Nursing Elites

1. A client has expressive aphasia following a stroke. Which of the following methods should be used when communicating with the client?

• A. Speak slowly
• B. Provide written instructions
• C. Use a picture board
• D. Write on a whiteboard

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When communicating with a client who has expressive aphasia, using a picture board is an effective method as it provides an alternative means of communication. Option A, speaking slowly, may not improve understanding for someone with expressive aphasia. Option B, providing written instructions, may also be challenging for individuals with this condition. Option D, writing on a whiteboard, may not be as helpful as using a picture board in facilitating communication for a client with expressive aphasia.

2. What intervention is key when managing a client with delirium?

• A. Administer antipsychotic medication to calm the client
• B. Identify any reversible causes of delirium
• C. Provide a low-stimulation environment
• D. Increase environmental stimulation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct intervention when managing a client with delirium is to identify any reversible causes. Delirium can be caused by various factors such as infections, medications, dehydration, or metabolic imbalances. Administering antipsychotic medications (Choice A) may worsen delirium and should be avoided unless necessary for specific indications. Providing a low-stimulation environment (Choice C) is beneficial as it can help reduce agitation and confusion in individuals with delirium. Increasing environmental stimulation (Choice D) is contraindicated as it can exacerbate symptoms in delirious patients. Therefore, the priority should be on identifying and addressing reversible causes to effectively manage delirium.

3. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient with hyperkalemia?

• A. Monitor ECG and administer insulin
• B. Monitor blood glucose levels and provide fluids
• C. Monitor for muscle weakness and administer calcium gluconate
• D. Monitor electrolyte levels and provide potassium supplements

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Question: When assessing a patient with hyperkalemia, monitoring the ECG and administering insulin are crucial steps. Hyperkalemia can affect the heart's function, leading to life-threatening arrhythmias. Monitoring the ECG helps in identifying any cardiac abnormalities associated with high potassium levels. Administering insulin, along with glucose, helps shift potassium from the bloodstream into the cells, temporarily lowering the potassium levels. Choice B is incorrect because monitoring blood glucose levels and providing fluids are not the primary interventions for hyperkalemia. Choice C is incorrect as monitoring for muscle weakness and administering calcium gluconate are not the first-line treatments for hyperkalemia. Calcium gluconate may be used in specific situations to stabilize cardiac cell membranes in severe cases of hyperkalemia. Choice D is incorrect because monitoring electrolyte levels and providing potassium supplements would worsen hyperkalemia, as the patient already has elevated potassium levels and does not require additional potassium supplementation.

4. What is the priority when managing a client with a chest tube postoperatively?

• A. Clamp the chest tube for 30 minutes every 4 hours
• B. Check for air leaks and proper functioning of the chest tube
• C. Encourage deep breathing and coughing every 2 hours
• D. Encourage frequent coughing to clear secretions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority when managing a client with a chest tube postoperatively is to check for air leaks and ensure the proper functioning of the chest tube. This is crucial to prevent complications such as pneumothorax or hemothorax. Clamping the chest tube intermittently can lead to a buildup of pressure in the pleural space and should not be done without a specific medical indication. Encouraging deep breathing and coughing helps with lung expansion but is not the priority over ensuring the chest tube's proper function. Encouraging frequent coughing may increase the risk of dislodging the chest tube or causing complications.

5. What are the key signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) that a nurse should monitor for?

• A. Monitor for changes in level of consciousness
• B. Check for pupil dilation
• C. Assess for bradycardia
• D. Monitor for vomiting

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Monitor for changes in the level of consciousness.' Key signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) include changes in the level of consciousness and pupil dilation. Assessing for bradycardia and monitoring for vomiting are not typically considered primary signs of increased ICP. While bradycardia and vomiting can occur with increased ICP, they are not as specific or sensitive as changes in consciousness and pupil dilation.

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