Nursing Elites

1. A client has a right-sided chest tube with 50 cc of serosanguinous fluid in the collection chamber and air bubbles are collecting in the water seal chamber. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take at this time?

• A. Do nothing; this is a normal response
• B. Strip the tubing to remove any clots
• C. Place a clamp on the tube near the client's chest
• D. Remove the collection chamber and connect the tubing to a new device

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The water seal of a chest tube acts as a one-way valve. Air bubbles in the water seal indicate a leak between the client and the chamber. The nurse should briefly clamp the tube near the client's chest to locate the source of the leak. Once identified, the nurse should unclamp the tubing and notify the physician immediately. Choice A is incorrect because air bubbles in the water seal chamber are not a normal finding and indicate a leak. Choice B is incorrect as stripping the tubing could aggravate the issue and is not the initial appropriate action. Choice D is incorrect as it does not address the immediate need to locate and address the leak.

2. A patient who has been diagnosed with vasospastic disorder (Raynaud's disease) complains of cold and stiffness in the fingers. Which of the following descriptions is most likely to fit the patient?

• A. An adolescent male
• B. An elderly woman
• C. A young woman
• D. An elderly man

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'A young woman.' Raynaud's disease is most common in young women and is often associated with rheumatologic disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. This disorder involves vasospasm of the arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the fingers and toes. Typically, Raynaud's affects the fingers, and in some cases, it can affect the toes. Only rarely does it involve other body parts such as the nose, ears, nipples, and lips. Choices B, C, and D are less likely as Raynaud's disease predominantly affects young women, although it can occur in other demographic groups as well.

3. Who owns a patient's x-rays?

• A. The patient
• B. The doctor
• C. The facility that performed the procedure
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: X-rays are typically owned by the facility that conducts the procedure, not the patient or the doctor. The facility that performs the procedure is responsible for maintaining and storing the x-rays as part of the patient's medical records. The patient does not own the x-rays since they are part of their medical record and not a physical possession. The doctor also does not own the x-rays as they are generated as a result of the medical procedure conducted at the facility, making choice C the correct answer.

4. The BRAT diet is often prescribed for patients with gastroenteritis. This acronym stands for:

• A. Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast
• B. Bread, Rice, Apricots, and Tapioca
• C. Bananas, Rolls, Apricots, and Toast
• D. Bananas, Rolls, Applesauce, and Tapioca

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The BRAT diet, which stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast, is commonly recommended for patients with gastroenteritis. These easily digestible foods help firm up stools due to their low fiber content and provide essential nutrients lost during vomiting and diarrhea. Choice B is incorrect because it includes apricots, which are not part of the traditional BRAT diet. Choice C is incorrect as it includes rolls, which are not typically included in the BRAT diet. Choice D is incorrect as it includes tapioca, which is not part of the traditional BRAT diet. Therefore, the correct answer is Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast.

5. What action by the nurse will be most effective in decreasing the spread of pertussis in a community setting?

• A. Providing supportive care to patients diagnosed with pertussis
• B. Teaching family members about the importance of careful handwashing
• C. Teaching patients about the necessity of adult pertussis immunizations
• D. Encouraging patients to complete the prescribed course of antibiotics

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most effective action by the nurse to decrease the spread of pertussis in a community setting is to teach patients about the necessity of adult pertussis immunizations. The increased rate of pertussis in adults is often attributed to waning immunity after childhood immunization. Immunization is highly effective in protecting communities from infectious diseases. While teaching about handwashing is important for overall infection control, pertussis is primarily spread through respiratory droplets and contact with secretions. Providing supportive care does not significantly impact the disease course or transmission risk. Encouraging completion of antibiotics may help reduce transmission, but patients likely have already spread the disease by the time the diagnosis is made. Therefore, the emphasis should be on prevention through immunization to reduce the spread of pertussis.

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