Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client who has a chest tube following a thoracotomy. Which of the following findings requires intervention by the nurse?

• A. Tidaling with spontaneous respirations
• B. Drainage collection chamber is 1/3 full
• C. 1 cm of water present in the water seal chamber
• D. Suction chamber pressure of -20 cm H2O

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. There should be 2 cm of water in the water seal chamber of the chest tube system. A level of 1 cm may indicate a leak or compromised functionality that requires intervention. Choices A, B, and D are not findings that necessarily require immediate intervention. Tidaling with spontaneous respirations is an expected finding, the drainage collection chamber being 1/3 full is within normal limits, and a suction chamber pressure of -20 cm H2O indicates appropriate suction for chest drainage.

2. A healthcare professional is assessing a client who is experiencing a thyroid storm. Which of the following is an expected finding?

• A. Hypothermia
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Hypertension
• D. Lethargy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a thyroid storm, which is a severe complication of hyperthyroidism, hypertension is an expected finding. Other common manifestations include tachycardia, hyperthermia, and agitation. Hypothermia (choice A) is not expected in a thyroid storm as the body temperature is usually elevated due to increased metabolic rate. Bradycardia (choice B) is not typical in a thyroid storm; instead, tachycardia is more common. Lethargy (choice D) is not a typical finding in a thyroid storm, as clients are usually agitated due to excess thyroid hormone levels.

3. A client with rheumatoid arthritis is taking prednisone. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an adverse effect of this medication?

• A. Weight loss
• B. Hypoglycemia
• C. Hypertension
• D. Hyperkalemia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hypertension. Prednisone, a corticosteroid, can lead to hypertension as an adverse effect. Prednisone can cause sodium and water retention, leading to increased blood pressure. Options A, B, and D are incorrect. Weight loss is not typically associated with prednisone use; instead, weight gain is more common. Hypoglycemia is not a common adverse effect of prednisone; in fact, it can elevate blood sugar levels. Hyperkalemia is also not a typical adverse effect of prednisone; instead, it can cause hypokalemia, or low potassium levels.

4. A client is experiencing suicidal thoughts and states, 'Why not end my misery?' What is the best response by the nurse?

• A. Why do you think your life isn’t worth living anymore?
• B. Do you have a plan to end your life?
• C. I need to understand what you mean by misery.
• D. You can trust me to share your thoughts.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Do you have a plan to end your life?' When a client expresses suicidal thoughts, it is crucial to assess the immediate risk. Inquiring about a specific plan can help determine the seriousness of the situation. Choice A is less direct and may not provide a clear indication of the immediate risk. Choice C focuses on the interpretation of 'misery' rather than assessing the risk of suicide. Choice D offers support but does not address the critical assessment of the client's immediate safety.

5. A nurse is sitting with the partner of a client who recently died. Which action should the nurse take to facilitate mourning?

• A. Offer advice on coping strategies
• B. Encourage the partner to ask for help when needed
• C. Discuss the importance of grieving alone
• D. Suggest the partner avoid talking about the loss

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Encouraging the partner to ask for help when needed is the most appropriate action for the nurse to facilitate mourning. Grieving is a challenging process, and individuals may require support from others to cope effectively. Offering advice on coping strategies, discussing the importance of grieving alone, or suggesting avoiding talking about the loss could hinder the partner's mourning process by isolating them or suppressing their feelings.

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