Nursing Elites

1. A client who is intubated and has an intra-aortic balloon pump is restless and agitated. What action should the nurse perform first for comfort?

• A. Allow family members to remain at the bedside.
• B. Ask the family if the client would like a fan in the room.
• C. Keep the television tuned to the client's favorite channel.
• D. Speak loudly to the client in case of hearing problems.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Allowing the family to remain at the bedside can help calm the client with familiar voices and presence, potentially reducing restlessness and agitation. Introducing a fan may not be the priority as it can spread germs through air movement. Keeping the television on all the time may not promote rest and recovery. Speaking loudly is not advisable as it may further agitate the client. Therefore, the initial action of allowing family members to stay is most likely to provide comfort and reassurance to the client.

2. When preparing a client for transfer to the ICU for placement of a pulmonary artery catheter, the nurse should explain that this catheter is used to monitor which of the following conditions?

• A. Intracranial pressure
• B. Spinal cord perfusion
• C. Renal function
• D. Hemodynamic status

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A pulmonary artery catheter is primarily used to monitor hemodynamic status. It provides essential information on cardiac output, preload, afterload, and overall cardiovascular function. This data helps healthcare providers manage the client's fluid status, cardiac function, and guide treatment interventions in critically ill patients. Monitoring intracranial pressure, spinal cord perfusion, or renal function would require different monitoring devices and techniques, not a pulmonary artery catheter.

3. A healthcare professional is interested in making interdisciplinary work a high priority. Which actions by the professional best demonstrate this skill? (Select ONE that does not apply)

• A. Consulting with other disciplines on client care
• B. Coordinating discharge planning for home safety
• C. Participating in comprehensive client rounding
• D. Sharing the care plans with other disciplines

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Interdisciplinary work in healthcare involves effective communication and collaboration between different disciplines for holistic client care. Consulting with other disciplines allows for sharing expertise, insights, and perspectives to enhance client outcomes. Participating in comprehensive client rounding involves a team-based approach to discuss and plan client care collectively. Sharing nursing care plans with other disciplines ensures that all team members are informed and can contribute to the client's overall well-being. Coordinating discharge planning is important but may not directly demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration as the other actions do.

4. A client is being treated for inhalational anthrax following bioterrorism exposure. Which of the following medications should NOT be expected as a common treatment for anthrax?

• A. Ciprofloxacin
• B. Doxycycline
• C. Amoxicillin
• D. Penicillin G

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Penicillin G is NOT commonly used to treat anthrax. Anthrax is typically treated with antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and doxycycline due to penicillin's limited efficacy against anthrax bacteria. Amoxicillin is also not a preferred choice for anthrax treatment. Therefore, penicillin G would not be expected as a primary medication for anthrax treatment following bioterrorism exposure.

5. A client is experiencing an acute exacerbation of asthma. Which medication should the nurse administer first?

• A. Albuterol (Proventil)
• B. Ipratropium (Atrovent)
• C. Salmeterol (Serevent)
• D. Fluticasone (Flovent)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During an acute exacerbation of asthma, the priority is to administer a short-acting beta2-agonist like Albuterol (Proventil) first. Albuterol acts quickly to dilate the airways and provide immediate relief of bronchospasm. Ipratropium (Atrovent) is an anticholinergic that can be used as an adjunct therapy. Salmeterol (Serevent) is a long-acting beta2-agonist intended for maintenance therapy, not for acute exacerbations. Fluticasone (Flovent) is a corticosteroid used for long-term asthma control and should not be the initial medication given during an acute exacerbation.

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