Nursing Elites

1. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) appears thin and disheveled. Which question should the nurse ask first?

• A. Do you have a strong support system?
• B. What do you understand about your disease?
• C. Do you experience shortness of breath with basic activities?
• D. What medications are you prescribed to take each day?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In clients with severe COPD, shortness of breath can significantly impact their ability to perform basic activities like bathing and eating. Therefore, the nurse's priority should be to assess if shortness of breath is interfering with the client's basic activities, which can provide crucial information for planning and managing care.

2. When caring for a client with pneumonia, what intervention is most effective in preventing the spread of infection?

• A. Administer prescribed antibiotics on time.
• B. Encourage the client to use a tissue when coughing.
• C. Place the client in a private room.
• D. Perform hand hygiene before and after client contact.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most effective intervention to prevent the spread of infection when caring for a client with pneumonia is performing hand hygiene before and after client contact. This practice helps reduce the transmission of pathogens from one person to another, promoting infection control and maintaining a safe environment for both the client and healthcare provider.

3. During an admission assessment of a client with COPD and emphysema complaining of a frequent productive cough and shortness of breath, what assessment finding should the nurse anticipate?

• A. Respiratory alkalosis
• B. Increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest
• C. Oxygen saturation level 96%
• D. Petechiae on chest

Correct answer: B

Rationale: COPD and emphysema are chronic respiratory conditions that can lead to changes in the shape of the chest. In clients with COPD, the anteroposterior diameter of the chest often increases, giving a barrel chest appearance. This change in chest shape is due to hyperinflation of the lungs and is a common physical finding in clients with COPD and emphysema. The other options are not typically associated with COPD and emphysema. Respiratory alkalosis is not a common finding in these clients. An oxygen saturation level of 96% is within the normal range and does not specifically relate to COPD. Petechiae on the chest are not typically associated with COPD or emphysema.

4. A client with emphysema is being cared for by a nurse. Which of the following findings should the nurse not expect to assess in this client?

• A. Dyspnea
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Barrel chest
• D. Clubbing of the fingers

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Emphysema is a chronic lung condition characterized by shortness of breath (dyspnea), a barrel-shaped chest due to hyperinflation of the lungs (barrel chest), and clubbing of the fingers (enlargement of fingertips). Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not typically associated with emphysema. In emphysema, the primary focus is on respiratory complications rather than cardiac issues.

5. A client had a total hip arthroplasty. Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse verify with the provider?

• A. Administer enoxaparin 30 mg subcutaneously every 12 hr
• B. Place a wedge or pillow between the client's legs when turning.
• C. Instruct the client to restrict flexion of the hip past 120°.
• D. Encourage the client to perform foot and calf exercises every 2 hr

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Following a total hip arthroplasty, the client should be instructed to restrict hip flexion past 90 degrees to prevent dislocation of the prosthesis. Restricting flexion past 120 degrees is excessive and could lead to complications. Therefore, the nurse should verify this prescription with the provider to ensure the client's safety and proper postoperative care.

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