Nursing Elites

1. A client with a history of closed head injury has a radial artery catheter in place and complains of numbness and pain distal to the insertion site. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Monitor the site for further complications.
• B. Promptly remove the catheter from the radial artery.
• C. Elevate the client’s arm above the heart.
• D. Notify the healthcare provider and prepare for surgery.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A weak pulse and numbness distal to a radial artery catheter may indicate occlusion or damage to the artery, and immediate removal of the catheter is necessary to prevent complications. Therefore, promptly removing the catheter from the radial artery (Choice B) is the correct action. Monitoring the site (Choice A) would delay necessary intervention, elevating the client's arm (Choice C) may not address the underlying issue, and notifying the healthcare provider for surgery (Choice D) without removing the catheter promptly could lead to further complications.

2. A client with hypertension is being educated on lifestyle changes by a nurse. Which recommendation is the most important to reduce blood pressure?

• A. Increase water intake
• B. Avoid alcohol consumption
• C. Exercise regularly
• D. Reduce sodium intake

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Reducing sodium intake is crucial in managing hypertension as high sodium levels can lead to fluid retention and increased blood pressure. While increasing water intake is beneficial for overall health, reducing sodium has a more significant impact on blood pressure. Regular exercise is important for cardiovascular health but does not have as direct an impact on blood pressure as sodium reduction. Avoiding alcohol is also important, but in terms of managing blood pressure, reducing sodium intake takes precedence.

3. A client presents to the emergency room with an acute asthma attack. What is the nurse's priority intervention?

• A. Administer bronchodilators as prescribed.
• B. Administer oxygen at 2 liters per nasal cannula.
• C. Perform chest physiotherapy.
• D. Provide emotional support to reduce anxiety.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer bronchodilators as prescribed. During an acute asthma attack, the priority is to open the airways quickly to help the client breathe more easily. Oxygen may be needed but bronchodilators take precedence as they directly target bronchoconstriction. Chest physiotherapy is not indicated in the acute phase of asthma and may exacerbate the condition. While emotional support is important, addressing the airway obstruction takes precedence in this situation.

4. The nurse is administering a new medication to a client. What is the priority action before administering the drug?

• A. Verify the client's allergies
• B. Check the client's blood pressure
• C. Assess the client's pain level
• D. Provide client education on the medication

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Verifying the client's allergies is the priority action before administering any medication. It is crucial to identify any known allergies to prevent potential allergic reactions, which can be severe and life-threatening. Checking the client's blood pressure, assessing pain levels, and providing education on the medication are important aspects of client care but verifying allergies is essential for ensuring the safety of the client.

5. The client provides three positive responses to the CAGE questionnaire. Which interpretation should the nurse provide?

• A. The CAGE is a tool for identifying substance abuse.
• B. Two positive responses suggest alcohol dependence.
• C. One positive response indicates potential alcohol issues.
• D. All responses must be positive for alcohol dependence.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The CAGE questionnaire is a widely used screening tool for alcohol dependence. Two or more positive responses suggest a higher likelihood of alcohol dependence. One positive response may indicate potential alcohol issues, but two or more significantly increase the likelihood of dependence. Therefore, choice B is the most appropriate interpretation. Choice A is incorrect because the CAGE questionnaire specifically focuses on alcohol-related issues, not substance abuse in general. Choice C is incorrect as one positive response does not indicate addiction but rather raises a concern. Choice D is incorrect as not all responses need to be positive to suggest alcohol dependence.

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