Nursing Elites

1. A male client with heart failure becomes short of breath, anxious, and has pink frothy sputum. What is the first action the nurse should take?

• A. Consult the charge nurse about administering morphine.
• B. Administer the morphine sulfate as prescribed.
• C. Withhold the morphine until the dyspnea resolves.
• D. Review the need for the morphine prescription with the provider.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer the morphine sulfate as prescribed. In this situation, the client is experiencing symptoms of acute pulmonary edema, a complication of heart failure. Morphine is indicated as it helps reduce anxiety and respiratory distress by decreasing preload and afterload. It dilates blood vessels, reducing the workload of the heart and improving oxygenation. The priority is to administer the morphine promptly to alleviate the client's distress and improve oxygenation. Consulting the charge nurse (A) or reviewing the need for the morphine prescription with the provider (D) would cause a delay in providing essential treatment. Withholding the morphine (C) would not be appropriate as it is indicated for this condition.

2. A client in heart failure (HF) presents with weakness and poor urine output. Which assessment finding requires immediate action?

• A. Heart rate of 122 bpm and respiratory rate of 28.
• B. Yellow sputum expectorated.
• C. Temperature of 100.5°F (38.1°C).
• D. Shortness of breath on exertion.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An elevated temperature may indicate infection and should be treated immediately in a client with heart failure.

3. A client with a fractured femur is placed in skeletal traction. What action should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Ensure that the weights are freely hanging.
• B. Place pillows under the client's knees.
• C. Adjust the weights to alleviate discomfort.
• D. Ensure that the traction ropes are free of knots.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action the nurse should prioritize when a client is placed in skeletal traction for a fractured femur is to ensure that the weights are freely hanging. This is crucial to maintain proper alignment of the bone and prevent complications. Placing pillows under the client's knees (Choice B) is not a priority in skeletal traction. Adjusting the weights to alleviate discomfort (Choice C) should not be done without proper orders from the healthcare provider. Ensuring that the traction ropes are free of knots (Choice D) is important but ensuring the weights hang freely is the priority to maintain traction effectiveness.

4. During an excretory urogram, which observation made by the nurse indicates a complication?

• A. The client complains of a salty taste in the mouth when the dye is injected
• B. The client's entire body turns a bright red color
• C. The client states 'I have a feeling of getting warm.'
• D. The client gags and complains 'I am getting sick.'

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because a whole-body bright red color indicates a severe reaction to the contrast dye and must be addressed immediately. Choices A, C, and D do not indicate a severe complication during an excretory urogram. Choice A is a common side effect of the dye, choice C could be a normal sensation due to the injection, and choice D may indicate nausea which is less severe compared to a whole-body red color reaction.

5. The nurse is caring for a client post-surgery with an order to ambulate the client every 2 hours. Which of the following tasks could be safely delegated to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

• A. Assessing the client's ability to ambulate safely
• B. Documenting the client's tolerance of ambulation
• C. Assisting the client with ambulation
• D. Evaluating the client's pain level after ambulation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Assisting with ambulation is a task that can be safely delegated to a UAP as it is a supportive activity that does not require clinical judgment. Choices A, B, and D involve assessments, documentation, and evaluation, which require nursing knowledge and clinical judgment, making them tasks that should be performed by a licensed nurse.

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