Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has a chest tube following a thoracotomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Drainage of 75 mL in the first hour after surgery.
• B. Constant bubbling in the water seal chamber.
• C. Tidaling in the water seal chamber.
• D. Client report of pain at the chest tube insertion site.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Constant bubbling in the water seal chamber indicates an air leak, which should be reported to the provider. This finding suggests that the chest tube system is not functioning properly, leading to potential complications such as pneumothorax. Drainage of 75 mL in the first hour after surgery is within the expected range for a chest tube. Tidaling in the water seal chamber is a normal fluctuation and indicates proper functioning of the system. Client report of pain at the chest tube insertion site is expected after surgery and can be managed with appropriate pain management measures.

2. What are the complications of untreated fluid overload?

• A. Pulmonary edema and congestive heart failure
• B. Hypertension and electrolyte imbalance
• C. Liver failure and electrolyte imbalance
• D. Pulmonary embolism and dehydration

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Untreated fluid overload can lead to complications such as pulmonary edema and congestive heart failure. Pulmonary edema occurs when excess fluid accumulates in the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing and potentially life-threatening respiratory distress. Congestive heart failure can result from the heart's inability to pump effectively due to the excess fluid volume, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because hypertension, liver failure, pulmonary embolism, and dehydration are not the primary complications directly associated with untreated fluid overload.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Monitor the client's temperature every 4 hours
• B. Monitor blood glucose levels every 6 hours
• C. Administer insulin as prescribed
• D. Monitor daily fluid intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Monitoring blood glucose levels is crucial in clients receiving TPN because the solution has a high glucose content. This monitoring helps prevent hyperglycemia and allows for timely adjustments in the TPN formulation if needed. Monitoring the client's temperature (Choice A) is not directly related to TPN administration. Administering insulin (Choice C) should be based on blood glucose levels and the healthcare provider's orders; it is not a standard intervention for all clients on TPN. Monitoring daily fluid intake (Choice D) is important for overall fluid balance but is not as critical as monitoring blood glucose levels specifically for clients on TPN.

4. A nurse is reviewing the record of a client with dementia. Which of the following findings should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Wandering at night
• B. A serum albumin level of 3.5 g/dL
• C. Urinary incontinence
• D. Restlessness and agitation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Restlessness and agitation in clients with dementia could indicate a worsening condition and should be prioritized. While wandering at night and urinary incontinence are common issues in dementia patients, restlessness and agitation can signal acute distress or an unmet need, requiring immediate attention. Monitoring serum albumin levels is important for overall health but would not be the priority when assessing a client with dementia.

5. What are the nursing interventions for a patient with fluid volume overload?

• A. Restrict fluid intake
• B. Monitor intake and output
• C. Administer diuretics as prescribed
• D. Elevate the head of the bed

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct nursing intervention for a patient with fluid volume overload is to restrict fluid intake. This helps to prevent further fluid accumulation in the body. Monitoring intake and output (choice B) is important to assess the patient's fluid balance but is not a direct intervention to address fluid volume overload. Administering diuretics as prescribed (choice C) is a medical intervention that may be ordered by a healthcare provider but should not be assumed as a nursing intervention without a prescription. Elevating the head of the bed (choice D) is a measure commonly used for patients with respiratory distress or to prevent aspiration but is not a direct intervention for fluid volume overload.

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