Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional assesses a client who is experiencing an acute asthma attack. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Loud wheezing
• B. Increased respiratory rate
• C. Use of accessory muscles
• D. Silent chest

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A silent chest in a client experiencing an acute asthma attack indicates severe airway obstruction and impending respiratory failure. It is a critical finding that requires immediate intervention as it signifies a lack of airflow and ventilation. Loud wheezing, increased respiratory rate, and use of accessory muscles are common signs of an asthma attack and indicate the body's attempt to compensate. However, a silent chest suggests a dangerous lack of airflow that necessitates urgent medical attention to prevent respiratory arrest.

2. When working as a professional nurse, what is the priority for a new nurse working on an inpatient medical-surgical unit with a preceptor?

• A. Attending to holistic client needs
• B. Ensuring client safety
• C. Avoiding medication errors
• D. Providing client-focused care

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority for a nurse working on an inpatient medical-surgical unit is to ensure client safety. This is crucial as errors in hospital care can lead to preventable deaths. While attending to holistic client needs and providing client-focused care are important aspects of nursing, ensuring client safety takes precedence to prevent harm and promote positive patient outcomes.

3. During an assessment, a client with a long history of smoking and suspected laryngeal cancer will most likely report which early manifestation?

• A. Dysphagia
• B. Hoarseness
• C. Dyspnea
• D. Weight loss

Correct answer: B: Hoarseness

Rationale: In clients with laryngeal cancer, hoarseness is often one of the earliest manifestations due to vocal cord involvement. The irritation and inflammation caused by the tumor affect the vocal cords, leading to changes in voice quality. Dysphagia (choice A) typically occurs later as the tumor grows and interferes with swallowing. Dyspnea (choice C) and weight loss (choice D) may occur as the cancer progresses, but hoarseness is usually among the first signs to manifest in laryngeal cancer.

4. A nurse in the PACU is assessing a client who has an endotracheal tube (ET) in place and observes the absence of left-sided chest wall expansion upon respiration. Which of the following complications should the nurse suspect?

• A. Blockage of the ET tube by the client's tongue
• B. Passage of the ET tube into the esophagus
• C. Movement of the ET tube into the right main bronchus
• D. Infection of the vocal cords

Correct answer: C: Movement of the ET tube into the right main bronchus

Rationale: When the nurse observes the absence of left-sided chest wall expansion upon respiration, it indicates that the endotracheal tube (ET) may have migrated into the right main bronchus, leading to uneven chest expansion. This can result in inadequate ventilation to the left lung, causing respiratory compromise. The other options, such as blockage of the ET tube by the client's tongue, passage of the ET tube into the esophagus, and infection of the vocal cords, do not directly explain the observed chest wall asymmetry and respiratory distress.

5. A client is prescribed nicotine replacement therapy. Which statement should the nurse include in this client's teaching?

• A. Smoking while taking this medication will increase your risk of a stroke.
• B. Make a list of reasons why smoking is a bad habit.
• C. Stopping this medication suddenly increases your risk for a heart attack.
• D. Rise slowly when getting out of bed in the morning.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a client is prescribed nicotine replacement therapy, it is crucial to emphasize that smoking while using this therapy can increase the risk of a stroke. Smoking while on nicotine replacement therapy can lead to excessive nicotine levels in the body, elevating cardiovascular risks. Therefore, the nurse should educate the client on the importance of avoiding smoking while utilizing this medication. Choices B, C, and D are not relevant to the specific teaching required for a client on nicotine replacement therapy.

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