Nursing Elites

1. A male client with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia has a CD4+ T cell count of 200 cells/microliter. The client asks the nurse why he keeps getting these massive infections. Which pathophysiologic mechanism should the nurse describe in response to the client's question?

• A. Bone marrow suppression of white blood cells causes insufficient cells to phagocytize organisms.
• B. Exposure to multiple environmental infectious agents overburdens the immune system until it fails.
• C. The humoral immune response lacks B cells that form antibodies and opportunistic infections result.
• D. Inadequate numbers of T lymphocytes are available to initiate cellular immunity and macrophages.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: With a CD4+ T cell count of 200 cells/microliter, the client's immune system is severely compromised, leading to opportunistic infections.

2. The nurse is preparing a client for surgery who was admitted to the emergency center following a motor vehicle collision. The client has an open fracture of the femur and is bleeding moderately from the bone protrusion site.

• A. Ensure the client is NPO and document the last meal.
• B. Administer pain medication as prescribed.
• C. Apply a sterile dressing to the wound site.
• D. Notify the healthcare provider of the client’s medication history.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the priority action is to notify the healthcare provider of the client's medication history. This is important because understanding the client’s medication history, especially if they are taking anticoagulants or other medications that could affect bleeding and surgery, is crucial in ensuring safe management of the client's condition. Option A, ensuring the client is NPO and documenting the last meal, is important but not the priority in this situation. Administering pain medication (Option B) should only be done after ensuring the client's safety and stability. Applying a sterile dressing (Option C) is also important but not as critical as informing the healthcare provider of the medication history.

3. The client with chronic venous insufficiency is being taught about self-care measures. Which instruction should be included?

• A. Avoid wearing compression stockings
• B. Elevate legs above heart level when resting
• C. Apply heat packs to improve circulation
• D. Limit walking to prevent leg pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client with chronic venous insufficiency is to elevate their legs above heart level when resting. This position helps reduce venous pressure and edema, improving circulation. Avoiding compression stockings (choice A) is incorrect as they are beneficial in managing chronic venous insufficiency. Applying heat packs (choice C) is not recommended as heat can worsen edema. Limiting walking (choice D) is not advisable as regular, gentle exercise like walking can actually help improve circulation in patients with chronic venous insufficiency.

4. When performing postural drainage on a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which approach should the nurse use?

• A. Obtain arterial blood gases (ABGs) before the procedure.
• B. Explain that the client may be positioned in five different ways.
• C. Assist the patient into a position that will allow gravity to move secretions.
• D. Encourage the client to practice deep breathing throughout the procedure.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct approach when performing postural drainage on a client with COPD is to assist the patient into a position that allows gravity to help move secretions. This position helps drain secretions from specific segments of the lungs. Obtaining arterial blood gases (Choice A) is not directly related to postural drainage. While the client may be placed in multiple positions during postural drainage, the key is to position them to facilitate the movement of secretions, not just any five positions as mentioned in Choice B. Encouraging deep breathing (Choice D) is a good nursing intervention for overall respiratory health but is not specifically related to the technique of postural drainage.

5. Which instruction should be included in the discharge teaching plan for a client who has had a cataract extraction today?

• A. Use a metal eye shield on the operative eye during the day.
• B. Administer eye ointment after applying eye drops.
• C. Light housekeeping is safe to do, but avoid heavy lifting.
• D. Refrain from sexual activities until follow-up appointment.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction to include in the discharge teaching plan for a client who has had a cataract extraction is that light housekeeping is safe to do, but heavy lifting should be avoided to prevent increased intraocular pressure. Choice A is incorrect as the eye shield is usually worn at night to protect the eye. Choice B is incorrect as eye ointment is usually applied after eye drops to avoid washing away the ointment. Choice D is incorrect as sexual activities should be avoided until the follow-up appointment to prevent complications.

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