Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client who has COPD. The nurse should expect the client's chest to be which of the following shapes?

• A. Pigeon
• B. Funnel
• C. Kyphotic
• D. Barrel

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When assessing a client with COPD, the nurse should expect the client's chest to be barrel-shaped. This shape is a classic characteristic of COPD due to hyperinflation of the lungs. A 'Pigeon' chest shape is associated with pectus carinatum, a deformity of the chest wall. A 'Funnel' chest shape is seen in conditions like pectus excavatum. 'Kyphotic' refers to an exaggerated outward curvature of the thoracic spine. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Barrel' as it is the expected chest shape in clients with COPD.

2. A nurse is preparing for the hospital admission of a client who is suspected to have active tuberculosis (TB). Which of the following precautions should the nurse plan to implement to safely care for this client?

• A. Staff and visitors should wear gowns, masks, and gloves while in the client's room.
• B. The client should be placed in a private room with a special ventilation system.
• C. The client may be placed in a room with other clients who require droplet isolation precautions.
• D. The protocol for donning and removing personal protective equipment before entering or leaving the room of a client with TB is different than for clients who are in other types of isolation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When caring for a client suspected of having active tuberculosis (TB), it is essential to place the client in a private room with a special ventilation system to prevent the spread of TB bacteria to others. Choice A is incorrect because staff and visitors should wear respiratory protection, not just gowns, masks, and gloves. Choice C is incorrect as clients with TB should not be placed in a room with other clients, as they need to be isolated to prevent transmission. Choice D is incorrect because the protocol for donning and removing personal protective equipment for clients with TB is similar to other types of isolation, focusing on proper infection control measures.

3. When caring for a client with COPD, which intervention should the nurse include in the care plan?

• A. Restrict the client's fluid intake to less than 2 L/day.
• B. Encourage the client to use the upper chest for respiration.
• C. Have the client use the early-morning hours for exercise and activity.
• D. Instruct the client to use pursed-lip breathing.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to use pursed-lip breathing. This technique helps improve breathing efficiency by keeping the airways open during exhalation and reducing air trapping. Restricting fluid intake to less than 2 L/day is not appropriate for a client with COPD, as they need adequate hydration. Using the upper chest for respiration is incorrect as it promotes shallow breathing, which is not ideal for COPD patients. While exercise is beneficial, early-morning hours may not be the best time for clients with COPD due to increased respiratory distress in the morning.

4. A nurse in a community health center is assessing the results of the purified protein derivative (PPD) testing she performed to screen for tuberculosis (TB). She interprets which of the following results as positive for a 6-year-old client with no risk factors for TB?

• A. 4-mm erythema
• B. 5-mm induration
• C. 10-mm wheal
• D. 15-mm induration

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 15-mm induration. In PPD testing, an induration (hardened raised area) of 15 mm or more is considered positive for TB in individuals with no risk factors. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because an erythema of 4 mm, induration of 5 mm, or wheal of 10 mm are not indicative of a positive TB test result in a low-risk individual. Therefore, the interpretation of a 15-mm induration would lead the nurse to consider the test positive for TB in this case.

5. A client hospitalized with deep vein thrombosis has been on IV heparin for 5 days. The provider prescribes oral warfarin (Coumadin) without discontinuing the heparin. The client asks the nurse why both anticoagulants are necessary. Which of the following is an appropriate nursing response?

• A. The Coumadin takes several days to work, so the IV heparin will be used until the Coumadin reaches a therapeutic level.
• B. I will call the provider to get a prescription for discontinuing the IV heparin today
• C. Both heparin and Coumadin work together to dissolve the clots.
• D. The IV heparin increases the effects of the Coumadin and decreases the length of your hospital stay.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is, 'The Coumadin takes several days to work, so the IV heparin will be used until the Coumadin reaches a therapeutic level.' Warfarin (Coumadin) is an oral anticoagulant that takes time to reach its full effect, typically a few days. In the meantime, IV heparin is used to provide immediate anticoagulation until the Coumadin levels become therapeutic. Option B is incorrect because discontinuing the IV heparin abruptly without reaching a therapeutic level with Coumadin can increase the risk of clot formation. Option C is incorrect because heparin and Coumadin do not work together to dissolve clots; they both have anticoagulant effects but work differently. Option D is incorrect because IV heparin does not directly increase the effects of Coumadin; they have different mechanisms of action.

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