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. Which goal is most appropriate for a patient who has had a total hip replacement?

• A. The nurse will assist the patient in ambulating in the hall 2 times a day.
• B. The patient will walk 100 feet using a walker by the time of discharge.
• C. The patient will ambulate briskly on the treadmill by the time of discharge.
• D. The patient will ambulate independently by the time of discharge.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Choice B is the most appropriate goal for a patient who has had a total hip replacement because it is specific, measurable, and achievable. Walking 100 feet using a walker is a realistic and individualized target for a patient in the recovery phase following hip surgery. Choices A, C, and D are not as suitable: Choice A does not specify a measurable distance or objective, Choice C sets a potentially unrealistic expectation for brisk ambulation on a treadmill, and Choice D lacks the specificity of the distance to be walked.

3. A nurse is teaching an older adult client who has left-sided weakness about cane use. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Hold the cane with your left hand
• B. Move the cane forward 18 inches with each step
• C. When walking, move your left foot forward first
• D. Keep your elbow straight when you hold the cane

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client with left-sided weakness using a cane is to move the left foot forward first. This technique helps improve stability and safety by ensuring weight-bearing on the stronger side while providing support with the cane. Choice A is incorrect because the cane should be held on the stronger side, which is the right side in this case. Choice B is incorrect as the recommended distance to move the cane forward with each step is about 6 inches, not 18 inches. Choice D is incorrect as it is essential to maintain a slight bend in the elbow while using the cane to absorb shock and provide flexibility.

4. When a nurse is assigned to float to another unit and feels unprepared, what is the most appropriate course of action?

• A. Refusing to take the assignment.
• B. Requesting help and clarification from the charge nurse.
• C. Completing the assignment and documenting the concerns later.
• D. Filing a formal complaint with hospital administration.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a nurse is assigned to float to another unit and feels unprepared, the most appropriate course of action is to request help and clarification from the charge nurse. This allows the nurse to address any concerns, seek guidance, and ensure safe patient care. Refusing the assignment (Choice A) is not a constructive approach as it may leave the unit short-staffed and compromise patient safety. Completing the assignment and documenting concerns later (Choice C) is not recommended as it delays addressing the issues at hand. Filing a formal complaint with hospital administration (Choice D) should be considered only after attempting to resolve the issue at the unit level first.

5. What is the most important action for the nurse to take before administering digoxin to a patient?

• A. Check the patient's heart rate before administration.
• B. Assess the patient's blood pressure before administration.
• C. Ensure the patient has eaten before administration.
• D. Monitor the patient's weight before administration.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to check the patient's heart rate before administering digoxin. Digoxin is a medication that primarily affects cardiac function. Monitoring the heart rate is crucial because digoxin can cause arrhythmias or worsen existing heart rhythm abnormalities. Assessing blood pressure may also be important but is secondary to evaluating the heart rate when administering digoxin. Ensuring the patient has eaten before administration is not directly related to the safe administration of digoxin. Monitoring the patient's weight is not a priority action before administering digoxin.

Similar Questions