Nursing Elites

1. A nurse collaborates with a respiratory therapist to complete pulmonary function tests (PFTs) for a client. Which statements should the nurse include in communications with the respiratory therapist prior to the tests? (SATA)

• A. I held the client's morning bronchodilator medication.
• B. The client is ready to go down to radiology for this examination.
• C. Physical therapy states the client can run on a treadmill.
• D. I advised the client not to smoke for 6 hours prior to the test.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To ensure the PFTs are accurate, the therapist needs to know that no bronchodilators have been administered in the past 4 to 6 hours, the client did not smoke within 6 to 8 hours prior to the test and the client can follow basic commands, including different breathing maneuvers. The respiratory therapist can perform PFTs at the bedside. A treadmill is not used for this test.

2. During a home visit to an older client living alone post-coronary artery bypass graft, what finding prompts the nurse to consider additional referrals?

• A. Dirty carpets requiring vacuuming
• B. Expired food found in the refrigerator
• C. Outdated medications stored in the kitchen
• D. Presence of multiple cats in the home

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The presence of expired food in the refrigerator is concerning as it raises safety issues for the client and indicates potential financial constraints preventing them from buying fresh food. The nurse should consider referring the client to services like Meals on Wheels or other home-based food programs to address this issue and ensure the client's nutritional needs are met.

3. A client with Parkinson's disease is prescribed carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet). What should the nurse include in the teaching about this medication?

• A. Take the medication without a high-protein meal.
• B. Expect the medication to take several weeks to reach full effectiveness.
• C. The medication may cause urine to turn light.
• D. You may experience a rapid heartbeat as a common side effect.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Patients prescribed carbidopa-levodopa should be informed that it may take several weeks for the medication to reach its full therapeutic effectiveness in managing Parkinson's disease symptoms. This delayed onset of action is important for patients to be aware of to prevent premature discontinuation of the medication due to perceived lack of efficacy.

4. A post-anesthesia care unit nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a thoracotomy and lobectomy. Which of the following postoperative assessments should the nurse give the highest priority to?

• A. Arterial blood gases
• B. Urinary output
• C. Chest tube drainage
• D. Pain level

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Arterial blood gases are crucial to assess postoperatively in a client who has undergone thoracotomy and lobectomy to monitor oxygenation and ventilation status. Changes in arterial blood gases can indicate respiratory complications or inadequate gas exchange, which are critical issues that need prompt intervention to prevent further complications. While urinary output, chest tube drainage, and pain level are important assessments, monitoring arterial blood gases takes precedence in this specific postoperative scenario to ensure optimal respiratory function and overall patient well-being.

5. A client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is receiving heparin therapy. What is the priority assessment for the nurse?

• A. Monitoring blood pressure
• B. Checking the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
• C. Assessing for signs of bleeding
• D. Measuring calf circumference

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Assessing for signs of bleeding is the priority when caring for a client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) receiving heparin therapy. Heparin therapy increases the risk of bleeding complications, so monitoring for signs of bleeding is crucial to ensure patient safety and timely intervention if needed.

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