Nursing Elites

1. A client with a history of chronic back pain is prescribed oxycodone for pain management. What is the most important instruction the nurse should provide?

• A. Take the medication with food to reduce stomach upset
• B. Avoid operating heavy machinery while taking this medication
• C. Increase physical activity to enhance pain relief
• D. Report any signs of respiratory depression immediately

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Report any signs of respiratory depression immediately.' Respiratory depression is a severe side effect of opioids like oxycodone and can be life-threatening. It is crucial for the nurse to instruct the client to report any signs such as slow or shallow breathing, difficulty breathing, or confusion. Choice A is incorrect as taking oxycodone with or without food does not significantly affect its efficacy. Choice B is incorrect because avoiding driving is important due to the potential impairment caused by oxycodone, but reporting respiratory depression is more critical. Choice C is incorrect as increasing physical activity may not always be suitable for individuals with chronic back pain and is not directly related to preventing respiratory depression.

2. The nurse is assessing a client with a suspected diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which clinical sign is most indicative of DVT?

• A. Redness and warmth over the affected area
• B. Decreased peripheral pulses
• C. Cyanosis of the toes
• D. Muscle cramps in the calf

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Redness and warmth over the affected area are classic signs of inflammation, which commonly occur in deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to the obstruction of blood flow. These symptoms result from the body's inflammatory response to the blood clot. Choices B, C, and D are less indicative of DVT. Decreased peripheral pulses may occur in arterial insufficiency rather than DVT. Cyanosis of the toes indicates decreased oxygenation and is more characteristic of arterial issues. Muscle cramps in the calf are nonspecific and can be caused by various conditions, not solely DVT.

3. The nurse is changing the colostomy bag for a client who is complaining of leakage of diarrheal stool under the disposable ostomy bag. What action should the nurse implement to prevent leakage?

• A. Place a 4x4 wick in the stoma opening
• B. Apply a layer of zinc oxide ointment to the perimeter of the stoma
• C. Cut the bag opening to the measurement of the stoma size
• D. Administer a PRN antidiarrheal agent

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To prevent leakage of stool under the disposable ostomy bag, the nurse should cut the bag opening to the measurement of the stoma size. This action ensures a proper fit, which is crucial in preventing leaks that can lead to skin irritation and compromise stoma care. Placing a 4x4 wick in the stoma opening or applying zinc oxide ointment may not address the issue of leakage effectively. Administering a PRN antidiarrheal agent is not directly related to preventing leakage caused by an ill-fitting ostomy bag.

4. A client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted with shortness of breath. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administer a high-flow oxygen mask.
• B. Position the client in a high-Fowler's position.
• C. Provide a high-carbohydrate diet.
• D. Encourage the client to cough and deep breathe.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a client with COPD experiencing shortness of breath is to position the client in a high-Fowler's position. This position helps improve lung expansion and breathing by reducing respiratory effort. Administering a high-flow oxygen mask (Choice A) may be necessary but is not the priority intervention. Providing a high-carbohydrate diet (Choice C) is not directly related to managing acute shortness of breath in COPD. Encouraging the client to cough and deep breathe (Choice D) is helpful for airway clearance but is not the priority intervention when the client is in distress with acute shortness of breath.

5. The nurse is assessing a client with chronic liver disease. Which lab value is most concerning?

• A. Elevated AST and ALT levels
• B. Decreased albumin level
• C. Elevated bilirubin level
• D. Prolonged PT/INR

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a client with chronic liver disease, a prolonged PT/INR is the most concerning lab value. This finding indicates impaired liver function affecting the synthesis of clotting factors, leading to an increased risk of bleeding. Elevated AST and ALT levels (Choice A) indicate liver cell damage but do not directly correlate with the risk of bleeding. A decreased albumin level (Choice B) is common in liver disease but is not the most concerning in terms of bleeding risk. Elevated bilirubin levels (Choice C) are seen in liver disease but do not directly reflect the risk of bleeding as PT/INR values do.

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