Nursing Elites

1. A client in the intensive care unit is receiving teaching before removal of an endotracheal tube. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Rest in a side-lying position after the tube is removed.
• B. Use the incentive spirometer every 4 hours after the tube is removed.
• C. Avoid speaking for extended periods.
• D. Vital signs will be monitored by a nurse every 15 minutes in the first hour after the tube is removed.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: It is essential to advise the client to avoid speaking for extended periods after the removal of the endotracheal tube to prevent strain on the vocal cords and allow the airway to recover. Speaking for prolonged periods can lead to irritation and potentially affect the healing process. The other options are also important post-extubation instructions, such as using the incentive spirometer to maintain lung function, positioning in a side-lying position for comfort, and frequent monitoring of vital signs to ensure the client's stability.

2. When prioritizing client care after receiving change-of-shift report, which of the following clients should the nurse plan to see first?

• A. A client who is scheduled for an abdominal x-ray and is awaiting transport
• B. A client who has a prescription for discharge
• C. A client who received oral pain medication 30 minutes ago
• D. A client who told an assistive personnel he is short of breath

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a client expresses being short of breath, it may indicate a serious condition requiring immediate attention to ensure adequate oxygenation. This client should be seen first to assess the severity of the situation and initiate appropriate interventions. The other options, such as awaiting transport for an x-ray, having a prescription for discharge, or receiving oral pain medication 30 minutes ago, do not present immediate life-threatening concerns compared to a client experiencing shortness of breath.

3. A client has a chest tube in place connected to wall suction due to a right-sided pneumothorax. The client complains of chest burning. Which of the following actions should be taken?

• A. Increase the wall suction.
• B. Strip the chest tube.
• C. Clamp the chest tube.
• D. Reposition the client.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a client with a chest tube connected to wall suction complains of chest burning, it may indicate that the tube is irritating or compressing nearby tissues. Repositioning the client can help relieve this irritation by ensuring the tube is not kinked or pulling on the tissues. Increasing suction, stripping the tube, or clamping it are not appropriate actions and could potentially worsen the situation or cause harm.

4. 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.

5. A nurse in an urgent care center is caring for a client who is having an acute asthma exacerbation. Which of the following actions is the nurse's highest priority?

• A. Initiating oxygen therapy
• B. Providing immediate rest for the client
• C. Positioning the client in high-Fowler's
• D. Administering a nebulized beta-adrenergic

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During an acute asthma exacerbation, the priority intervention is to administer a nebulized beta-adrenergic medication, such as albuterol, to help open the airways and improve breathing. This action helps address the underlying cause of the exacerbation. Oxygen therapy may be needed but is not the priority over administering the bronchodilator. Providing rest and positioning the client in high-Fowler's are important but come after administering the medication to address the immediate breathing difficulties.

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