Increasing the client’s fluid intake (option D) is important for overall recovery but is not the priority in this scenario.

2. In which condition is the 'butterfly rash' most commonly seen?

• A. Systemic lupus erythematosus
• B. Rheumatoid arthritis
• C. Psoriasis
• D. Dermatomyositis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The 'butterfly rash' across the cheeks and nose is a classic sign of SLE, an autoimmune disease. This rash is a key dermatological manifestation of SLE, often triggered or worsened by exposure to sunlight. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the 'butterfly rash' is not commonly associated with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, or dermatomyositis.

3. When a woman in early pregnancy is leaving the clinic, she blushes and asks the nurse if it is true that sex during pregnancy is bad for the baby. What is the best response for the nurse to give?

• A. The baby is protected by the sac. Sex is perfectly alright.
• B. It is unlikely to harm the baby. What you do with your personal life is your concern.
• C. Intercourse during pregnancy is usually alright, but you need to ask the doctor if it is acceptable for you.
• D. In a normal pregnancy, intercourse will not harm the baby. However, many women experience a change in desire. How are you feeling?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Choice D is the best response as it reassures the patient that intercourse in a normal pregnancy will not harm the baby. It also shows empathy by acknowledging that many women experience changes in sexual desire during pregnancy. This response validates the patient's concerns and opens up a dialogue about her feelings. Choice A is incorrect as it lacks information about changes in sexual desire and oversimplifies the situation. Choice B is dismissive of the patient's concerns and does not provide adequate information. Choice C is not the best response as it suggests asking the doctor without offering immediate reassurance or addressing the patient's worries.

4. While caring for a client with a new tracheostomy, the nurse notices that the client is attempting to speak but is unable to. What should the nurse explain to the client regarding their inability to speak?

• A. Speaking is not possible because the tracheostomy tube blocks the vocal cords.
• B. The tracheostomy tube prevents air from reaching the vocal cords, making speech difficult.
• C. The client will regain the ability to speak once the tracheostomy tube is removed.
• D. The tracheostomy tube must be replaced with a speaking valve for the client to speak.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The tracheostomy tube bypasses the vocal cords, preventing air from reaching them, which is necessary for speech. This makes speaking difficult but not impossible. Removing the tracheostomy tube does not automatically restore the ability to speak (choice C). While a speaking valve can be added later to allow speech, initially, the tracheostomy tube itself hinders air from reaching the vocal cords, making speech difficult (choice D is incorrect). Choice A is incorrect as the tracheostomy tube does not block the vocal cords directly; instead, it prevents air from reaching them.

5. An 8-year-old child is placed in 90-90 traction for a fractured femur. The nurse notices that the weights are touching the foot of the bed. What action should the nurse take?

• A. No bowel movement for two days
• B. Mother helps reposition the child
• C. Ensure weights are not touching the foot of the bed
• D. Child wiggles toes freely when tickled

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse should ensure that the weights in traction are not touching the foot of the bed. This is crucial to maintain proper alignment and effectiveness of the traction. When the weights touch the bed, it can compromise the traction's function and delay healing. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not address the issue of ensuring that the weights are not touching the bed, which is essential for the traction to work effectively.

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