Nursing Elites

1. A client in the emergency department is being cared for by a nurse and has abdominal trauma. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse identify as an indication of hypovolemic shock?

• A. Tachycardia
• B. Elevated blood pressure
• C. Warm, dry skin
• D. Decreased respiratory rate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Tachycardia is a hallmark sign of hypovolemic shock. When a client experiences significant blood loss, the body compensates by increasing the heart rate to maintain adequate perfusion to vital organs. Elevated blood pressure is not typically seen in hypovolemic shock; instead, hypotension is a more common finding. Warm, dry skin is characteristic of neurogenic shock, not hypovolemic shock. Decreased respiratory rate is not a typical manifestation of hypovolemic shock, as the body usually tries to increase respiratory effort to improve oxygenation in response to hypovolemia.

2. A client has a new prescription for a metered-dose inhaler. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Inhale quickly and deeply while pressing down on the inhaler.
• B. Hold your breath for 10 seconds after inhaling the medication.
• C. Exhale immediately after inhaling the medication.
• D. Shake the inhaler before each use.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for using a metered-dose inhaler is to hold your breath for 10 seconds after inhaling the medication. This allows the medication to be absorbed more effectively in the lungs. Inhaling quickly and deeply while pressing down on the inhaler (Choice A) may cause the medication to deposit in the mouth and throat rather than reaching the lungs. Exhaling immediately after inhaling the medication (Choice C) may also lead to medication wastage. Shaking the inhaler before each use (Choice D) is not necessary for all types of inhalers and can sometimes cause improper drug delivery.

3. When applying an ice bag to a client's ankle following a sports injury, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Fill the bag two-thirds full with ice.
• B. Apply the ice bag directly to the skin with a barrier.
• C. Keep the ice bag on for more than 30 minutes at a time.
• D. Use a frozen gel pack instead of ice.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Filling the ice bag two-thirds full is the correct action as it ensures the effectiveness of the ice application while allowing some space for the ice to move and conform to the injury. Choice B is incorrect because the ice bag should be applied with a barrier like a cloth to prevent direct contact with the skin, which can lead to ice burns. Choice C is wrong as ice should typically be applied for 20 minutes at a time to avoid tissue damage. Choice D is also incorrect as ice is preferred over frozen gel packs for immediate sports injury management.

4. The patient refuses a morning bath, stating a preference for evening baths. What is the best action for the nurse to take?

• A. Defer the bath until evening and pass on the information to the next shift.
• B. Tell the patient that daily morning baths are the 'normal' routine.
• C. Explain the importance of maintaining morning hygiene practices.
• D. Cancel hygiene for the day and attempt again in the morning.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best action for the nurse is to respect the patient's preference and autonomy. By deferring the bath until evening, the nurse acknowledges and accommodates the patient's routine, promoting patient-centered care. Choice B could be seen as dismissive of the patient's preference and may not foster a therapeutic relationship. Choice C, while important, doesn't address the patient's current refusal. Choice D is not respectful of the patient's autonomy and could lead to increased resistance. Therefore, option A is the most appropriate and patient-centered approach.

5. A client expresses pain during dressing changes postoperatively. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Encourage the client to relax and take deep breaths during the dressing change.
• B. Educate the client about the importance of pain management postoperatively.
• C. Assist the client to a comfortable position for the dressing change.
• D. Administer pain medication 45 minutes before changing the client's dressing.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The priority action for the nurse is to address the client's immediate physiological need for comfort and pain relief during the dressing change. Administering pain medication 45 minutes before the procedure can help alleviate the pain experienced by the client. Encouraging relaxation techniques (choice A) is beneficial but may not provide sufficient pain relief during the dressing change. Educating about the importance of pain management (choice B) is relevant but does not address the immediate need for pain relief. Assisting the client to a comfortable position (choice C) is helpful but does not directly address the client's pain concern during the dressing change. Administering pain medication is the most direct and effective intervention to ensure optimal client comfort and compliance with necessary procedures.

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