Nursing Elites

1. A client with a chest tube is post-op. What is the priority nursing action?

• A. Clamp the chest tube every 2 hours
• B. Check for air leaks and proper functioning of the chest tube
• C. Encourage deep breathing and coughing every 2 hours
• D. Encourage frequent coughing to clear secretions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to check for air leaks and ensure the proper functioning of the chest tube. This action is crucial post-op to prevent complications such as pneumothorax or hemothorax. Clamping the chest tube every 2 hours (Choice A) is incorrect as it can lead to a buildup of pressure within the chest, risking complications. Encouraging deep breathing and coughing every 2 hours (Choice C) is important for respiratory hygiene but not the priority over ensuring the chest tube's proper function. Encouraging frequent coughing to clear secretions (Choice D) is not the priority when assessing a chest tube post-op; ensuring the chest tube's integrity and function take precedence.

2. Which of the following is an early sign that suctioning is required for a client with a tracheostomy?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Irritability
• C. Confusion
• D. Hypotension

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Irritability is an early sign that suctioning is necessary to clear the airway in a client with a tracheostomy. When secretions build up in the tracheostomy tube, the client may become irritable due to the discomfort and the compromised airway. Bradycardia, confusion, and hypotension are not typically early signs that suctioning is required. Bradycardia may occur if the airway becomes severely compromised, confusion may be a late sign of hypoxia, and hypotension is not directly related to the need for suctioning in a client with a tracheostomy.

3. A nurse is assisting with monitoring a client who is in labor and has spontaneous rupture of membranes following a vaginal examination. The provider reports the client's cervix is dilated to 1 cm with an unengaged presenting part. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Encourage the client to bear down
• B. Apply the external fetal monitor
• C. Provide the client with fluids
• D. Administer IV fluids

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, with the client's cervix dilated to only 1 cm and an unengaged presenting part, the priority action is to apply the external fetal monitor. This allows for continuous monitoring of the fetal heart rate during early labor, which is crucial for assessing fetal well-being. Encouraging the client to bear down is not appropriate at 1 cm dilation, as it may not be effective and can lead to exhaustion. Providing the client with fluids or administering IV fluids may be necessary for hydration, but the immediate concern is monitoring fetal well-being.

4. A client is learning to use a cane. What instruction is essential for this client?

• A. Advance the cane and the weaker leg at the same time
• B. Maintain two points of support on the ground at all times
• C. Use the cane on the weaker side for better support
• D. Advance the cane 30 to 45 cm with each step

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client learning to use a cane is to maintain two points of support on the ground at all times. This ensures better stability and reduces the risk of falls. Choice A is incorrect because advancing the cane and the weaker leg simultaneously may lead to imbalance. Choice C is incorrect because the cane should be used on the stronger side to provide support. Choice D is incorrect because there is no specific measurement for advancing the cane with each step, and the focus should be on maintaining stability.

5. A nurse manager of a med surge unit is assigning care responsibilities for the oncoming shift. A client is waiting transfer back to the unit from the PACU following thoracic surgery. To which staff member should the nurse assign the client?

• A. Charge nurse
• B. RN
• C. LVN
• D. AP

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: RN. An RN is required for managing post-surgical care in the immediate postoperative period, especially for a client following thoracic surgery. The RN is equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to assess the client's condition, provide complex care, and recognize and respond to any complications that may arise. Assigning the client to the Charge nurse (A) may not be appropriate as the Charge nurse focuses more on administrative and managerial tasks rather than direct patient care. LVNs (C) and APs (D) may have limitations in their scope of practice when it comes to managing post-surgical care following thoracic surgery, which requires a higher level of assessment and intervention that an RN can provide.

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