Nursing Elites

1. While caring for a client who is postoperative and has refused to use an incentive spirometer following major abdominal surgery, what is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Request that a respiratory therapist discuss the technique for using the incentive spirometer
• B. Determine the reasons why the client is refusing to use the incentive spirometer
• C. Document the client's refusal to participate in health restorative activities
• D. Administer a pain medication to the client

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse's priority is to determine the reasons why the client is refusing to use the incentive spirometer. By understanding the client's concerns or barriers, the nurse can address them appropriately. Requesting a respiratory therapist (Choice A) may be necessary later but is not the priority. Documenting the refusal (Choice C) is important but does not address the immediate need to assess and intervene. Administering pain medication (Choice D) without addressing the root cause of refusal is not appropriate and may mask the issue rather than resolve it.

2. The mother of a toddler calls the nurse for help as the baby is choking on his food. The nurse determines that the Heimlich maneuver is necessary based on which finding?

• A. Inability of the toddler to cry or speak
• B. Coughing forcefully
• C. Gagging but able to breathe
• D. Wheezing during respiration

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is option A: Inability of the toddler to cry or speak. In cases of choking, the inability to cry or speak indicates a severe airway obstruction where the Heimlich maneuver is necessary to clear the obstruction and establish a patent airway. Option B, coughing forcefully, represents a partial obstruction where the child can still move air, making the Heimlich maneuver not immediately necessary. Option C, gagging but able to breathe, suggests a partial obstruction where air is moving, and the child can still breathe, not requiring immediate intervention like the Heimlich maneuver. Option D, wheezing during respiration, is more indicative of a lower airway issue such as asthma rather than an upper airway obstruction that necessitates the Heimlich maneuver.

3. A hospitalized client needs a chest x-ray. The radiology department calls the nursing unit and says that they are sending a transporter for the client. When entering the client’s room, the priority action is to:

• A. Check the client’s identification bracelet
• B. Inform the client about the procedure
• C. Prepare the client for transport
• D. Verify the x-ray order

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action to take when a transporter arrives to take a hospitalized client for a procedure is to check the client's identification bracelet. This step is crucial to prevent errors and ensure that the correct patient is receiving the intended procedure. Informing the client about the procedure and preparing them for transport are important steps in the process, but verifying the client's identity takes precedence to ensure patient safety. Verifying the x-ray order, though important, is not the priority action when the transporter arrives; confirming the patient's identity is essential before proceeding with any procedures.

4. The nurse is preparing the teaching plan for a group of parents about risks to toddlers. The nurse plans to explain proper communication in the event of accidental poisoning. The nurse should plan to tell the parents to first state what substance was ingested and then what information should be the priority for the parents to communicate?

• A. The parents' name and telephone number
• B. The currency of the immunization and allergy history of the child
• C. The estimated time of the accidental poisoning and a confirmation that the parents will bring the containers of the ingested substance
• D. The affected child's age and weight

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the event of accidental poisoning, it is crucial to know the child's age and weight to determine the appropriate treatment. This information helps healthcare providers calculate the correct dosage of antidotes or medications needed based on the child's size and age. The child's age and weight play a significant role in managing accidental poisoning cases. Therefore, this information should be a priority for parents to communicate in such emergencies. Choices A, B, and C are not as critical as the child's age and weight when it comes to immediate treatment decisions for accidental poisoning.

5. The healthcare provider is assessing a client who has a chest tube in place following a pneumothorax. Which finding should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately?

• A. Bubbling in the water seal chamber
• B. Drainage greater than 70 ml/hour
• C. Tidaling in the water seal chamber
• D. Absence of breath sounds on the affected side

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The absence of breath sounds on the affected side is a critical finding that may indicate a tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention. This situation can lead to a shift of the mediastinum and impaired ventilation. Bubbling in the water seal chamber is an expected finding in a chest tube drainage system and indicates proper functioning. Drainage greater than 70 ml/hour is a concern but does not require immediate reporting unless it continues at a high rate or is associated with other symptoms. Tidaling in the water seal chamber is a normal fluctuation and indicates the chest tube system is patent and functioning correctly.

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