Nursing Elites

1. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen therapy. Which assessment finding requires the nurse to take immediate action?

• A. Oxygen saturation of 90%
• B. Respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute
• C. Client reports shortness of breath
• D. Client's respiratory rate decreases to 10 breaths per minute

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A decrease in the client's respiratory rate to 10 breaths per minute, while receiving oxygen therapy for COPD, is a concerning finding that may indicate carbon dioxide retention and respiratory depression. This situation requires immediate action to prevent further complications. An oxygen saturation of 90% is within an acceptable range for COPD patients on oxygen therapy. A respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute and reports of shortness of breath are common in clients with COPD and may not necessitate immediate action unless accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

2. When caring for a client with acute pancreatitis, what intervention is most appropriate?

• A. Encourage a high-protein diet.
• B. Administer pain medication as needed.
• C. Provide small, frequent meals.
• D. Increase oral fluid intake.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering pain medication as needed is the most appropriate intervention for a client with acute pancreatitis. Pain management is crucial as pancreatitis can cause severe and debilitating pain. Providing pain relief is essential to improve the client's comfort and well-being.

3. A client is 1-day postoperative following a left lower lobectomy and has a chest tube in place. When assessing the client's three-chamber drainage system, the nurse notes that there is no bubbling in the suction control chamber. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Continue to monitor the client as this is an expected finding.
• B. Add more water to the suction control chamber of the drainage system.
• C. Verify that the suction regulator is on and check the tubing for leaks.
• D. Milk the chest tube and dislodge any clots in the tubing that are occluding it.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a three-chamber chest drainage system, the absence of bubbling in the suction control chamber indicates that no suction is being applied to the chest tube. The nurse should first verify that the suction regulator is on and check the tubing for any leaks that may be causing the lack of suction. Adding more water to the chamber or milking the chest tube are inappropriate actions and could potentially harm the client. Monitoring the client without taking action could lead to complications if the chest tube is not functioning properly.

4. A client is scheduled to have a tracheostomy placed in an hour. What action by the nurse is the priority?

• A. Administer prescribed anxiolytic medication.
• B. Ensure informed consent is on the chart.
• C. Reinforce any teaching done previously.
• D. Start the preoperative antibiotic infusion.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority action for the nurse is to ensure that informed consent is on the chart. Before any surgical procedure, it is essential to have the client's informed consent documented. While administering anxiolytics, starting antibiotic infusion, and reinforcing teaching may also be necessary, obtaining informed consent takes precedence to ensure the client's understanding and agreement to proceed with the tracheostomy.

5. A client is moving to a new state and needs to find a new doctor and hospital there. What advice by the nurse is best?

• A. Ask the hospitals there about standard nurse-client ratios.
• B. Choose the hospital that has the newest technology.
• C. Find a hospital that is accredited by The Joint Commission.
• D. Use a facility affiliated with a medical or nursing school.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choosing a hospital accredited by The Joint Commission (TJC) or another accrediting body is the best advice as it ensures a focus on safety and quality standards.

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