Nursing Elites

1. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presented with shortness of breath. Oxygen therapy was started at 2 liters/minute via nasal cannula. The arterial blood gases (ABGs) after treatment were pH 7.36, PaO2 52, PaCO2 59, HCO3 33. Which statement describes the most likely cause of the simultaneous increase in both PaO2 and PaCO2?

• A. The client is hyperventilating due to anxiety.
• B. The hypoxic drive was reduced by the oxygen therapy.
• C. The client is experiencing respiratory alkalosis.
• D. The client is experiencing metabolic acidosis.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Oxygen therapy can reduce the hypoxic drive in COPD patients, leading to increased PaCO2 levels while improving oxygenation (PaO2). In this case, the increase in PaO2 and PaCO2 is due to the reduction of the hypoxic drive by the supplemental oxygen. Choice A is incorrect because hyperventilation would lead to decreased PaCO2. Choice C is incorrect as the ABG values do not indicate respiratory alkalosis. Choice D is incorrect as the ABG values do not support metabolic acidosis.

2. The client with osteoporosis is being taught about dietary modifications by the nurse. Which food should the nurse recommend to increase calcium intake?

• A. Broccoli
• B. Chicken breast
• C. White bread
• D. Apple

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Broccoli is the correct answer as it is a good source of calcium, which is essential for clients with osteoporosis. Broccoli is a green leafy vegetable that provides a significant amount of calcium. Chicken breast, white bread, and apple do not contain as much calcium as broccoli and therefore are not the best choices to recommend for increasing calcium intake in clients with osteoporosis.

3. Parents of a school-age child ask the nurse for suggestions in helping the child who is demonstrating school avoidance. What is an appropriate suggestion by the nurse?

• A. Take the child to the healthcare provider for testing.
• B. Be firm and insist the child go to school.
• C. Allow the child to stay home and rest.
• D. Consult with the teacher at school.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a child is demonstrating school avoidance, it is important for parents to be firm and insist that the child go to school. This helps establish a routine and prevents the behavior from becoming a pattern. Taking the child to the healthcare provider for testing (Choice A) may not be necessary at this stage as school avoidance is a behavioral issue. Allowing the child to stay home and rest (Choice C) may reinforce the avoidance behavior. While consulting with the teacher at school (Choice D) is important, the immediate focus should be on addressing the avoidance behavior at home.

4. The nurse caring for a hospitalized older client with a left hip fracture as a result of a fall at home notices different assessment findings. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?

• A. Pain rated 7/10 on the pain scale.
• B. Mild swelling at the fracture site.
• C. Small amount of bleeding from the surgical site.
• D. Left extremity capillary refill greater than 5 seconds.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A left extremity capillary refill greater than 5 seconds indicates poor blood flow to the extremity, which is a sign of compromised circulation. This finding requires immediate intervention by the nurse to prevent complications such as tissue damage or necrosis. Choices A, B, and C are important assessments but do not indicate an immediate need for intervention like the delayed capillary refill in choice D.

5. A client with cirrhosis is receiving lactulose. What is the desired effect of this medication?

• A. Decrease blood glucose levels
• B. Reduce serum ammonia levels
• C. Increase platelet count
• D. Lower serum bilirubin levels

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Reduce serum ammonia levels. Lactulose is used to reduce serum ammonia levels in clients with cirrhosis, helping to prevent hepatic encephalopathy. Lactulose works by acidifying the colon, trapping ammonia for excretion. Decreasing blood glucose levels (choice A) is not the primary effect of lactulose. Increasing platelet count (choice C) and lowering serum bilirubin levels (choice D) are not direct effects of lactulose in the management of cirrhosis.

Similar Questions