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 client has a new prescription for oxcarbazepine. Which of the following should the nurse monitor?

• A. Liver function
• B. Serum sodium levels
• C. Blood glucose
• D. Heart rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Serum sodium levels. Oxcarbazepine can lead to hyponatremia, making it crucial to monitor serum sodium levels. Monitoring liver function (choice A) is not typically associated with oxcarbazepine use. Blood glucose (choice C) monitoring is more relevant in medications affecting blood sugar levels. Heart rate (choice D) is not directly impacted by oxcarbazepine.

3. A provider has written a do not resuscitate (DNR) order for a client who is comatose and does not have advance directives. A member of the client’s family says, 'I wonder when the doctor will tell us what’s going on.' Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Request that the provider provide more information to the family.
• B. Refer the family to a support group for grief counseling.
• C. Offer to answer questions that family members have.
• D. Ask the family what the provider has discussed with them.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first is to ask the family what the provider has discussed with them. This allows the nurse to clarify any misunderstandings and ensures that the family is fully informed before providing further information. Option A is not the best choice because it assumes the need for more information without first understanding what has already been communicated. Option B is premature as the family may not be ready for grief counseling at this stage. Option C, although a good general practice, is not the most appropriate immediate action in this situation where clarifying existing information is crucial.

4. A client has been prescribed nitroglycerin for chest pain. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Take one tablet every hour for chest pain.
• B. Store nitroglycerin tablets in a cool, dark place.
• C. Take nitroglycerin with food to reduce stomach upset.
• D. Take nitroglycerin with an antacid to prevent heartburn.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Nitroglycerin tablets should be stored in a cool, dark place to maintain their potency. Storing them correctly ensures that they remain effective when needed. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Taking one tablet every hour is not the correct dosing regimen for nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin is usually taken as needed at the onset of chest pain, with specific instructions from the healthcare provider. Taking nitroglycerin with food or antacids is not necessary, as it is usually placed under the tongue for rapid absorption.

5. A nurse is caring for a patient who has been in a motor vehicle crash and has a minor traumatic brain injury (TBI). What finding should the nurse recognize as a complication and report to the provider?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Vomiting
• C. Drainage from the ear
• D. Unequal pupils

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Unequal pupils are a sign of increased intracranial pressure or worsening brain injury, indicating a serious complication that requires immediate medical attention. Hypertension, vomiting, and drainage from the ear are not typically associated with minor traumatic brain injury complications; therefore, they are not the priority findings to report to the provider.

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