Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. What is the priority nursing action for a dehydrated client who needs fluids?

• A. Administer antiemetics to prevent vomiting
• B. Monitor electrolyte levels frequently
• C. Administer oral rehydration solutions
• D. Insert an NG tube for fluid administration

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor electrolyte levels frequently. When a client is dehydrated and needs fluids, it is essential to monitor electrolyte levels to prevent complications such as electrolyte imbalances. Administering antiemetics to prevent vomiting (Choice A) may be necessary but is not the priority when addressing dehydration. Administering oral rehydration solutions (Choice C) can be beneficial, but monitoring electrolyte levels takes precedence to ensure proper hydration. Inserting an NG tube for fluid administration (Choice D) is invasive and not typically the first-line approach for managing dehydration.

3. What is the priority for the nurse when caring for a patient with a chest tube?

• A. Ensure tube patency and observe for air leaks
• B. Maintain sterile technique during dressing changes
• C. Monitor drainage and record output
• D. Observe for signs of infection and monitor for subcutaneous emphysema

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority for the nurse when caring for a patient with a chest tube is to ensure tube patency and observe for air leaks. This is essential to prevent complications such as pneumothorax and ensure the patient's lung function. While maintaining sterile technique during dressing changes, monitoring drainage, recording output, and observing for signs of infection and subcutaneous emphysema are also important, ensuring tube patency takes precedence as it directly impacts the patient's respiratory status and overall safety.

4. A client is scheduled for a lumbar puncture. The nurse should assist the client into which of the following positions?

• A. Supine with head elevated
• B. Lateral recumbent
• C. Prone with arms at sides
• D. Sitting with back rounded

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct position for a lumbar puncture is the lateral recumbent position. This position allows the spine to curve naturally, widening the spaces between the vertebrae, making it easier and safer to perform the procedure. Supine with head elevated (Choice A) would not provide the proper positioning for a lumbar puncture as it does not allow for proper access to the lumbar area. Prone with arms at sides (Choice C) would not be suitable as it would not facilitate the procedure. Sitting with back rounded (Choice D) is also incorrect as it does not allow for the proper alignment of the spine needed for a lumbar puncture.

5. How should a healthcare professional monitor a patient receiving IV potassium?

• A. Monitor ECG for dysrhythmias
• B. Monitor urine output
• C. Monitor serum potassium levels
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a patient is receiving IV potassium, it is crucial to monitor various parameters to ensure patient safety. Monitoring the ECG helps in identifying any potential dysrhythmias that may occur due to potassium imbalances. Monitoring urine output is important as potassium levels can affect renal function. Monitoring serum potassium levels is essential to assess the effectiveness of the IV potassium therapy. Therefore, all the options - monitoring ECG for dysrhythmias, urine output, and serum potassium levels - are necessary when administering IV potassium, making 'All of the above' the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are not individually sufficient as they each address different aspects of patient monitoring when receiving IV potassium.

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