Nursing Elites

1. A client with a history of stroke presents with dysphagia. What is the most important nursing intervention to prevent aspiration?

• A. Encourage the client to drink water between meals
• B. Position the client in a high-Fowler's position during meals
• C. Provide the client with thickened liquids
• D. Allow the client to eat quickly

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Position the client in a high-Fowler's position during meals. Placing the client in a high-Fowler's position (sitting upright at a 90-degree angle) helps reduce the risk of aspiration by ensuring that the airway is protected during swallowing. This position facilitates easier swallowing and decreases the likelihood of food or liquids entering the respiratory tract. Encouraging the client to drink water between meals (choice A) does not directly address the risk of aspiration during meals. Providing thickened liquids (choice C) may be necessary for some patients with dysphagia but is not the most important intervention to prevent aspiration. Allowing the client to eat quickly (choice D) without proper positioning and precautions can increase the risk of aspiration.

2. A nurse is developing a care plan for a client with chronic pain. What interventions should be included to help manage pain?

• A. Administer pain medication around the clock
• B. Teach relaxation techniques
• C. Encourage physical activity
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In managing chronic pain, it is essential to employ a multi-faceted approach. Administering pain medication around the clock helps maintain consistent pain relief. Teaching relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or guided imagery can help reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation, which can alleviate pain. Encouraging physical activity, tailored to the client's abilities, can help improve overall physical functioning and reduce pain perception. Therefore, combining all these interventions (pain medication, relaxation techniques, and physical activity) provides a comprehensive approach to pain management, addressing different aspects of the client's experience with chronic pain. This holistic approach is more effective than using a single intervention alone, making 'All of the above' the correct choice.

3. Following an open reduction of the tibia, the nurse notes fresh bleeding on the client's cast. What intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Assess the client's hemoglobin levels to determine if the client is in shock
• B. Call the surgeon and prepare to take the client back to the operating room
• C. Outline the area with ink and check it every 15 minutes to monitor for changes in bleeding
• D. No action is required as postoperative bleeding can be expected

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct intervention is to outline the area with ink and check it every 15 minutes to monitor for changes in bleeding. This approach helps in assessing the extent and progression of the bleeding. Option A is incorrect because assessing hemoglobin levels would not provide immediate information on the ongoing bleeding. Option B is premature without first monitoring the bleeding site. Option D is incorrect because although some postoperative bleeding can be expected, fresh bleeding on the cast warrants immediate monitoring and evaluation.

4. A client with a cast complains of numbness and tingling in the affected limb. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Check for tightness of the cast
• B. Elevate the limb
• C. Apply ice to the area
• D. Notify the physician

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct first action for a client with a cast experiencing numbness and tingling in the affected limb is to check for tightness of the cast. Numbness and tingling can indicate compromised circulation, and a tight cast may be causing this. Checking the cast for tightness is essential to ensure it is not impeding circulation. Elevating the limb, applying ice, or notifying the physician can be subsequent actions depending on the assessment findings after checking the cast. Elevating the limb might help improve circulation, applying ice is not indicated for numbness and tingling, and notifying the physician can be done if the issue persists after addressing the immediate concern of cast tightness.

5. A postoperative client complains of sudden shortness of breath. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Administer oxygen
• B. Call the healthcare provider
• C. Prepare for chest x-ray
• D. Assess the client's lung sounds

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Assessing the client's lung sounds is the most appropriate initial action when a postoperative client complains of sudden shortness of breath. This step helps the nurse evaluate the respiratory status and detect abnormalities such as decreased breath sounds or crackles, which could indicate a serious condition like a pulmonary embolism. Administering oxygen (Choice A) may be necessary but should come after assessing the lung sounds to ensure the appropriate intervention. Calling the healthcare provider (Choice B) or preparing for a chest x-ray (Choice C) can be important subsequent actions based on the findings from the lung sound assessment, but they are not the first priority in this situation.

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