Nursing Elites

1. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being assessed by a nurse. Which finding indicates the condition is worsening?

• A. Increased shortness of breath
• B. Decreased wheezing
• C. Productive cough with green sputum
• D. Slight increase in fatigue

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased shortness of breath. In COPD, worsening symptoms often include increased shortness of breath due to impaired lung function. This indicates a decline in respiratory status and the need for prompt intervention. Choice B, decreased wheezing, is not indicative of worsening COPD as it could suggest better airflow. Choice C, productive cough with green sputum, may indicate an infection but not necessarily worsening COPD. Choice D, a slight increase in fatigue, is non-specific and may not directly correlate with the worsening of COPD.

2. The nurse is assessing the patient for respiratory complications of immobility. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Auscultate the entire lung region to assess lung sounds.
• B. Assess the patient at least every 4 hours.
• C. Focus auscultation on the upper lung fields.
• D. Inspect chest wall movements primarily during the expiratory cycle.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Auscultating the entire lung region is the most appropriate action when assessing a patient for respiratory complications related to immobility. This approach helps the nurse identify any abnormalities in lung sounds, such as diminished breath sounds or the presence of secretions. Assessing the patient at regular intervals (choice B) is important but does not specifically address the respiratory assessment needed in this situation. Focusing auscultation on the upper lung fields (choice C) may miss potential issues in other areas. Inspecting chest wall movements primarily during the expiratory cycle (choice D) is not the most effective way to assess lung sounds and identify respiratory complications.

3. A healthcare provider is providing a report to a colleague about a client who weighs 210 lb and has a prescription for one-third weight bearing on the right leg. How many kg of weight should the client bear on the right leg?

• A. 32 kg
• B. 35 kg
• C. 40 kg
• D. 45 kg

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To calculate the weight-bearing limit, we first need to convert 210 lbs to kg. To do this, we use the conversion factor 1 lb = 0.453592 kg. So, 210 lbs is equal to 210 * 0.453592 = 95.254 kg. One-third of 95.254 kg is 31.7513 kg, which can be rounded to 32 kg. Therefore, the client should bear 32 kg of weight on the right leg. Choice A is the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the accurate calculation based on the client's weight and the prescribed weight-bearing limit.

4. An occupational health nurse in a factory is planning interventions to reduce environmental stressors for employees. Which of the following interventions should the nurse use to affect physical agents in the environment?

• A. Teach workers to choose personal strategies to cope with work stress
• B. Limit the amount of time workers spend in temperatures over 43.3°C (110°F)
• C. Provide ear plugs for use at workstations throughout the factory
• D. Obtain dosimeters for employees to wear when using new machinery that emits radiation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Limiting exposure to extreme temperatures is important to protect workers from heat-related illnesses.

5. How should the nurse manage the client's pain if a client with a history of substance abuse is requesting pain medication?

• A. Administer the medication as requested
• B. Assess the patient's pain level first
• C. Administer a placebo to the client
• D. Refuse to give any medication to the client

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client with a history of substance abuse requests pain medication, the nurse should first assess the patient's pain level. It is important to determine the nature and intensity of the pain before administering any medication to ensure appropriate pain management. Administering medication without assessing the pain level can lead to unnecessary drug administration or inadequate pain relief. Administering a placebo would be unethical and ineffective. Refusing to give any medication without proper assessment can compromise the client's comfort and recovery. Therefore, the correct approach is to assess the patient's pain level first before deciding on the most suitable pain management intervention.

Similar Questions