Nursing Elites

1. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen therapy. Which finding indicates that the therapy is effective?

• A. The client is able to expectorate secretions easily.
• B. The client's oxygen saturation is 92%.
• C. The client's respiratory rate is 20 breaths per minute.
• D. The client's arterial blood gases show a pH of 7.35.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a client with COPD receiving oxygen therapy, an effective response is indicated by a respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute. This suggests that the client is effectively oxygenating while maintaining an appropriate respiratory rate. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because expectorating secretions easily, having an oxygen saturation of 92%, and arterial blood gases showing a pH of 7.35 are not specific indicators of the effectiveness of oxygen therapy in COPD. Oxygen saturation of 92% may still be suboptimal in COPD, and arterial blood gases showing a pH of 7.35 may not necessarily reflect the overall effectiveness of oxygen therapy.

2. A client with a history of heart failure is admitted with severe dyspnea. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Administer oxygen at 2 liters per minute via nasal cannula.
• B. Place the client in a high Fowler's position.
• C. Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG).
• D. Administer intravenous furosemide (Lasix).

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to place the client in a high Fowler's position first. This intervention helps improve breathing and oxygenation in clients with severe dyspnea, including those with heart failure. Elevating the head of the bed reduces the work of breathing and enhances lung expansion. Administering oxygen, obtaining an ECG, and administering furosemide are important interventions in the management of heart failure, but placing the client in a high Fowler's position is the priority to address the immediate need for improved breathing and oxygenation.

3. The healthcare provider is conducting a health assessment for a family living in a high-crime area. Which intervention should the healthcare provider prioritize to ensure the family's safety?

• A. providing information on local crime statistics
• B. teaching the family self-defense techniques
• C. helping the family develop a safety plan
• D. encouraging the family to move to a safer neighborhood

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Developing a safety plan is the most appropriate intervention as it helps the family prepare for potential emergencies and enhances their overall sense of security. Providing information on local crime statistics may raise awareness but does not directly address safety planning. Teaching self-defense techniques may have limited effectiveness in a high-crime area where the family may face multiple threats. Encouraging the family to move to a safer neighborhood is not always feasible due to various reasons such as financial constraints or social ties to the current community.

4. The healthcare provider is preparing to administer an intravenous antibiotic to a client with a central venous catheter. Which action is most important?

• A. Flush the catheter with heparin.
• B. Change the dressing at the insertion site.
• C. Check for blood return before administering the antibiotic.
• D. Use sterile technique when accessing the catheter.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Using sterile technique when accessing the catheter is crucial to prevent infection in clients with a central venous catheter. This action helps maintain asepsis and reduces the risk of introducing pathogens into the catheter system. Flushing the catheter with heparin helps prevent occlusion but is not as crucial as ensuring sterile technique. Changing the dressing at the insertion site is important for assessing the site's condition but does not directly impact the administration of the antibiotic. Checking for blood return is essential to ensure proper catheter function, but sterile technique takes precedence to prevent infections.

5. On a day when the temperature is expected to drop below freezing during the night, the nurse is asked to determine which homeless adults are most in need of the limited spaces available in a shelter. It is most important for which person to be admitted at night?

• A. an adult who was hit by a car 3 weeks ago
• B. a young person with diabetes mellitus
• C. a middle-aged person who has hypertension
• D. an older person who is malnourished

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Malnourished individuals are at higher risk of severe complications from cold exposure due to their weakened immune system and decreased ability to regulate body temperature. This places them at a greater risk of hypothermia and other cold-related conditions, making them the most vulnerable group in need of shelter. Choice A is not the most critical as the injury is from 3 weeks ago and should have received appropriate medical care by now. Choice B, a young person with diabetes mellitus, while vulnerable, can manage their condition with proper medication and care. Choice C, a middle-aged person with hypertension, may need monitoring but is less susceptible to immediate harm from cold exposure compared to a malnourished individual.

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