Nursing Elites

1. A client with a history of coronary artery disease is admitted with chest pain. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Heart rate of 90 beats per minute.
• B. Respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute.
• C. Blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg.
• D. Chest pain radiating to the left arm.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Chest pain radiating to the left arm is a classic symptom of a myocardial infarction (heart attack) in individuals with coronary artery disease. This finding indicates that the heart muscle may not be receiving adequate oxygen, which requires immediate intervention to prevent further damage or complications. The other assessment findings (heart rate of 90 beats per minute, respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute, blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg) are within normal limits and do not suggest an acute, life-threatening condition like myocardial infarction.

2. When visiting a community health clinic, a client's blood pressure is measured at 146/94. What information should the nurse provide the client?

• A. Participate in an exercise program for 6 weeks
• B. Obtain blood pressure daily for 2 weeks
• C. Increase dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids
• D. Begin a low sodium diet immediately

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to advise the client to begin a low sodium diet immediately. High sodium intake can contribute to elevated blood pressure levels. By reducing sodium intake, blood pressure can be effectively lowered. Option A, participating in an exercise program, is beneficial for overall health but may not provide immediate impact on blood pressure. Option B, obtaining blood pressure daily for 2 weeks, may not address the underlying cause or provide immediate intervention. Option C, increasing dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids, though beneficial for heart health, may not have an immediate impact on lowering blood pressure compared to reducing sodium intake.

3. During a home visit, the nurse observes that an elderly client has a cluttered living environment and poor lighting. What should the nurse do first?

• A. suggest that the client hires a cleaning service
• B. assist the client in organizing the living space
• C. assess the client's risk for falls
• D. provide the client with information on home safety

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take is to assess the client's risk for falls. A cluttered living environment and poor lighting are significant risk factors for falls in the elderly. By assessing the client's risk for falls, the nurse can identify potential hazards and implement appropriate interventions to prevent falls. Suggesting hiring a cleaning service or assisting in organizing the living space may address the symptoms but not the root cause of the fall risk. Providing information on home safety is important but should come after assessing the specific risk factors for falls in this scenario.

4. When caring for a client with a chest tube, which intervention is most important to include in the plan of care?

• A. Maintain continuous suction on the chest tube.
• B. Clamp the chest tube during client movement.
• C. Ensure that the chest tube is clamped for at least 8 hours each day.
• D. Keep the collection chamber below the level of the chest.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Keeping the collection chamber below the level of the chest is crucial in caring for a client with a chest tube. This positioning helps ensure proper drainage of fluids and prevents complications such as backflow of drainage into the chest cavity. Option A is incorrect as continuous suction can lead to excessive drainage and tissue damage. Option B is incorrect as clamping the chest tube during client movement can cause a buildup of pressure and compromise proper drainage. Option C is incorrect because clamping the chest tube for extended periods can impede the drainage process, leading to potential complications.

5. The healthcare provider is preparing to administer atropine, an anticholinergic, to a client scheduled for a cholecystectomy. The client asks the provider to explain the reason for the prescribed medication. What response is best for the provider to provide?

• A. To increase gastric motility.
• B. To decrease the risk of bradycardia during surgery.
• C. To reduce secretions.
• D. To prevent nausea and vomiting.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Atropine, an anticholinergic medication, is used preoperatively to prevent bradycardia by increasing the automaticity of the sinoatrial node during surgical anesthesia. Choice A is incorrect because atropine does not affect gastric motility. Choice C is incorrect as atropine is not primarily used to reduce secretions. Choice D is also incorrect because preventing nausea and vomiting is not the primary purpose of administering atropine in this context.

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