Nursing Elites

1. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being cared for by a nurse. What is the most appropriate action to improve the patient's oxygenation?

• A. Encourage the patient to use incentive spirometry.
• B. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula as prescribed.
• C. Assist the patient with coughing and deep breathing exercises.
• D. Position the patient in a high Fowler's position.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering oxygen via nasal cannula as prescribed is the most appropriate action to improve the patient's oxygenation in COPD. Oxygen therapy helps maintain adequate oxygen levels in the blood, which is crucial for managing COPD. Encouraging the use of incentive spirometry, assisting with coughing and deep breathing exercises, and positioning the patient in high Fowler's position are all beneficial interventions, but administering oxygen is the priority for immediate oxygenation support in COPD.

2. What is the nurse's priority intervention for a patient who has developed a pressure ulcer?

• A. Apply a dressing to the ulcer.
• B. Reposition the patient every 2 hours.
• C. Provide the patient with pain medication.
• D. Clean the ulcer with normal saline.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to reposition the patient every 2 hours. Repositioning helps prevent the worsening of pressure ulcers by relieving pressure on affected areas and promoting blood circulation, which aids in healing. Applying a dressing (choice A) is important but not the priority compared to repositioning. Providing pain medication (choice C) is essential for comfort but does not address the root cause of the pressure ulcer. Cleaning the ulcer with normal saline (choice D) is part of wound care but does not take precedence over repositioning to prevent further tissue damage.

3. A nurse sees a healthcare provider administer an incorrect medication dose but does not report the error. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Ignore the situation and continue with patient care.
• B. Report the error to the nurse manager immediately.
• C. Speak to the healthcare provider directly about the error.
• D. File an anonymous report to avoid conflict.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a nurse witnesses a healthcare provider administering an incorrect medication dose, the first step should be to report the error to the nurse manager immediately. Reporting medication errors is crucial for patient safety as it allows prompt intervention to prevent harm. Choice A is incorrect as ignoring the situation can jeopardize patient safety. Choice C, while addressing the error directly, may not ensure proper documentation and follow-up. Choice D, filing an anonymous report, is not as effective as directly informing the nurse manager who can take appropriate action and follow-up on the incident.

4. A client with renal calculi is admitted. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Monitor urinary output every shift.
• B. Administer pain medication as ordered.
• C. Strain all urine for stones.
• D. Increase fluid intake to flush the urinary tract.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to strain all urine for stones. This is the priority nursing intervention for a client with renal calculi as it helps in identifying and preventing stones from passing unnoticed. Monitoring urinary output, administering pain medication, and increasing fluid intake are important aspects of care for this client, but the priority is to ensure that any passed stones are collected and analyzed to guide further treatment.

5. Which action by a nurse demonstrates effective communication with a patient?

• A. Providing the patient with written information about their care.
• B. Maintaining eye contact and listening actively to the patient.
• C. Using medical jargon to explain the patient's condition.
• D. Speaking with the patient in a hurried manner to save time.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Maintaining eye contact and actively listening to the patient is crucial in effective communication as it helps build rapport, shows empathy, and ensures that the patient feels heard and understood. Providing written information can be helpful, but the direct interaction is essential for effective communication. Using medical jargon may confuse the patient instead of clarifying their condition. Speaking hurriedly can make the patient feel rushed and not valued, hindering effective communication.

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