Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent atelectasis?

• A. Encourage deep breathing exercises
• B. Encourage the client to cough every 2 hours
• C. Administer an incentive spirometer
• D. Assist the client to ambulate in the hallway

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Administer an incentive spirometer. Using an incentive spirometer helps prevent atelectasis by encouraging lung expansion after surgery. Encouraging deep breathing exercises (choice A) is beneficial but may not be as effective as an incentive spirometer. Encouraging the client to cough (choice B) helps with airway clearance but does not directly prevent atelectasis. Assisting the client to ambulate (choice D) is important for preventing complications such as deep vein thrombosis, but it is not the most effective intervention for preventing atelectasis.

2. A client with a tracheostomy is exhibiting signs of respiratory distress. What is the first action the nurse should take?

• A. Increase the suction setting on the ventilator
• B. Suction the tracheostomy
• C. Notify the physician immediately
• D. Encourage deep breathing exercises

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action for a client with a tracheostomy exhibiting signs of respiratory distress is to suction the tracheostomy. This helps clear the airway and improve breathing. Increasing the suction setting on the ventilator is not appropriate as the issue may be related to secretions that need to be directly removed. Notifying the physician should come after providing immediate nursing interventions. Encouraging deep breathing exercises is not suitable when the client is in respiratory distress and needs prompt intervention.

3. A nurse in a provider's office is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new prescription for ferrous sulfate elixir. Which of the following statements by the client should indicate to the nurse an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will take this medication before meals
• B. I will mix this medication with water
• C. I will take this medication once a week
• D. I will rinse my mouth after taking this medication

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because rinsing the mouth is essential to prevent staining and irritation caused by ferrous sulfate elixir. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Taking ferrous sulfate elixir before meals (Choice A) is not necessary. Mixing it with water (Choice B) is not recommended as it may alter the medication's effectiveness. Taking the medication once a week (Choice C) is incorrect as ferrous sulfate is usually prescribed daily or as directed by a healthcare provider.

4. A nurse is delegating the collection of a sputum specimen to an assistive personnel (AP). At which of the following times should the nurse instruct the AP to collect the specimen?

• A. In the afternoon
• B. As soon as the client awakens in the morning
• C. Before bedtime
• D. Immediately after lunch

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'As soon as the client awakens in the morning.' Sputum specimens should be collected early in the morning to obtain a concentrated sample. This timing ensures that the specimen is less diluted, providing a more accurate analysis. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the optimal timing for collecting a sputum specimen, which is in the morning.

5. A client with dementia is at risk of falls. Which intervention should the nurse implement to ensure safety?

• A. Use restraints to prevent the client from leaving the bed
• B. Use a bed exit alarm to notify staff when the client tries to leave the bed
• C. Encourage frequent ambulation with assistance
• D. Raise all four side rails to prevent falls

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with dementia at risk of falls is to use a bed exit alarm to notify staff when the client tries to leave the bed. This intervention helps prevent falls while still allowing some freedom of movement. Choice A is incorrect because using restraints can lead to complications and is considered a form of restraint which should be avoided. Choice C is not suitable for a client at high risk of falls due to dementia as it may increase the risk of falls. Choice D is not recommended as raising all four side rails can be considered a form of physical restraint and may not be the best approach to prevent falls in a client with dementia.

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