Nursing Elites

1. A client is 1 day postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent respiratory complications?

• A. Instruct the client to avoid deep breathing exercises
• B. Encourage the use of an incentive spirometer
• C. Assist the client with ambulation every 2 hours
• D. Apply sequential compression devices (SCDs)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Encouraging the use of an incentive spirometer is crucial for preventing respiratory complications postoperatively, such as atelectasis. Instructing the client to avoid deep breathing exercises (choice A) is incorrect as deep breathing exercises help prevent respiratory complications. Assisting with ambulation every 2 hours (choice C) is important for preventing other postoperative complications but not specifically respiratory ones. Applying sequential compression devices (SCDs) (choice D) is beneficial for preventing deep vein thrombosis but not directly related to respiratory complications.

2. A nurse is assessing a client who has been taking lithium for bipolar disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Tremors
• B. Increased thirst
• C. Weight gain
• D. Diarrhea

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Tremors can indicate lithium toxicity, which should be reported to the provider for further evaluation. Tremors are a significant sign of lithium toxicity and can lead to serious complications if not addressed promptly. Increased thirst, weight gain, and diarrhea are common side effects of lithium but are not typically indicative of toxicity. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize reporting tremors as it requires immediate attention.

3. A healthcare professional is receiving a telephone prescription from a provider for a client who requires additional medication for pain control. Which of the following entries should the professional make in the medical record?

• A. Morphine 3 mg SC every 4 hr. PRN for pain
• B. Morphine 3 mg Subcutaneous
• C. Morphine 3.0 mg subq every 4 hr. PRN for pain
• D. Morphine 3 mg SC q 4 hr. PRN for pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct entry for the medication in the medical record should include the abbreviation 'SC' (subcutaneous) for the route of administration. Choice A is the correct answer as it accurately represents the prescription received. Choice B is incorrect because it lacks the frequency and PRN indication. Choice C is incorrect due to the incorrect abbreviation 'subq' and the missing 'q' before the frequency. Choice D is incorrect because it uses 'SC' but the frequency abbreviation 'q' should be followed by the time interval.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who is comatose and has advance directives that indicate the client does not want life-sustaining measures. The client's family wants the client to have life-sustaining measures. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Arrange for an ethics committee meeting to address the family's concerns
• B. Support the family's decision and initiate life-sustaining measures
• C. Complete an incident report
• D. Encourage the family to contact an attorney

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should arrange for an ethics committee meeting to address the family's concerns while ensuring the client's wishes are respected. Choosing option A allows for a formal discussion involving healthcare professionals, family members, and possibly a legal expert to navigate the situation ethically and legally. Supporting the family's decision to initiate life-sustaining measures (option B) would disregard the client's advance directives and autonomy. Completing an incident report (option C) is not appropriate in this situation as it does not address the conflict of interest between the family's desires and the client's wishes. Encouraging the family to contact an attorney (option D) may escalate the situation unnecessarily before exploring more ethical and collaborative approaches.

5. When caring for a client with asthma experiencing an acute exacerbation, which medication should the nurse administer first?

• A. Montelukast
• B. Salmeterol
• C. Albuterol
• D. Fluticasone

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During an acute asthma exacerbation, the priority is to quickly relieve bronchoconstriction and improve airflow. Albuterol is a short-acting bronchodilator that acts rapidly to dilate the airways, making it the first-line medication for acute symptom relief. Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for long-term asthma control, not for immediate relief. Salmeterol is a long-acting bronchodilator used for maintenance therapy, not for acute exacerbations. Fluticasone is an inhaled corticosteroid that reduces airway inflammation and is also used for long-term control, not for immediate relief during an exacerbation.

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