Nursing Elites

1. When assessing a client with a pneumothorax and a chest tube, which finding should the nurse notify the provider about?

• A. Movement of the trachea toward the unaffected side
• B. Bubbling of the water in the water seal chamber with exhalation
• C. Crepitus in the area above and surrounding the insertion site
• D. Eyelets not visible

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The movement of the trachea toward the unaffected side is concerning as it can indicate a tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate intervention. The trachea should be midline, so any deviation should be reported promptly to the provider for further evaluation and intervention.

2. A client has a newly inserted chest drainage system with a water seal. Which of the following actions should be taken?

• A. Clamp the tube when the client is ambulating.
• B. Keep the collection device below the level of the client's chest.
• C. Carefully coil the tubes to prevent kinking.
• D. Position the client flat to avoid leaks in the tubing.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Keeping the collection device below the level of the client's chest ensures proper drainage and prevents backflow of fluid into the patient's chest. This position allows gravity to assist in the drainage process. Clamping the tube when the client is ambulating can cause a buildup of pressure in the chest drainage system, potentially leading to complications. Carefully coiling the tubes is important to prevent obstructions and kinks that could impede the flow of drainage. Positioning the client flat may not be ideal as it could hinder proper drainage and increase the risk of leaks in the tubing.

3. A client with a pleural effusion is being assessed by a nurse. Which clinical manifestation does the nurse expect to find?

• A. Decreased breath sounds on the affected side
• B. Hyperresonance on percussion of the affected side
• C. Increased tactile fremitus on the affected side
• D. Tracheal deviation toward the affected side

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a client with pleural effusion, decreased breath sounds on the affected side are common due to the presence of fluid in the pleural space. Hyperresonance is not expected; dullness on percussion is more likely. Tactile fremitus is typically decreased, not increased, in pleural effusion cases. Tracheal deviation away from the affected side, not toward it, can be seen with large effusions.

4. A client had a total hip arthroplasty. Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse verify with the provider?

• A. Administer enoxaparin 30 mg subcutaneously every 12 hr
• B. Place a wedge or pillow between the client's legs when turning.
• C. Instruct the client to restrict flexion of the hip past 120°.
• D. Encourage the client to perform foot and calf exercises every 2 hr

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Following a total hip arthroplasty, the client should be instructed to restrict hip flexion past 90 degrees to prevent dislocation of the prosthesis. Restricting flexion past 120 degrees is excessive and could lead to complications. Therefore, the nurse should verify this prescription with the provider to ensure the client's safety and proper postoperative care.

5. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being assessed by a nurse. Which finding should the nurse expect?

• A. Increased anterior-posterior (AP) chest diameter
• B. Decreased respiratory rate
• C. Weight gain
• D. Productive cough with yellow sputum

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), clients often develop a barrel chest, characterized by an increased anterior-posterior diameter of the chest due to hyperinflation of the lungs. This change in chest shape is a common finding in COPD. Decreased respiratory rate, weight gain, and productive cough with yellow sputum are not typical findings associated with COPD.

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