Nursing Elites

1. A client who is post-operative from a carotid endarterectomy is experiencing difficulty swallowing. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Administer a prescribed antiemetic.
• B. Assess the client’s airway and respiratory status.
• C. Elevate the head of the bed.
• D. Encourage the client to take small sips of water.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the client’s airway and respiratory status (Choice B). Difficulty swallowing after carotid endarterectomy could indicate swelling or nerve damage affecting swallowing, which may compromise the airway. Assessing the airway and respiratory status is crucial to ensure the client's ability to breathe. Administering an antiemetic (Choice A) is not the priority as the primary concern is airway patency. Elevating the head of the bed (Choice C) can help with swallowing difficulties but does not address the immediate risk to the airway. Encouraging the client to take small sips of water (Choice D) is contraindicated if there is a risk of compromised airway due to swallowing difficulties.

2. A client with a chest tube following a pneumothorax is concerned about the continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber. What should the nurse explain to the client?

• A. Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber indicates an air leak.
• B. Continuous bubbling is normal and expected with a chest tube.
• C. Bubbling will stop when the lung has fully expanded.
• D. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider immediately.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber of a chest tube system indicates an air leak. An air leak can prevent the lung from fully re-expanding and may lead to complications like a recurrent pneumothorax. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate and address the air leak promptly. Choices B and C are incorrect because continuous bubbling is not normal and does not indicate lung expansion. Choice D is incorrect because the nurse should first assess and then report the issue to the healthcare provider.

3. The nurse observes a UAP performing oral hygiene on an unconscious client who is lying in a flat side-lying position with an emesis basin on a towel under the chin. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Stop the procedure and tell the UAP to place the client in a Fowler's position
• B. Praise the UAP for doing the oral hygiene but encourage family participation
• C. Tell the UAP to continue because the unconscious client is positioned safely
• D. Enroll the UAP in a hospital education class on conducting safe client care

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to tell the UAP to continue because the unconscious client is positioned safely for oral care. Placing an unconscious client in a side-lying position helps prevent aspiration, and having an emesis basin under the chin is appropriate to catch any fluids. Therefore, the nurse should acknowledge that the UAP is performing the procedure correctly. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Placing the client in a Fowler's position is not necessary for this procedure as the client is already positioned safely. Praise and encouragement for family participation are important aspects but not the immediate action needed in this scenario. Enrolling the UAP in a hospital education class is not warranted as the current procedure is being performed correctly.

4. Which of the following is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection in a healthcare setting?

• A. Using sterile gloves
• B. Wearing a face mask
• C. Performing hand hygiene
• D. Using disposable equipment

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Performing hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection in a healthcare setting. Hand hygiene helps remove pathogens that could be transmitted through direct contact, making it a crucial practice in infection control. While using sterile gloves and disposable equipment are important in certain situations, they do not address the potential transmission of pathogens through direct contact, unlike hand hygiene. Wearing a face mask is important for respiratory precautions but may not be as effective as hand hygiene in preventing the spread of infections through direct contact.

5. A nurse who receives a patient in the operative suite prior to the actual surgery is in charge of the patient’s care. Which of the following is NOT a task related to the nurse’s intraoperative care?

• A. Go over the surgical procedure with the patient before he or she is anesthetized
• B. Strictly adhere to asepsis during all intraoperative procedures
• C. Provide emotional support to the patient and their family
• D. Monitor the patient’s physical status

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Going over the surgical procedure with the patient is typically done preoperatively, not intraoperatively. Intraoperative tasks of a nurse involve strictly adhering to asepsis during procedures, monitoring the patient's physical status, and providing emotional support to the patient and their family during the surgery. Choices B, C, and D are all tasks that are directly related to the nurse's responsibilities during the intraoperative phase of care.

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