Nursing Elites

1. A client who has a history of hyperthyroidism was initially admitted with lethargy and confusion. Which additional finding warrants the most immediate action by the nurse?

• A. Facial puffiness and periorbital edema
• B. Hematocrit of 30%
• C. Cold and dry skin
• D. Further decline in LOC

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A further decline in LOC can indicate severe complications and requires immediate attention. This change may signify worsening neurological status, which could lead to life-threatening consequences if not addressed promptly. Choices A, B, and C may also be concerning in a client with a history of hyperthyroidism, but a further decline in LOC takes priority due to its potential for rapid deterioration and the need for urgent intervention.

2. What is the most critical initial intervention for a client who is actively seizing?

• A. Restrain the client to prevent injury
• B. Insert an oral airway
• C. Turn the client to the side
• D. Apply soft restraints to the wrists

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most critical initial intervention for a client who is actively seizing is to turn the client to the side. This action helps maintain an open airway and prevents aspiration during a seizure. Restrain the client to prevent injury (Choice A) is incorrect because restraining a client during a seizure can lead to injury. Inserting an oral airway (Choice B) is not recommended as it can cause injury and is not necessary during an active seizure. Applying soft restraints to the wrists (Choice D) is also not recommended as it can lead to harm and does not address the immediate airway management needed during a seizure.

3. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care for a client who has a chest tube due to hemothorax?

• A. Keep the arm and shoulder of the affected side immobile at all times.
• B. Encourage the client to breathe deeply and cough at frequent intervals.
• C. Maintain the pleura vac slightly above the chest level.
• D. Ensure there is no fluctuation in the water seal.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Encouraging deep breathing and coughing is vital for a client with a chest tube due to hemothorax as it helps prevent atelectasis and promotes lung expansion. Keeping the arm and shoulder immobile (Choice A) is not necessary for chest tube management. Maintaining the pleura vac slightly above the chest level (Choice C) is incorrect as the pleura vac should be kept below the chest level to facilitate drainage. Ensuring no fluctuation in the water seal (Choice D) is important, but it is not the priority intervention when compared to promoting lung expansion through deep breathing and coughing.

4. Which nursing problem has the highest priority when planning care for a client with Meniere’s disease?

• A. Potential for injury related to vertigo.
• B. Alteration in comfort due to ear pain.
• C. Impaired skin integrity due to immobility.
• D. Anxiety due to fear of falling.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. When caring for a client with Meniere’s disease, the highest priority nursing problem is the potential for injury related to vertigo. Meniere’s disease is characterized by symptoms like vertigo, which can increase the risk of falls and injuries. Ensuring the client's safety and preventing falls take precedence over other concerns. Choices B, C, and D are not the highest priority because they do not directly address the immediate risk of harm associated with vertigo and falls.

5. While planning care for a client with carpal tunnel syndrome, the nurse identifies a collaborative problem of pain. What is the etiology of this problem?

• A. Irritation of nerve endings
• B. Diminished blood flow
• C. Ischemic tissue changes
• D. Compression of a nerve

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Compression of a nerve. In carpal tunnel syndrome, pain arises from the compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel. This compression leads to symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because carpal tunnel syndrome pain is primarily caused by the physical compression of the nerve, rather than irritation of nerve endings, diminished blood flow, or ischemic tissue changes.

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