Nursing Elites

1. A client with myasthenia gravis is receiving pyridostigmine (Mestinon). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following side effects?

• A. Constipation
• B. Hypertension
• C. Muscle weakness
• D. Bradycardia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Bradycardia. Pyridostigmine, a cholinesterase inhibitor used in myasthenia gravis, can lead to bradycardia as a side effect. Choice A, constipation, is not a common side effect of pyridostigmine. Choice B, hypertension, is unlikely as pyridostigmine is more likely to cause hypotension. Choice C, muscle weakness, is actually a symptom of myasthenia gravis itself and not a side effect of pyridostigmine.

2. Which of the following patients should the home care nurse assess first?

• A. A 65-year-old male with known COPD and difficulty breathing after climbing a flight of stairs.
• B. A 78-year-old with CHF who has gained 4 lbs according to her tele-monitoring.
• C. A 50-year-old with bilateral leg swelling and difficulty walking.
• D. A 60-year-old with lower back pain.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A patient with known COPD and difficulty breathing after physical exertion like climbing stairs requires immediate assessment by the nurse. This could indicate a potential exacerbation of COPD, which needs prompt intervention to prevent respiratory distress. Choices B, C, and D describe important patient situations that also require attention, but the urgency is higher with a COPD patient experiencing difficulty breathing.

3. The nurse is assessing a newborn the day after birth. A high-pitched cry, irritability, and lack of interest in feeding are noted. The mother signed her own discharge against medical advice. What intervention is appropriate nursing care?

• A. Reduce the environmental stimuli
• B. Offer formula every 2 hours
• C. Talk to the newborn while feeding
• D. Rock the baby frequently

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct intervention is to reduce the environmental stimuli. In this scenario, the newborn is displaying signs of overstimulation and distress, which can be exacerbated by environmental factors. Offering formula every 2 hours (Choice B) may not address the underlying issue of overstimulation. Talking to the newborn while feeding (Choice C) and rocking the baby frequently (Choice D) may further stimulate the newborn, which is not appropriate in this case.

4. The nurse is caring for a client on mechanical ventilation. When performing endotracheal suctioning, the nurse will avoid hypoxia by

• A. Inserting a fenestrated catheter with a whistle tip without suction
• B. Completing the suction pass in 30 seconds with a pressure of 150 mm Hg
• C. Hyperoxygenating with 100% O2 for 1 to 2 minutes before and after each suction pass
• D. Minimizing the suction pass to 60 seconds while slowly rotating the lubricated catheter

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hyperoxygenating the client before and after suctioning helps prevent hypoxia by ensuring adequate oxygen levels during the procedure, which briefly interrupts the client's normal breathing pattern. Choice A is incorrect because inserting a fenestrated catheter with a whistle tip without suction would not prevent hypoxia. Choice B is incorrect as completing the suction pass in 30 seconds with a pressure of 150 mm Hg may lead to hypoxia. Choice D is incorrect as minimizing the suction pass to 60 seconds may not provide enough time for effective suctioning and could lead to hypoxia.

5. A school nurse is assessing a child who has frequent absences from school due to asthma. Which of the following is the priority nursing action?

• A. Teaching the child how to use an inhaler
• B. Assessing the child's asthma management plan
• C. Discussing the importance of school attendance with the parents
• D. Referring the child to a pulmonologist

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the child's asthma management plan. This is the priority action as it allows the nurse to evaluate the current treatment regimen, identify any gaps or areas for improvement, and ensure that the plan is being effectively implemented. Teaching the child how to use an inhaler (Choice A) may be important but should come after assessing the management plan. Discussing the importance of school attendance with the parents (Choice C) is secondary to ensuring proper asthma management. Referring the child to a pulmonologist (Choice D) may be necessary but is not the priority at this stage; first, the nurse needs to evaluate the current plan in place.

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