Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is in Buck's traction. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Remove the weights
• B. Ensure the weights hang freely
• C. Increase the traction force
• D. Loosen the ropes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action the nurse should take when caring for a client in Buck's traction is to ensure the weights hang freely. This is essential to maintain proper alignment and ensure the effectiveness of Buck's traction. Removing the weights (Choice A) would be incorrect and could compromise the treatment. Increasing the traction force (Choice C) can lead to excessive pressure and potential harm to the client. Loosening the ropes (Choice D) would also be inappropriate as it can disrupt the traction's effectiveness and alignment.

2. A client with an NG tube is experiencing nausea and a decrease in gastric secretions. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Position the client on their left side
• B. Irrigate the NG tube with sterile water
• C. Replace the NG tube with a new one
• D. Increase the suction setting to relieve the blockage

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action for a client with an NG tube experiencing nausea and decreased gastric secretions is to irrigate the NG tube with sterile water. This can help clear any blockages in the tube, which may be causing the symptoms. Positioning the client on their left side may be helpful for enteral feedings but is not the priority in this situation. Replacing the NG tube should not be the initial step unless irrigation fails to resolve the issue. Increasing the suction setting without attempting to clear the blockage can be harmful to the client.

3. What is the first step in managing a patient with a suspected pneumothorax?

• A. Insert a chest tube
• B. Monitor respiratory status
• C. Administer oxygen
• D. Call for assistance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to insert a chest tube. In managing a patient with a suspected pneumothorax, the priority is to relieve the pressure from the pneumothorax by inserting a chest tube. Monitoring respiratory status (choice B) is important but comes after ensuring proper management of the pneumothorax. Administering oxygen (choice C) can help support oxygenation but does not address the underlying issue of pressure in the thoracic cavity. Calling for assistance (choice D) can be done concurrently with managing the pneumothorax, but the immediate intervention to address the pneumothorax itself is chest tube insertion.

4. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being taught by a nurse about measures to improve breathing. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Use pursed-lip breathing during physical activity
• B. Breathe deeply and quickly during exercise
• C. Avoid using the incentive spirometer
• D. Avoid physical activity to conserve energy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction the nurse should include is to 'Use pursed-lip breathing during physical activity.' Pursed-lip breathing is a technique that helps improve breathing efficiency in individuals with COPD by preventing airway collapse and allowing for better air exchange. Choice B is incorrect because breathing deeply and quickly can lead to hyperventilation and worsen symptoms in COPD patients. Choice C is incorrect because the incentive spirometer is a device used to encourage deep breathing and improve lung function, so it should not be avoided. Choice D is incorrect because physical activity is important for maintaining overall health and should be encouraged in a controlled and appropriate manner for individuals with COPD.

5. A nurse is assessing a client who is prescribed spironolactone. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor for this client?

• A. Total bilirubin.
• B. Urine ketones.
• C. Serum potassium.
• D. Platelet count.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Serum potassium. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, meaning it helps the body retain potassium. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client's serum potassium levels to prevent hyperkalemia, which can be a potential side effect of spironolactone. Monitoring total bilirubin levels (A) is not specifically required for clients taking spironolactone. Urine ketones (B) are not directly influenced by spironolactone use. Platelet count (D) is not typically monitored in clients taking spironolactone.

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