Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has end-stage osteoporosis and is reporting severe pain. The client’s respiratory rate is 14 per minute. Which of the following medications should the nurse prioritize administering?

• A. Promethazine
• B. Hydromorphone
• C. Ketorolac
• D. Amitriptyline

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hydromorphone, an opioid, is the most appropriate option for managing severe pain in this context. Opioids provide fast-acting relief for acute pain associated with advanced osteoporosis. Promethazine (Choice A) is an antihistamine and not indicated for pain relief. Ketorolac (Choice C) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that may increase the risk of bleeding and is not recommended for severe pain management. Amitriptyline (Choice D) is a tricyclic antidepressant that is not the first-line treatment for severe acute pain.

2. A nurse is assessing a client who had a stroke and is showing signs of dysphagia. Which finding indicates this condition?

• A. Abnormal mouth movements
• B. Inability to stand without assistance
• C. Paralysis of the right arm
• D. Loss of appetite

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Abnormal mouth movements are a key sign of dysphagia, a condition commonly seen in stroke clients. Dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing, which can manifest as abnormal movements of the mouth during eating or drinking. In stroke patients, dysphagia increases the risk of aspiration, where food or liquids enter the airway instead of the esophagus, leading to potential complications such as pneumonia. Choices B, C, and D are not directly indicative of dysphagia. Inability to stand without assistance may indicate motor deficits, paralysis of the right arm suggests a neurological impairment, and loss of appetite can be a non-specific symptom in many conditions but does not specifically point to dysphagia.

3. While caring for a client receiving patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), which of the following interventions should the nurse take?

• A. Encourage the client to use the PCA before dressing changes.
• B. Monitor the client's respiratory status.
• C. Provide oxygen therapy to the client as needed.
• D. Ensure the PCA pump is functioning properly.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: The nurse should encourage the client to use the PCA pump before activities like dressing changes, which are likely to cause pain, to ensure effective pain management. Monitoring the client's respiratory status (Choice B) is important but not the priority in this scenario. Providing oxygen therapy (Choice C) is not a routine intervention for all clients on PCA unless specifically indicated. Ensuring the PCA pump is functioning properly (Choice D) is essential, but encouraging the client to use the PCA before painful activities takes precedence to manage pain effectively.

4. A nurse is completing an assessment of a newborn who is 2 hours old. Which of the following findings is indicative of cold stress?

• A. Respiratory rate of 60 per minute
• B. Jitteriness of the hands
• C. Diaphoresis
• D. Bounding peripheral pulses

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Jitteriness of the hands is a classic sign of cold stress in newborns, indicating that the infant is having difficulty maintaining a stable body temperature. Cold stress can lead to hypoglycemia and increased oxygen consumption. The other options (A, C, and D) are not directly associated with cold stress in newborns. A respiratory rate of 60 per minute may be within the normal range for a newborn. Diaphoresis (excessive sweating) and bounding peripheral pulses are not specific signs of cold stress in newborns.

5. A client has been prescribed nitroglycerin for chest pain. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Take one tablet every hour for chest pain.
• B. Store nitroglycerin tablets in a cool, dark place.
• C. Take nitroglycerin with food to reduce stomach upset.
• D. Take nitroglycerin with an antacid to prevent heartburn.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Nitroglycerin tablets should be stored in a cool, dark place to maintain their potency. Storing them correctly ensures that they remain effective when needed. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Taking one tablet every hour is not the correct dosing regimen for nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin is usually taken as needed at the onset of chest pain, with specific instructions from the healthcare provider. Taking nitroglycerin with food or antacids is not necessary, as it is usually placed under the tongue for rapid absorption.

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