Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is assessing a client who has a fracture of the femur. Vital signs are obtained on admission and again in 2 hours. Which of the following changes in assessment should indicate to the healthcare professional that the client could be developing a serious complication?

• A. Increased respiratory rate from 18 to 44/min
• B. Increased oral temperature from 36.6° C (97.8° F) to 37° C (98.6° F)
• C. Increased blood pressure from 112/68 to 120/72 mm Hg
• D. Increased heart rate from 68 to 72/min

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An increased respiratory rate from 18 to 44/min is a significant change that should alert the healthcare professional to a potential serious complication. Such a drastic increase in respiratory rate may indicate respiratory distress or hypoxia, which are critical conditions requiring immediate attention. The other options show minor changes in vital signs that are within normal limits and are less likely to indicate a serious complication.

2. A client had a bronchoscopy 2 hours ago and asks for a drink of water. Which action should the nurse take next?

• A. Call the healthcare provider to request a prescription for food and water.
• B. Provide the client with ice chips instead of a drink of water.
• C. Assess the client's gag reflex before giving any food or water.
• D. Let the client have a small sip to assess swallowing ability.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: After a bronchoscopy, a topical anesthetic affects the gag reflex. Therefore, the nurse should assess the client's gag reflex before providing any food or water to ensure its return. This assessment is crucial to prevent aspiration or choking risk in the client.

3. A client has a tracheostomy tube in place. When the nurse suctions the client, food particles are noted. What action by the nurse is best?

• A. Elevate the head of the client's bed.
• B. Measure and compare cuff pressures.
• C. Place the client on NPO status.
• D. Request a swallow study for the client.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When food particles are noted during suctioning of a client with a tracheostomy tube, it can indicate tracheomalacia due to constant pressure from the tracheostomy cuff. This condition may lead to dilation of the tracheal passage. To address this issue, the nurse should measure and compare cuff pressures. By monitoring these pressures and comparing them to previous readings, the nurse can identify trends and potential complications. Elevating the head of the bed, placing the client on NPO status, and requesting a swallow study will not directly address the cuff pressure issue causing food particles in the secretions.

4. A nurse is caring for four hospitalized clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse identify as being at risk for fluid volume deficit?

• A. The client who has been NPO since midnight for endoscopy
• B. The client who has left-sided heart failure and has a brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level of 600 pg/mL
• C. The client who has end-stage renal failure and is scheduled for dialysis today
• D. The client who has gastroenteritis and is febrile

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Gastroenteritis can lead to fluid loss through vomiting and diarrhea, especially when accompanied by fever. Fever can increase insensible water loss through sweating as well. Both vomiting and diarrhea can significantly contribute to fluid volume deficit, making the client with gastroenteritis and fever at higher risk compared to the other clients described in the options.

5. A nurse is teaching a client who is obese and has obstructive sleep apnea how to decrease the number of nightly apneic episodes. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. "It might help if I tried sleeping only on my back."
• B. "I'll sleep better if I take a sleeping pill at night."
• C. "I'll get a humidifier to run at my bedside at night."
• D. "If I could lose about 50 pounds, I might stop having so many apneic episodes."

Correct answer: D

Rationale:

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