Nursing Elites

1. A client with a history of asthma is admitted to the emergency department with difficulty breathing. Which of these assessments is the highest priority for the nurse to perform?

• A. Auscultation of breath sounds
• B. Measurement of peak expiratory flow
• C. Observation of the client's use of accessory muscles
• D. Assessment of the client's skin color

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Auscultation of breath sounds is the highest priority assessment in a client with a history of asthma experiencing difficulty breathing. It helps the nurse evaluate the severity of the asthma exacerbation by listening for wheezing, crackles, or decreased breath sounds. This assessment guides treatment decisions, such as administering bronchodilators or oxygen therapy. Measurement of peak expiratory flow, although important in assessing asthma severity, may not be feasible in an emergency situation where immediate intervention is needed. Observation of accessory muscle use and assessment of skin color are also important assessments in asthma exacerbation, but auscultation of breath sounds takes precedence in determining the need for urgent interventions.

2. A nurse is reinforcing teaching about reliable sources of Vitamin B12 with a client who is pregnant. Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend in the teaching?

• A. Figs
• B. Broccoli
• C. Stewed tomatoes
• D. Skim milk

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Skim milk is a reliable source of Vitamin B12, which is essential for the health of both the mother and the developing fetus. While figs, broccoli, and stewed tomatoes are nutritious foods, they are not significant sources of Vitamin B12. Figs are a good source of fiber and other vitamins, broccoli is rich in Vitamin C and K, and stewed tomatoes are high in Vitamin C and antioxidants, but they do not contain Vitamin B12 as much as skim milk does.

3. The nurse receives an order to give a client iron by deep injection. The nurse knows that the reason for this route is to

• A. enhance absorption of the medication
• B. ensure that the entire dose of medication is given
• C. provide more even distribution of the drug
• D. prevent the drug from tissue irritation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Deep injection helps to prevent tissue irritation caused by iron, which can be damaging to tissues. Option A is incorrect because deep injection does not primarily aim to enhance absorption, but rather to prevent tissue irritation. Option B is incorrect as the route of administration does not determine whether the entire dose is given. Option C is incorrect because the even distribution of the drug is not the main purpose of deep injection in this context.

4. In a client with chronic kidney disease having a serum potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L, which assessment is the most critical for the nurse to perform?

• A. Neurological status
• B. Cardiac status
• C. Respiratory status
• D. Gastrointestinal status

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Assessing cardiac status is crucial in hyperkalemia as high potassium levels can result in life-threatening arrhythmias. Monitoring the heart rhythm and ECG findings is essential to prevent cardiac complications. Neurological status, respiratory status, and gastrointestinal status are important assessments too, but in the context of hyperkalemia, cardiac status takes precedence due to the immediate risk of cardiac arrhythmias.

5. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer an enteral feeding via an established NG tube. Which option is not part of the sequence the healthcare professional should follow to initiate the feeding?

• A. Verify tube placement
• B. Check the residual feeding contents
• C. Administer the feeding
• D. Limit protein intake

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct sequence for initiating enteral feeding includes verifying tube placement to ensure safety, checking the residual feeding contents to prevent complications, and then administering the feeding. Limiting protein intake is not a step in the sequence for initiating enteral feeding. Protein intake may be adjusted based on the patient's specific nutritional needs, but it is not a part of the immediate sequence for initiating the feeding. Therefore, option D is the correct answer. Options A, B, and C are essential steps to ensure the safe and effective administration of enteral feeding.

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