Nursing Elites

1. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving home oxygen therapy. What is the most important instruction the nurse should provide?

• A. Use oxygen at the highest flow rate tolerated
• B. Avoid wearing oxygen during physical activity
• C. Do not smoke while using oxygen
• D. Store oxygen tanks in a cool, dark place

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Do not smoke while using oxygen.' Smoking while using oxygen can lead to a serious fire hazard, as oxygen supports combustion. This instruction is crucial to prevent potential harm to the client. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Using oxygen at the highest flow rate tolerated can be harmful, avoiding wearing oxygen during physical activity may limit the client's mobility unnecessarily, and storing oxygen tanks in a cool, dark place, although important, is not as critical as the instruction to avoid smoking while using oxygen.

2. The nurse is caring for a client with a history of seizure disorder who is receiving phenytoin (Dilantin). Which laboratory value is most important to monitor?

• A. Phenytoin level
• B. Sodium level
• C. Hemoglobin level
• D. White blood cell count

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Monitoring the phenytoin level is crucial to ensure it is within the therapeutic range and to prevent toxicity. Monitoring sodium level is important in clients receiving lithium, not phenytoin. Hemoglobin level and white blood cell count are not directly related to phenytoin therapy monitoring.

3. When taking blood pressure at the brachial artery, the nurse should place the client's arm in which position?

• A. Slightly above the level of the heart
• B. At the level of the heart
• C. At a level of comfort for the client
• D. Below the level of the heart

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When taking blood pressure at the brachial artery, it is crucial to place the client's arm at the level of the heart to ensure accurate measurement. Placing the arm above or below the heart level can lead to incorrect readings. Option A, placing the arm slightly above the heart level, would result in falsely lower blood pressure readings as gravity would assist in a lower value. Option C, placing the arm at a level of comfort for the client, may not align with the standardized technique required for accurate blood pressure assessment. Option D, placing the arm below the level of the heart, would likely yield falsely higher blood pressure readings due to increased hydrostatic pressure pushing the blood against gravity.

4. A client with a diagnosis of anemia is being discharged with a prescription for ferrous sulfate. What should the nurse include in the teaching plan?

• A. Take the medication with milk to enhance absorption
• B. Expect stools to be dark in color
• C. Take the medication before bedtime
• D. Avoid foods high in vitamin C

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Expect stools to be dark in color.' Dark stools are a common side effect of iron supplementation due to the unabsorbed iron, and this is not a cause for concern. Choice A is incorrect because taking iron with milk can decrease its absorption due to calcium binding. Choice C is incorrect as there are no specific recommendations to take ferrous sulfate before bedtime. Choice D is also incorrect as vitamin C actually enhances iron absorption and should not be avoided.

5. A client with a history of asthma is experiencing wheezing and shortness of breath. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administer a bronchodilator as prescribed
• B. Encourage the client to drink fluids
• C. Place the client in an upright position
• D. Assess the client's peak flow rate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering a bronchodilator as prescribed is the priority nursing intervention for a client experiencing wheezing and shortness of breath due to asthma. Bronchodilators help relieve bronchoconstriction, allowing better airflow and improving breathing. Encouraging the client to drink fluids may be beneficial in certain situations, but it is not the priority when the client is in respiratory distress. Placing the client in an upright position, not supine, can facilitate easier breathing by allowing the chest to expand fully. While assessing the client's peak flow rate is important in asthma management, in this acute situation, the priority is to provide immediate relief by administering the bronchodilator.

Similar Questions