Nursing Elites

1. A client is vomiting, and a nurse is providing care. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Administer an antiemetic to the client
• B. Notify housekeeping
• C. Prevent the client from aspirating
• D. Provide the client with an emesis basin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Preventing aspiration is the priority when caring for a client who is vomiting to reduce the risk of pneumonia or other respiratory complications. Aspiration can occur when vomitus enters the airway, leading to respiratory distress. Ensuring the airway is protected during vomiting episodes is essential. Administering an antiemetic (Choice A) can be considered after addressing the immediate risk of aspiration. Notifying housekeeping (Choice B) and providing an emesis basin (Choice D) are important but are secondary to preventing aspiration, which is crucial for the client's safety and well-being.

2. A nurse is receiving change-of-shift report on a group of clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?

• A. A client who has urolithiasis and reports severe ankle pain extending toward the abdomen
• B. A client who has acute cholecystitis and reports abdominal pain radiating to the right shoulder
• C. A client who has had a total knee arthroplasty, is 1 day postoperative, and reports a pain level of 8 on a 0 to 10 pain scale
• D. A client who has a fractured femur and reports sudden sharp chest pain

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because a client with a fractured femur and sudden chest pain may be experiencing a pulmonary embolism, which requires immediate assessment. Choice A is incorrect because although severe pain is present, it is more indicative of musculoskeletal issues related to urolithiasis rather than a life-threatening condition. Choice B, related to acute cholecystitis, is less urgent than choice D as the pain radiating to the right shoulder is a common symptom but does not indicate an immediate life-threatening situation. Choice C, regarding a client post-total knee arthroplasty with a pain level of 8, is important but not as urgent as a potential pulmonary embolism in choice D.

3. A client is preparing for a surgical procedure but refuses to remove religious jewelry. What is the best course of action?

• A. Proceed with surgery and document the refusal.
• B. Ask the client for permission to secure the jewelry.
• C. Remove the jewelry and store it safely.
• D. Postpone the surgery until the jewelry is removed.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best course of action is to ask the client for permission to secure the jewelry. This respects the client's religious beliefs while also ensuring that the jewelry does not interfere during the surgical procedure. Proceeding with surgery without addressing the presence of the jewelry can lead to complications or distress for the client. Removing the jewelry without consent or postponing the surgery solely due to the presence of religious jewelry are not appropriate actions in this situation.

4. A nurse is preparing a client for surgery. Which of the following actions should be taken first?

• A. Ensure informed consent is signed
• B. Start IV fluids
• C. Administer preoperative antibiotics
• D. Reinforce surgical site dressing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to ensure informed consent is signed first when preparing a client for surgery. This step is crucial as it ensures that the client has been informed about the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives before giving consent. Starting IV fluids (choice B) may be necessary but comes after obtaining informed consent. Administering preoperative antibiotics (choice C) is important but typically follows confirming informed consent. Reinforcing surgical site dressing (choice D) is a postoperative step and does not take precedence over obtaining informed consent.

5. A patient is receiving an opioid analgesic for pain management. What is the most important assessment for the nurse to perform?

• A. Monitor the patient's blood pressure.
• B. Assess the patient's respiratory rate.
• C. Monitor the patient's oxygen saturation.
• D. Assess the patient's heart rate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the patient's respiratory rate. When a patient is receiving opioids, it is crucial to monitor their respiratory rate as opioids can depress the respiratory system, leading to respiratory depression and potential respiratory failure. Monitoring blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and heart rate are important assessments as well, but the priority lies in assessing respiratory rate due to the risk of respiratory depression associated with opioid use.

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