Nursing Elites

1. A client with a newly created ileostomy has not had ostomy output for the past 12 hours and reports worsening nausea. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Facilitate a referral to the wound-ostomy-continence (WOC) nurse
• B. Report signs and symptoms of obstruction to the health care provider
• C. Encourage the client to mobilize to enhance mobility
• D. Contact the health care provider to obtain a swab of the stoma for culture

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse's priority action in this situation is to report signs and symptoms of possible obstruction to the healthcare provider. Lack of ostomy output and worsening nausea can indicate a potential obstruction, which requires immediate attention and intervention to prevent complications.

2. What action should the nurse take to prevent tracheal tissue damage in a client with a tracheostomy?

• A. Secure the tracheostomy ties firmly.
• B. Change the tracheostomy tube daily.
• C. Use the minimal leak technique when inflating the cuff.
• D. Clean the stoma with hydrogen peroxide.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To prevent tracheal tissue damage in a client with a tracheostomy, the nurse should use the minimal leak technique when inflating the cuff. This method helps avoid excessive pressure on the tracheal tissue, thereby reducing the risk of damage. Choice A is incorrect because securing the tracheostomy ties too tightly can cause pressure and tissue damage. Choice B is incorrect as changing the tracheostomy tube daily is not necessary unless there is a specific clinical indication. Choice D is incorrect as cleaning the stoma with hydrogen peroxide can irritate the skin and mucous membranes, potentially leading to damage.

3. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is prescribed ipratropium. What is the primary action of this medication?

• A. Reduce inflammation
• B. Relieve bronchospasm
• C. Suppress cough
• D. Thin respiratory secretions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Ipratropium is an anticholinergic bronchodilator that primarily works to relieve bronchospasm by dilating the airways and improving airflow in patients with COPD. It does not have a significant effect on reducing inflammation, suppressing cough, or thinning respiratory secretions.

4. During a home visit, the nurse should evaluate the adequacy of a client's COPD treatment by assessing for which primary symptom?

• A. Dyspnea
• B. Tachycardia
• C. Unilateral diminished breath sounds
• D. Edema of the ankles

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Assessing for dyspnea is crucial when evaluating COPD treatment effectiveness as it is a primary symptom of the condition. Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is a common and distressing symptom in COPD patients. Monitoring the severity of dyspnea can provide valuable insights into the client's response to treatment and disease progression.

5. A patient with depression is prescribed fluoxetine. What is an important side effect for the nurse to monitor?

• A. Weight gain
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Dry mouth
• D. Suicidal thoughts

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a patient with depression is prescribed fluoxetine, the nurse should be vigilant for the potential side effect of increased risk of suicidal thoughts. Fluoxetine, like other antidepressants, may elevate the risk of suicidal thoughts, particularly during the initial phases of treatment. Monitoring the patient for any indications of heightened depression or suicidal ideation is crucial to ensure appropriate interventions are implemented promptly.

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