Nursing Elites

1. In an emergency department, a provider is assessing a client with an acute head injury following a motor-vehicle crash. Which of the following findings should be prioritized?

• A. A Glasgow Coma Scale score of 13
• B. Clear fluid leaking from the nose
• C. Nausea and vomiting
• D. Anisocoria

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority finding is the clear fluid leaking from the nose, which could indicate a cerebrospinal fluid leak and potential brain injury. This requires immediate attention to assess for possible cerebrospinal fluid leak, which is a serious complication of head trauma and needs prompt intervention to prevent further complications. While a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 13 may indicate a mild alteration in consciousness, it is not as urgent as assessing for a cerebrospinal fluid leak. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms after head injuries but do not take precedence over assessing for a potential cerebrospinal fluid leak. Anisocoria (unequal pupils) is also important to note but is not as urgent as identifying a possible cerebrospinal fluid leak in this scenario.

2. A client has a new prescription for a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). Which of the following statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will shake the inhaler before use.
• B. I will breathe out forcefully after inhaling the medication.
• C. I will take the medication with food.
• D. I will use a spacer with the inhaler.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'I will shake the inhaler before use.' Shaking the inhaler before use is crucial to ensure proper mixing of the medication inside the inhaler. This action helps to disperse the medication evenly, allowing for consistent dosing during inhalation. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Breathing out forcefully after inhaling the medication, taking the medication with food, and using a spacer with the inhaler are not related to the correct use of a metered-dose inhaler. These actions may not lead to optimal medication delivery and do not demonstrate an understanding of the proper technique for using an MDI.

3. A client is experiencing dysphagia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Provide small food pieces.
• B. Offer thickened liquids.
• C. Encourage the client to sit upright after meals.
• D. Place food on the unaffected side of the mouth.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When caring for a client with dysphagia, placing food on the unaffected side of the mouth can help them chew and swallow more effectively. This technique can assist in minimizing the risk of aspiration and improve the client's ability to manage food safely. Providing small food pieces, offering thickened liquids, and encouraging the client to sit upright after meals are also important interventions in managing dysphagia, but placing food on the unaffected side of the mouth is a specific technique that directly addresses the swallowing difficulty associated with dysphagia.

4. Which of the following statements indicates the client understands the colostomy care instructions?

• A. I will change the colostomy bag once a week.
• B. I will avoid eating high-fiber foods.
• C. I will clean around the stoma with mild soap and water.
• D. I will apply lotion to the skin around the stoma.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Cleaning around the stoma with mild soap and water is crucial for colostomy care as it helps prevent infection and skin irritation. Changing the colostomy bag frequency, dietary modifications, or applying lotion are not primary aspects of stoma care. Proper cleaning around the stoma helps maintain hygiene and prevents complications, making it a key component of caring for a colostomy.

5. A client with dysphagia and at risk for aspiration needs care planning. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan?

• A. Encourage the client to drink thickened liquids.
• B. Instruct the client to swallow with chin tucked.
• C. Provide the client with a cup with a lid.
• D. Place the client in Fowler's position for meals.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Placing the client in Fowler's position is crucial in preventing aspiration as it helps maintain an open airway and reduces the risk of food or liquid entering the lungs during swallowing. This position promotes safer swallowing and minimizes the chances of aspiration pneumonia. Choices A, B, and C are less effective interventions for preventing aspiration. Encouraging the client to drink thickened liquids may help, but the position is more critical. Instructing the client to swallow with chin tucked is beneficial for some individuals but not as effective as positioning. Providing a cup with a lid does not directly address the risk of aspiration associated with dysphagia.

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