Nursing Elites

1. A client has had a cast applied, and a nurse is providing care. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Place an ice pack over the cast.
• B. Palpate the pulse distal to the cast.
• C. Teach the client to keep the cast clean and dry.
• D. Position the casted extremity on a pillow.

Correct answer: Palpate the pulse distal to the cast.

Rationale: When caring for a client with a newly applied cast, the nurse's priority should be to assess the circulation by palpating the pulse distal to the cast. This is crucial to ensure there is no compromise in blood flow, which could lead to serious complications. Placing an ice pack over the cast, teaching the client about cast care, and positioning the casted extremity on a pillow are important interventions but should follow the assessment of circulation.

2. Which of the following principles of primary nursing has proven most satisfying to the patient and nurse?

• A. Continuity of patient care promotes efficient and cost-effective nursing care.
• B. Autonomy and authority for planning are best delegated to a nurse who knows the patient well.
• C. Accountability is clearest when one nurse is responsible for the overall plan and its implementation.
• D. The holistic approach provides for a therapeutic relationship, continuity, and efficient nursing care.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The holistic approach, encompassing a therapeutic relationship, continuity, and efficient nursing care, is the most satisfying principle of primary nursing. This approach considers the patient as a whole, taking into account physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects, which enhances the nurse-patient relationship and promotes comprehensive care. It emphasizes individualized care delivery, continuity of care, and an integrated approach, leading to improved patient satisfaction and nurse fulfillment.

3. Which of the following conditions may necessitate fluid restriction?

• A. Fever
• B. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
• C. Renal Failure
• D. Dehydration

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Renal failure often necessitates fluid restriction to prevent fluid overload. In renal failure, the kidneys are unable to effectively filter and excrete excess fluids, leading to fluid accumulation in the body. Restricting fluid intake helps manage this condition by preventing further fluid buildup and complications such as edema and electrolyte imbalances.

4. When a chest tube is accidentally removed from a client, which of the following actions should the nurse NOT take first?

• A. Obtain a chest x-ray
• B. Apply sterile gauze to the insertion site
• C. Place tape around the insertion site
• D. Assess respiratory status

Correct answer: B: Apply sterile gauze to the insertion site

Rationale: When a chest tube is accidentally removed, the priority action for the nurse is to immediately seal the insertion site with a gloved hand, a sterile occlusive dressing, or petroleum gauze to prevent air from entering the pleural space and causing a pneumothorax. Applying sterile gauze to the insertion site is not the correct initial action. The first step is to prevent respiratory compromise by ensuring the site is sealed. Therefore, the nurse should not apply sterile gauze to the insertion site first.

5. A patient presents with an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by shortness of breath, orthopnea, thick, tenacious secretions, and a dry hacking cough. An appropriate nursing diagnosis would be:

• A. Ineffective airway clearance related to thick, tenacious secretions.
• B. Ineffective airway clearance related to dry, hacking cough.
• C. Ineffective individual coping with COPD.
• D. Pain related to immobilization of affected leg.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The patient's symptoms of shortness of breath, orthopnea, thick, tenacious secretions, and a dry hacking cough all point towards a potential airway clearance issue. This makes option A, 'Ineffective airway clearance related to thick, tenacious secretions,' the most appropriate nursing diagnosis. It directly addresses the thick secretions and suggests a potential cause of the breathing difficulty the patient is experiencing.

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