Nursing Elites

1. A client with COPD and a history of emphysema presents with increasing shortness of breath. What action should the nurse implement first?

• A. Notify the healthcare provider of the client's distress.
• B. Auscultate the client's lung sounds and oxygen saturation.
• C. Determine if the client is experiencing anxiety.
• D. Assess the oxygen delivery system.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to implement first is to auscultate the client's lung sounds and oxygen saturation. This helps in assessing the respiratory status of the client, which is crucial in managing COPD and emphysema exacerbations. Checking for any abnormalities in lung sounds and monitoring oxygen saturation levels can provide important information for immediate intervention. Option A is not the first action to take in this situation as directly assessing the client's respiratory status is more immediate. Option C, determining if the client is experiencing anxiety, is important but should come after assessing the physical respiratory status. Option D, assessing the oxygen delivery system, is also essential but should follow the direct assessment of the client's respiratory status.

2. A client with hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine. What assessment finding suggests the medication is effective?

• A. Improved tolerance to cold.
• B. Decreased fatigue and improved energy levels.
• C. Reduced anxiety and improved mood.
• D. Increased sensitivity to heat.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decreased fatigue and improved energy levels. Levothyroxine is a medication used to treat hypothyroidism by providing the body with the thyroid hormone it lacks. Therefore, a positive response to the medication would manifest as decreased fatigue and improved energy levels due to the correction of the thyroid hormone imbalance. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because improved tolerance to cold, reduced anxiety, and increased sensitivity to heat are not direct indicators of the effectiveness of levothyroxine in managing hypothyroidism.

3. The nurse is caring for a client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) who is receiving anticoagulant therapy. Which intervention should the nurse implement to prevent complications?

• A. Elevate the affected leg
• B. Encourage early ambulation
• C. Perform frequent range-of-motion exercises
• D. Apply ice packs to the affected leg

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Elevating the affected leg is crucial in managing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) as it helps to reduce swelling and improve venous return. This intervention is essential for preventing complications such as pulmonary embolism. Encouraging early ambulation is generally beneficial for preventing DVT but is secondary to leg elevation. Performing range-of-motion exercises can be helpful for maintaining joint mobility but is not the priority intervention in this case. Applying ice packs to the affected leg is not recommended in DVT management as it can cause vasoconstriction and potentially worsen the condition.

4. The charge nurse is planning assignments on a medical unit. Which client should be assigned to the PN?

• A. Test a stool specimen for occult blood
• B. Assist with the ambulation of a client with a chest tube
• C. Irrigate and redress a leg wound
• D. Admit a client from the emergency room

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Irrigating and redressing a leg wound is a common task within the PN's scope of practice, making this assignment appropriate. Tasks like testing stool specimens for occult blood and assisting with ambulation of a client with a chest tube may require a higher level of training and assessment, typically performed by RNs. Admitting a client from the emergency room involves a comprehensive assessment and decision-making process, which is usually within the RN's responsibility.

5. A client with lupus erythematosus is prescribed prednisone. What teaching should the nurse include?

• A. Take the medication with food to prevent stomach upset.
• B. Avoid crowded places to reduce the risk of infection.
• C. Take the medication in the morning to prevent insomnia.
• D. Take extra calcium supplements to prevent osteoporosis.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct teaching for a client with lupus erythematosus prescribed prednisone is to avoid crowded places to reduce the risk of infection. Prednisone suppresses the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections. Taking the medication with food may help reduce stomach upset but is not the priority teaching. Taking prednisone in the morning may help reduce insomnia, but infection prevention is more critical. While prednisone can lead to osteoporosis, advising extra calcium supplements is not the most immediate concern when starting the medication.

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