Nursing Elites

1. A client is 4 hours postoperative following abdominal surgery. The client's blood pressure has dropped from 120/80 mm Hg to 90/60 mm Hg. What action should the nurse take first?

• A. Administer an IV fluid bolus.
• B. Check the surgical site for bleeding.
• C. Place the client in a Trendelenburg position.
• D. Notify the healthcare provider.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Checking the surgical site for bleeding is crucial in this situation as it helps determine if the drop in blood pressure is due to hemorrhage, a potential postoperative complication. Identifying and addressing bleeding promptly is essential to prevent further complications and stabilize the client's condition.

2. A client is being admitted to the surgical unit from the PACU following a cholecystectomy. Which of the following assessments is the nurse's priority?

• A. Bowel sounds
• B. Surgical dressing
• C. Temperature
• D. Oxygen saturation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The priority assessment for a client being admitted to the surgical unit following a cholecystectomy is oxygen saturation. Monitoring oxygen saturation is crucial to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation, especially after surgery. Hypoxia can have serious consequences and needs to be promptly addressed. While assessing bowel sounds, surgical dressing, and temperature are important, oxygen saturation takes precedence in this situation.

3. A client is going to be admitted for a scheduled surgical procedure. Which action does the nurse explain is the most important thing the client can do to protect against errors?

• A. Bring a list of all medications and their purposes.
• B. Keep the doctor's phone number close by.
• C. Ensure all providers wash their hands before entering the room.
• D. Document the name of each caregiver who enters the room.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most important action a client can take to protect against errors is to bring a list of all medications and their purposes. This helps ensure that the healthcare team has accurate information about the client's medications, reducing the risk of medication errors, which are the most common type of healthcare mistake. Knowing the medications and their purposes can also aid in preventing drug interactions and adverse effects during the surgical procedure.

4. During an assessment, a client with a long history of smoking and suspected laryngeal cancer will most likely report which early manifestation?

• A. Dysphagia
• B. Hoarseness
• C. Dyspnea
• D. Weight loss

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In clients with laryngeal cancer, hoarseness is often one of the earliest manifestations due to vocal cord involvement. The irritation and inflammation caused by the tumor affect the vocal cords, leading to changes in voice quality. Dysphagia (choice A) typically occurs later as the tumor grows and interferes with swallowing. Dyspnea (choice C) and weight loss (choice D) may occur as the cancer progresses, but hoarseness is usually among the first signs to manifest in laryngeal cancer.

5. A client is interested in smoking cessation. Which statements should the nurse include in this client's teaching? (Select ONE that does not apply)

• A. Find an activity that you enjoy and will keep your hands busy.
• B. Make a list of reasons you want to stop smoking.
• C. Identify a punishment for yourself in case you backslide.
• D. Drink at least eight glasses of water each day.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When educating a client on smoking cessation, the nurse should include several strategies. Finding an activity to keep hands busy helps distract from smoking urges. Making a list of reasons to quit smoking reinforces motivation. Identifying a consequence for backsliding can serve as a deterrent. Drinking water is beneficial for overall health but is not directly related to smoking cessation. It's crucial to support the client, encourage healthy habits, and address challenges without punitive measures.

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