Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client who has a chest tube and notes continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Continue to monitor the client.
• B. Clamp the chest tube.
• C. Replace the drainage system.
• D. Apply a dressing over the insertion site.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when continuous bubbling is noted in the water seal chamber of a chest tube is to apply a dressing over the insertion site. Continuous bubbling indicates an air leak, and applying a dressing helps manage this issue by providing a seal. Clamping the chest tube or replacing the drainage system is not appropriate in this situation as it can lead to complications such as tension pneumothorax or inadequate drainage of the pleural space.

2. A nurse is assessing a client who is 1 day postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg
• B. Heart rate of 88/min
• C. Respiratory rate of 20/min
• D. Temperature of 37.3°C (99.1°F)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because a temperature of 37.3°C (99.1°F) is slightly elevated, indicating a possible infection or inflammatory response, which should be reported to the provider for further evaluation. Choices A, B, and C are within normal limits for a client postoperative, so they do not require immediate reporting. Elevated temperature can be a sign of infection or other complications, making it a priority for reporting and further assessment.

3. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is at 28 weeks of gestation. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Hgb 10 g/dL
• B. Platelets 300,000/mm³
• C. WBC count 12,000/mm³
• D. BUN 18 mg/dL

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hgb 10 g/dL. A hemoglobin level of 10 g/dL is below the normal range for a pregnant client, indicating possible anemia, which is crucial to report during pregnancy to prevent complications for both the mother and the baby. Platelets, WBC count, and BUN levels within the listed values are generally within normal ranges for a pregnant individual at 28 weeks of gestation. Platelets play a role in blood clotting, WBC count helps in fighting infections, and BUN measures kidney function, all of which are typically expected to be within normal limits during pregnancy.

4. A client has a new prescription for spironolactone. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take this medication with a potassium supplement.
• B. Avoid foods that contain potassium.
• C. Limit your fluid intake while taking this medication.
• D. Take this medication on an empty stomach.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, which means it helps the body retain potassium. Instructing the client to avoid foods high in potassium helps prevent hyperkalemia, a potential side effect of spironolactone. Choice A is incorrect because taking spironolactone with a potassium supplement can increase the risk of hyperkalemia. Choice C is not directly related to spironolactone use. Choice D is also incorrect as spironolactone does not need to be taken on an empty stomach.

5. A nurse is providing dietary teaching to a client who has a new diagnosis of hypertension. Which of the following foods should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?

• A. Canned soup.
• B. Lean cuts of beef.
• C. Bananas.
• D. Baked chicken.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Canned soup. Canned soups are usually high in sodium, which can increase blood pressure and should be avoided by clients with hypertension. Lean cuts of beef, bananas, and baked chicken are healthier options for individuals with hypertension as they are lower in sodium and can be included in a balanced diet to manage blood pressure levels.

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