Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is assessing a client with rheumatoid arthritis. Which assessment finding is most characteristic of this disease?

• A. Asymmetrical joint involvement
• B. Heberden's nodes
• C. Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
• D. Pain that worsens with activity

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes is a hallmark symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. This prolonged morning stiffness is typically a distinguishing feature of rheumatoid arthritis compared to other types of arthritis, making it the most characteristic assessment finding for this disease.

2. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD tells the nurse, 'I can feel the congestion in my lungs, and I certainly cough a lot, but I can't seem to bring anything up.' Which of the following actions should the nurse take to help this client with tenacious bronchial secretions?

• A. Maintaining a semi-Fowler's position as often as possible
• B. Administering oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min
• C. Helping the client select a low-salt diet
• D. Encouraging the client to drink 2 to 3 L of water daily

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Encouraging the client to drink 2 to 3 liters of water daily helps to thin bronchial secretions, making them easier to expectorate. This can assist the client in coughing up the tenacious secretions. Maintaining a semi-Fowler's position can aid in improving lung expansion but may not directly address the issue of clearing the secretions. Administering oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min can help improve oxygenation but does not specifically target the removal of bronchial secretions. Selecting a low-salt diet is important for overall health, but it does not directly address the client's immediate concern of clearing the bronchial secretions.

3. Prior to performing percussion, vibration, and postural drainage on an adolescent client with pneumonia, which of the following nursing actions should the nurse complete first?

• A. Auscultate lung fields
• B. Assess pulse and respirations
• C. Assess characteristics of the sputum
• D. Instruct the client to slowly exhale with pursed lips

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Before initiating percussion, vibration, and postural drainage, the nurse should first auscultate the lung fields to assess the baseline lung sounds and identify areas of congestion or abnormality. This initial assessment helps the nurse to tailor the percussion and drainage techniques effectively. Assessing pulse and respirations, sputum characteristics, and providing instructions to the client for exhalation are important steps in the procedure but should follow the initial auscultation to ensure a comprehensive and individualized care approach.

4. A nurse is teaching a client who is obese and has obstructive sleep apnea how to decrease the number of nightly apneic episodes. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. "It might help if I tried sleeping only on my back."
• B. "I'll sleep better if I take a sleeping pill at night."
• C. "I'll get a humidifier to run at my bedside at night."
• D. "If I could lose about 50 pounds, I might stop having so many apneic episodes."

Correct answer: D

Rationale:

5. A client who is intubated and has an intra-aortic balloon pump is restless and agitated. What action should the nurse perform first for comfort?

• A. Allow family members to remain at the bedside.
• B. Ask the family if the client would like a fan in the room.
• C. Keep the television tuned to the client's favorite channel.
• D. Speak loudly to the client in case of hearing problems.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Allowing the family to remain at the bedside can help calm the client with familiar voices and presence, potentially reducing restlessness and agitation. Introducing a fan may not be the priority as it can spread germs through air movement. Keeping the television on all the time may not promote rest and recovery. Speaking loudly is not advisable as it may further agitate the client. Therefore, the initial action of allowing family members to stay is most likely to provide comfort and reassurance to the client.

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