Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a cholecystectomy and reports pain. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? (SATA)

• A. Change the client's position
• B. Identify the client's pain level
• C. Remind the client to use incisional splinting
• D. Offer the client a back rub

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct actions the nurse should take when caring for a client postoperative following a cholecystectomy and reporting pain include changing the client's position. This can help relieve postoperative pain by reducing pressure on the surgical site. Identifying the client's pain level is important but not specific to alleviating postoperative pain. While reminding the client to use incisional splinting can be beneficial, it may not directly address the immediate pain concern. Offering the client a back rub is not typically indicated for postoperative pain relief after a cholecystectomy.

2. Which of the following actions is a means of maintaining medical asepsis to reduce and prevent the spread of microorganisms?

• A. Sterilizing contaminated items
• B. Routinely cleaning the hospital environment
• C. Reapplying a sterile dressing
• D. Applying a sterile gown and gloves

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Sterilizing contaminated items. Maintaining medical asepsis involves ensuring that items are free of microorganisms to prevent infections. Sterilizing contaminated items is a crucial step in this process as it eliminates all microorganisms, including spores. Choices B, C, and D do not directly address the process of reducing and preventing the spread of microorganisms. While routinely cleaning the hospital environment is important for cleanliness, it does not guarantee the elimination of all microorganisms. Reapplying a sterile dressing and applying a sterile gown and gloves are specific actions related to personal protective equipment and wound care, not the general maintenance of medical asepsis.

3. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being assessed by a nurse. Which finding indicates the condition is worsening?

• A. Increased shortness of breath
• B. Decreased wheezing
• C. Productive cough with green sputum
• D. Slight increase in fatigue

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased shortness of breath. In COPD, worsening symptoms often include increased shortness of breath due to impaired lung function. This indicates a decline in respiratory status and the need for prompt intervention. Choice B, decreased wheezing, is not indicative of worsening COPD as it could suggest better airflow. Choice C, productive cough with green sputum, may indicate an infection but not necessarily worsening COPD. Choice D, a slight increase in fatigue, is non-specific and may not directly correlate with the worsening of COPD.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and refuses to use an incentive spirometer following major abdominal surgery. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?

• A. Demonstrate how to use the spirometer
• B. Set a realistic postoperative goal
• C. Determine the reasons why the client is refusing
• D. Request that a respiratory therapist discuss the technique

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority action for the nurse is to determine the reasons why the client is refusing to use the incentive spirometer. By understanding the client's concerns or issues, the nurse can address them effectively, provide education or support, and encourage the client to comply with the necessary postoperative care. This approach fosters a patient-centered care environment. Demonstrating how to use the spirometer (Choice A) may be important but is not the priority at this moment. Setting a realistic postoperative goal (Choice B) is relevant but not as immediate as understanding the client's refusal. Requesting a respiratory therapist (Choice D) can be considered later if needed, but the nurse's initial focus should be on understanding the client's perspective.

5. A nurse is monitoring a client following a thoracentesis. The nurse should identify which of the following manifestations as a complication and contact the provider immediately?

• A. Increased heart rate
• B. Decreased temperature
• C. Serosanguineous drainage from the puncture site
• D. Discomfort at the puncture site

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: A nurse should identify an increased heart rate as a complication following a thoracentesis and contact the provider immediately. An increased heart rate may indicate a pneumothorax or other serious complications. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because decreased temperature, serosanguineous drainage, and discomfort at the puncture site are expected findings following a thoracentesis and do not indicate a significant complication requiring immediate provider notification.

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