Nursing Elites

1. A client is 12 hours postoperative following colon resection. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan to reduce respiratory complications?

• A. Use incentive spirometer every 4 hours while awake.
• B. Initiate ambulation after discontinuing the NG tube.
• C. Maintain a supine position with an abdominal binder.
• D. Splint the incision to support coughing every 2 hours.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Following a colon resection surgery, it is essential to support the incision site to reduce the risk of respiratory complications. Splinting the incision helps to minimize pain during coughing, aiding in effective clearing of secretions and preventing respiratory problems. This intervention supports the client's respiratory function postoperatively, promoting optimal recovery.

2. A nurse assesses a client who has a mediastinal chest tube. Which symptoms require the nurse's immediate intervention? (Select ONE that does not apply)

• A. Production of pink sputum
• B. Tracheal deviation
• C. Pain at insertion site
• D. Sudden onset of shortness of breath

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a client with a mediastinal chest tube, the presence of pink sputum does not necessarily require immediate intervention. However, tracheal deviation could indicate a tension pneumothorax, sudden shortness of breath could signal tube issues or pneumothorax, and drainage exceeding 70 mL/hr might suggest hemorrhage. Disconnection at the Y site could lead to air entering the tubing, necessitating prompt attention.

3. A nurse working on a cardiac unit delegated taking vital signs to an experienced unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Four hours later, the nurse notes the client's blood pressure is much higher than previous readings & the client's mental status has changed. What action by the nurse would most likely have prevented this negative outcome?

• A. Determining if the UAP knew how to take blood pressure
• B. Double-checking the UAP by taking another blood pressure
• C. Providing more appropriate supervision of the UAP
• D. Taking the blood pressure instead of delegating the task

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most likely action by the nurse that would have prevented the negative outcome is providing more appropriate supervision of the UAP. Supervision is essential in delegation as it involves directing, evaluating, and following up on delegated tasks. By providing adequate supervision, the nurse can ensure that tasks are performed correctly and promptly identify any issues or abnormalities, such as a significant change in vital signs or the client's mental status. This proactive approach can help prevent adverse outcomes and enhance patient safety.

4. A nurse is teaching a client who is obese and has obstructive sleep apnea how to decrease the number of nightly apneic episodes. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. "It might help if I tried sleeping only on my back."
• B. "I'll sleep better if I take a sleeping pill at night."
• C. "I'll get a humidifier to run at my bedside at night."
• D. "If I could lose about 50 pounds, I might stop having so many apneic episodes."

Correct answer: D

Rationale:

5. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being taught by a nurse. What nutrition information should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Avoid drinking fluids just before and during meals.
• B. Rest before meals if experiencing dyspnea.
• C. Consume about six small meals a day.
• D. Consume high-fiber foods to promote gastric emptying.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: While some of the other options may be helpful, the most appropriate advice for a client with COPD is to consume high-fiber foods to promote gastric emptying. Avoiding fluids just before and during meals can help prevent bloating, resting before meals can assist with dyspnea, and having several small meals a day can help reduce bloating. However, fibrous foods can lead to gas production, causing abdominal bloating and potentially worsening shortness of breath. Increasing calorie and protein intake is essential to prevent malnourishment. It is also important to avoid excessive carbohydrate intake, as it can increase carbon dioxide production and the risk of acidosis in COPD patients.

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