Nursing Elites

1. A nurse administers albuterol to a child with asthma. For what common side effect should the nurse monitor the child?

• A. Flushing
• B. Dyspnea
• C. Tachycardia
• D. Hypotension

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Tachycardia. Albuterol, a bronchodilator used to treat asthma, commonly causes tachycardia as a side effect. This occurs due to the medication's stimulatory effect on beta-2 adrenergic receptors. Flushing (Choice A) is not a common side effect of albuterol. Dyspnea (Choice B) refers to difficulty breathing, which is a symptom albuterol aims to alleviate. Hypotension (Choice D) is not typically associated with albuterol use; instead, albuterol can lead to an increase in blood pressure.

2. A client is transferred from the emergency department to the locked psychiatric unit after attempting suicide by taking 200 acetaminophen (Tylenol) tablets. The client is now awake and alert but refuses to speak with the nurse. In this situation, the nurse’s first priority is to:

• A. Establish a rapport to foster trust
• B. Place the client in full restraints
• C. Try to communicate with the client in writing
• D. Ensure safety by initiating suicide precautions

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse's highest priority should be to ensure the client's safety by initiating suicide precautions. Given the history of a suicide attempt by taking a large number of acetaminophen tablets, there is a high risk of further self-harm. Placing the client in full restraints without assessing the situation properly may escalate anxiety and hinder therapeutic communication. Trying to communicate with the client in writing could be an option but ensuring immediate safety takes precedence. Establishing rapport is essential for building trust and therapeutic relationship, but safety concerns must be addressed first in this critical situation.

3. The nurse is preparing a postoperative nursing care plan for the client recovering from a hemorrhoidectomy. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Establish a rapport with the client to decrease embarrassment during site assessment
• B. Encourage the client to lie in the lithotomy position twice a day
• C. Milk the tube inserted during surgery to facilitate the passage of flatus
• D. Digitally dilate the rectal sphincter to express old blood

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Establishing rapport with the client is crucial in postoperative care to create a trusting relationship, reduce embarrassment, and enhance comfort during assessments. Encouraging the client to lie in the lithotomy position is not recommended after a hemorrhoidectomy as it can be uncomfortable and may disrupt wound healing. Milking the tube inserted during surgery is not a standard practice and could lead to complications. Digitally dilating the rectal sphincter is not indicated post-hemorrhoidectomy and can cause harm to the client.

4. Infection or inflammation of small sacs that protrude from the lumen of the colon is known as:

• A. Diverticulosis
• B. Diverticulitis
• C. Cholelithiasis
• D. Cholecystitis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Diverticulitis refers to the infection or inflammation of diverticula in the colon. Choice A, Diverticulosis, is the condition of having diverticula without inflammation. Choices C and D, Cholelithiasis and Cholecystitis, are related to the gallbladder and not the colon, making them incorrect in this context.

5. The nurse is caring for a client in a sickle cell crisis. Which is the pain regimen of choice to relieve the pain?

• A. Frequent aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) and a non-narcotic analgesic
• B. Motrin (ibuprofen), an NSAID, PRN
• C. Demerol (meperidine), a narcotic analgesic, every four (4) hours
• D. Morphine, a narcotic analgesic, every two (2) to three (3) hours PRN

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a sickle cell crisis, morphine is the preferred analgesic due to its potency and effectiveness in managing severe pain. Choice A is incorrect because aspirin is contraindicated in sickle cell disease due to its potential to cause a further decrease in blood flow. Choice B, Motrin (ibuprofen), is also not the ideal choice as NSAIDs can exacerbate renal complications in sickle cell patients. Choice C, Demerol (meperidine), is not recommended for sickle cell pain management due to its toxic metabolite accumulation which can cause seizures and other complications.

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