Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 hours postoperative following a colon resection. Which of the following assessments is the nurse's priority?

• A. Capillary refill
• B. Bowel sounds
• C. Temperature
• D. Oxygen saturation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Oxygen saturation. The priority assessment in this situation is oxygen saturation because postoperative clients are at risk for respiratory complications, such as hypoxia due to factors like anesthesia effects, impaired lung function, or pain interfering with deep breathing. Monitoring oxygen saturation is crucial to detect any respiratory compromise early. Capillary refill, bowel sounds, and temperature are important assessments but are not the priority in this immediate postoperative period.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and is receiving digoxin. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a sign of digoxin toxicity?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Tachycardia
• C. Hypotension
• D. Increased appetite

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Bradycardia is a common sign of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin, a medication used to treat heart failure, works by slowing down the heart rate and increasing the force of heart contractions. Excessive levels of digoxin can lead to toxicity, causing bradycardia (slow heart rate), among other symptoms. Tachycardia (fast heart rate) and hypotension (low blood pressure) are not typically associated with digoxin toxicity. Increased appetite is not a recognized sign of digoxin toxicity; instead, gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and anorexia are more common.

3. What is the correct procedure for inserting a nasogastric (NG) tube?

• A. Measure the tube and insert with lubrication
• B. Insert with lubrication and no measurement
• C. Insert without lubrication and secure it
• D. Insert with lubrication and check placement

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct procedure for inserting a nasogastric (NG) tube involves measuring the tube to ensure the appropriate length for insertion and using lubrication to reduce discomfort and aid in smooth insertion. Choice B is incorrect as measuring the tube is essential for proper placement. Choice C is incorrect as lubrication helps in easing the insertion process. Choice D is incorrect as checking the placement comes after insertion and should not be done simultaneously with the insertion process.

4. A healthcare professional is contributing to the plan of care for a client who is receiving mechanical ventilation. Which of the following interventions should the healthcare professional recommend?

• A. Suction the airway every hour
• B. Keep the head of the bed at 30 degrees
• C. Change the ventilator tubing every day
• D. Administer a bronchodilator every 2 hours

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to keep the head of the bed at 30 degrees. This position helps reduce the risk of aspiration and improves ventilation. Suctioning the airway every hour may lead to mucosal damage and increase the risk of infection. Changing the ventilator tubing every day is not necessary unless there are specific indications to do so, as it can increase the risk of contamination and infection. Administering a bronchodilator every 2 hours is not a standard practice and should be done based on the client's individualized treatment plan.

5. A nurse manager of a med surge unit is assigning care responsibilities for the oncoming shift. A client is waiting transfer back to the unit from the PACU following thoracic surgery. To which staff member should the nurse assign the client?

• A. Charge nurse
• B. RN
• C. LVN
• D. AP

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: RN. An RN is required for managing post-surgical care in the immediate postoperative period, especially for a client following thoracic surgery. The RN is equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to assess the client's condition, provide complex care, and recognize and respond to any complications that may arise. Assigning the client to the Charge nurse (A) may not be appropriate as the Charge nurse focuses more on administrative and managerial tasks rather than direct patient care. LVNs (C) and APs (D) may have limitations in their scope of practice when it comes to managing post-surgical care following thoracic surgery, which requires a higher level of assessment and intervention that an RN can provide.

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