Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is assessing a client who is 24 hours postoperative following an open cholecystectomy. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional report to the provider?

• A. Urinary output of 100 mL in 4 hours
• B. Serosanguineous wound drainage
• C. Heart rate of 94/min
• D. WBC count of 15,000/mm³

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A WBC count of 15,000/mm³ is elevated and may indicate infection, which should be reported. High WBC count is a sign of inflammation or infection, and in a postoperative client, it can be indicative of surgical site infection or another complication. Urinary output, serosanguineous wound drainage, and a heart rate of 94/min are all within normal ranges for a client post cholecystectomy and do not raise immediate concerns for infection or complications.

2. What is the most important nursing action for a patient experiencing a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

• A. Administer anticoagulants
• B. Encourage ambulation
• C. Apply compression stockings
• D. Monitor oxygen saturation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering anticoagulants is the most crucial nursing action for a patient experiencing a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Anticoagulants help prevent further clot formation and reduce the risk of complications such as pulmonary embolism. Encouraging ambulation, applying compression stockings, and monitoring oxygen saturation are important interventions in managing DVT, but administering anticoagulants takes priority as it directly targets the clotting process and prevents clot progression.

3. How should a healthcare provider manage a patient with chronic pain?

• A. Administer analgesics
• B. Encourage physical activity
• C. Administer non-pharmacological interventions
• D. Encourage deep breathing exercises

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering prescribed analgesics is a crucial aspect of managing chronic pain effectively. Analgesics help alleviate pain symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life. While physical activity and non-pharmacological interventions can also play a role in pain management, the immediate need for relief in chronic pain often requires pharmacological intervention. Encouraging deep breathing exercises may provide some relief in certain situations, but it may not be as effective as analgesics for managing chronic pain.

4. A nurse is assessing a client who has a history of angina and reports chest pain. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Administer oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula.
• B. Obtain a 12-lead ECG.
• C. Administer nitroglycerin sublingually.
• D. Notify the provider.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to obtain a 12-lead ECG. In a client with a history of angina and reporting chest pain, the priority action is to assess for myocardial infarction, which is best done through an ECG. Administering oxygen, nitroglycerin, or notifying the provider can be important actions but obtaining an ECG takes precedence in evaluating the client's condition.

5. A client receiving morphine via patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) should have naloxone administered if their respiratory rate is below 10/min. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Monitor the client's blood pressure every 4 hours.
• B. Ask the client to rate their pain every 2 hours.
• C. Administer naloxone if the client's respiratory rate is below 10/min.
• D. Evaluate the client's use of the PCA every 4 hours.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to administer naloxone if the client's respiratory rate falls below 10/min. Naloxone is used to reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression, which is a life-threatening situation. Monitoring the client's blood pressure every 4 hours (Choice A) is not the priority in this scenario as respiratory depression requires immediate attention. Asking the client to rate their pain every 2 hours (Choice B) is important for pain management but addressing respiratory depression takes precedence. Evaluating the client's use of the PCA every 4 hours (Choice D) is a routine nursing intervention but does not directly address the urgent need to reverse respiratory depression in this case.

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