Nursing Elites

1. During an assessment of the respiratory pattern of an older adult client receiving end-of-life care, which of the following assessment findings should the nurse identify as Cheyne-Stokes respirations?

• A. Breathing ranging from very deep to very shallow with periods of apnea
• B. Shallow to normal breaths alternating with periods of apnea
• C. Rapid respirations that are unusually deep and regular
• D. An inability to breathe without dyspnea unless sitting upright

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Cheyne-Stokes respirations are characterized by a pattern of breathing that ranges from very deep to very shallow with periods of apnea (temporary cessation of breathing). This pattern is often seen in clients near the end of life or with certain medical conditions affecting the respiratory control center in the brain. The alternating deep and shallow breaths can be distressing for both the client and caregivers. It is crucial for the nurse to recognize this pattern to provide appropriate care and support to the client and their family during this challenging time.

2. A client is receiving discharge teaching after a total hip replacement. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I will avoid crossing my legs when sitting.
• B. I can sleep on my side as long as I use a pillow between my legs.
• C. I will avoid bending at the waist to pick things up.
• D. I can bend down to tie my shoes after 2 weeks.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After a total hip replacement, clients should avoid bending at the waist past 90 degrees for at least 6 weeks to prevent dislocation of the hip prosthesis. Bending down to tie shoes involves significant hip flexion and should be avoided during the initial postoperative period to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications.

3. A client with a mediastinal chest tube is being assessed by a nurse. Which symptoms require the nurse's immediate intervention? (SATA)

• A. Production of pink sputum
• B. Tracheal deviation
• C. Pain at insertion site
• D. Sudden onset of shortness of breath

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Immediate intervention is necessary when a client with a mediastinal chest tube exhibits tracheal deviation since it may indicate a tension pneumothorax. This condition requires prompt attention to prevent serious complications. While the production of pink sputum and pain at the insertion site should be monitored and reported, they do not typically require immediate intervention. Sudden onset of shortness of breath could indicate various issues related to the chest tube but is not as critical as tracheal deviation in this context.

4. A client is prescribed prednisone for asthma management. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I will take this medication every day to prevent asthma attacks.
• B. I will avoid people with infections while taking this medication.
• C. I will take this medication with food to prevent stomach upset.
• D. I will stop taking this medication if I feel fine.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because prednisone, a corticosteroid, should not be abruptly stopped. It must be tapered off gradually to prevent adrenal insufficiency. Choices A, B, and C demonstrate proper understanding of the medication's use and side effects, emphasizing the importance of daily intake, infection prevention, and taking it with food to avoid stomach upset.

5. A nurse in the PACU is assessing a client who has an endotracheal tube (ET) in place and observes the absence of left-sided chest wall expansion upon respiration. Which of the following complications should the nurse suspect?

• A. Blockage of the ET tube by the client's tongue
• B. Passage of the ET tube into the esophagus
• C. Movement of the ET tube into the right main bronchus
• D. Infection of the vocal cords

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When the nurse observes the absence of left-sided chest wall expansion upon respiration, it indicates that the endotracheal tube (ET) may have migrated into the right main bronchus, leading to uneven chest expansion. This can result in inadequate ventilation to the left lung, causing respiratory compromise. The other options, such as blockage of the ET tube by the client's tongue, passage of the ET tube into the esophagus, and infection of the vocal cords, do not directly explain the observed chest wall asymmetry and respiratory distress.

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