Nursing Elites

1. A client is receiving opioid analgesics for pain management. Which of the following assessments is the priority?

• A. Monitor the client's blood pressure.
• B. Check the client's urinary output.
• C. Monitor the client's respiratory rate.
• D. Assess the client's pain level.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Monitor the client's respiratory rate. When a client is receiving opioid analgesics, the priority assessment is monitoring respiratory rate. Opioids can cause respiratory depression, so it is crucial to assess the client's breathing to detect any signs of respiratory distress promptly. Checking the client's blood pressure (Choice A) and urinary output (Choice B) are important assessments too, but they are not the priority when compared to ensuring adequate respiratory function. Assessing the client's pain level (Choice D) is essential for overall care but is not the priority assessment when the client is on opioids, as respiratory status takes precedence.

2. A nurse in an emergency department completes an assessment on an adolescent client with conduct disorder. The client threatened suicide to a teacher at school. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the assessment?

• A. Tell me about your siblings
• B. Tell me what kind of music you like
• C. Tell me how often you drink alcohol
• D. Tell me about your school schedule

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Asking about alcohol intake is crucial in assessing the client's risk factors and behaviors, especially in the context of a suicide threat. Understanding alcohol consumption patterns can help the nurse evaluate potential substance abuse issues and their impact on the client's mental health. Choices A, B, and D are less pertinent to the immediate concern of assessing suicide risk and conduct disorder symptoms.

3. A nurse is reviewing the results of an arterial blood gas analysis of a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Which of the following results should the nurse expect?

• A. PaO2 of 95 mm Hg
• B. PaCO2 of 55 mm Hg
• C. HCO3 of 24 mEq/L
• D. pH level of 7.35

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, there is impaired gas exchange, leading to retention of carbon dioxide (CO2) and subsequent respiratory acidosis. A PaCO2 of 55 mm Hg is higher than the normal range (35-45 mm Hg) and is indicative of respiratory acidosis in COPD. Choices A, C, and D are not typically associated with COPD. PaO2 may be decreased, HCO3 may be elevated to compensate for acidosis, and pH may be lower than 7.35 due to respiratory acidosis in COPD.

4. A nurse is administering digoxin 0.125 mg Po to an adult client. For which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Potassium level 4.2 mEq/L
• B. Apical pulse 58/min
• C. Digoxin level 1 ng/ml
• D. Constipation for 2 days

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. An apical pulse below 60/min indicates bradycardia, a potential sign of digoxin toxicity. The nurse should report this finding to the provider for further evaluation and possible adjustment of the digoxin dose. Choice A, a potassium level of 4.2 mEq/L, is within the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L) and does not indicate toxicity. Choice C, a digoxin level of 1 ng/ml, is within the therapeutic range (0.5-2 ng/ml) and is not suggestive of toxicity. Choice D, constipation for 2 days, is not directly related to digoxin administration and would not require an immediate report to the provider.

5. A nurse is preparing to administer a cleansing enema to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Position the client on their left side.
• B. Insert the enema tubing 8 cm (3.1 in) into the client's rectum.
• C. Hold the container of the enema solution 61 cm (24 in) above the client.
• D. Advance the enema tubing 15 cm (6 in) into the client's rectum.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action the nurse should take when administering a cleansing enema is to hold the container of the enema solution 61 cm (24 in) above the client. This height facilitates the proper flow of the solution into the client's rectum. Positioning the client on their left side helps facilitate the administration process, but it is not the specific action related to the enema solution. Inserting the enema tubing 8 cm (3.1 in) into the rectum is incorrect as it may not deliver the solution effectively. Advancing the enema tubing 15 cm (6 in) into the client's rectum is excessive and could cause trauma.

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