Nursing Elites

1. A home health nurse is discussing the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning with a client. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

• A. Carbon monoxide does not have a distinct odor.
• B. Water heaters should be inspected every 5 years.
• C. The lungs are not damaged from carbon monoxide inhalation.
• D. Carbon monoxide binds with hemoglobin in the body.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Carbon monoxide binds with hemoglobin in the body.' Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas, so it does not have a distinct odor (Choice A). While regular inspection of appliances like water heaters is important for safety, it is not directly related to carbon monoxide poisoning (Choice B). Carbon monoxide primarily affects the cardiovascular system by binding with hemoglobin, reducing the blood's ability to carry oxygen, rather than causing direct lung damage (Choice C). Understanding how carbon monoxide binds with hemoglobin is crucial in recognizing the mechanism of poisoning and its potential consequences.

2. When evaluating care of an immobilized patient, which action will the nurse take?

• A. Focus on whether the interdisciplinary team is satisfied with the care.
• B. Compare the patient's actual outcomes with the outcomes in the care plan.
• C. Involve primarily the patient's family and health care team to determine goal achievement.
• D. Use objective data solely in determining whether interventions have been successful.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When evaluating the care of an immobilized patient, the nurse should focus on assessing outcomes and response to nursing care. By comparing the patient's actual outcomes with the outcomes identified during planning, the nurse can determine the effectiveness of the interventions implemented. This process allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the care provided. Choice A is incorrect because the satisfaction of the interdisciplinary team does not directly reflect the patient's outcomes and response to care. Choice C is incorrect as it mainly focuses on the involvement of the patient's family and healthcare team, which may not provide a holistic evaluation of the patient's care. Choice D is incorrect as relying solely on objective data may lead to overlooking important subjective aspects of the patient's response and outcomes, which are also crucial in evaluating care effectively.

3. A client who is postoperative is being taught how to use a flow-oriented incentive spirometer. Which of the following instructions should be included by the nurse?

• A. Cough deeply after each use.
• B. Take a deep breath and hold for 10 seconds.
• C. Breathe in slowly and deeply to raise the ball or piston.
• D. Exhale forcefully before using the spirometer.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct technique for using a flow-oriented incentive spirometer involves breathing in slowly and deeply to raise the ball or piston. This action helps to expand the lungs and improve lung function. Option A is incorrect as coughing deeply after each use is not part of using the spirometer. Option B is incorrect as holding the breath for 10 seconds is not the correct instruction for using the spirometer. Option D is incorrect as exhaling forcefully before using the spirometer is not the appropriate step in using this device.

4. A client has an order for 1000 ml of D5W over an 8-hour period. The nurse discovers that 800 ml has been infused after 4 hours. What is the priority nursing action?

• A. Ask the client if there are any breathing problems
• B. Have the client void as much as possible
• C. Check the vital signs
• D. Auscultate the lungs

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Auscultate the lungs. When a significant amount of fluid has been infused, especially in a short period, it is crucial to assess for signs of fluid overload or pulmonary complications, such as crackles or decreased breath sounds. This can be achieved by auscultating the lungs. Choice A, asking the client about breathing problems, may provide valuable information, but direct assessment through auscultation takes priority. Choice B, having the client void, and Choice C, checking vital signs, are important nursing actions but are not as urgent as assessing the lungs for potential complications in this scenario.

5. A nurse is preparing to administer an injection of an opioid medication to a client. The nurse draws out 1 mL of the medication from a 2 mL vial. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Ask another nurse to observe the medication wastage
• B. Notify the pharmacy when wasting the medication
• C. Lock the remaining medication in the controlled substance cabinet
• D. Dispose of the vial with the remaining medication in a sharps container

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In medication wastage situations involving controlled substances, it is crucial to have a second nurse observe and verify the disposal process. This practice ensures accountability and prevents any mishandling or diversion of the medication. Choice B is incorrect because notifying the pharmacy is not the immediate action required in this scenario. Choice C is incorrect as locking the remaining medication in the controlled substance cabinet without proper witnessing does not ensure accountability. Choice D is incorrect as disposing of the vial with the remaining medication in a sharps container does not address the need for a witness to verify the wastage of the controlled substance.

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