Nursing Elites

1. A client has a chest tube in place connected to wall suction due to a right-sided pneumothorax. The client complains of chest burning. Which of the following actions should be taken?

• A. Increase the wall suction.
• B. Strip the chest tube.
• C. Clamp the chest tube.
• D. Reposition the client.

Correct answer: Reposition the client.

Rationale: When a client with a chest tube connected to wall suction complains of chest burning, it may indicate that the tube is irritating or compressing nearby tissues. Repositioning the client can help relieve this irritation by ensuring the tube is not kinked or pulling on the tissues. Increasing suction, stripping the tube, or clamping it are not appropriate actions and could potentially worsen the situation or cause harm.

2. A client with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding is taking warfarin (Coumadin). Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching plan?

• A. Avoid eating foods high in vitamin K.
• B. Take aspirin for pain relief.
• C. Report any signs of bruising or bleeding to your healthcare provider.
• D. Limit fluid intake to 2 liters per day.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client taking warfarin, an anticoagulant, is to report any signs of bruising or bleeding to the healthcare provider promptly. This is crucial as these symptoms may indicate over-anticoagulation, which can lead to serious complications. Monitoring for signs of bleeding is essential to adjust the medication dosage or take appropriate measures to ensure the client's safety.

3. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who has been receiving oxygen therapy at 2 L/min now has a respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min. What action should the nurse take first?

• A. Increase the oxygen flow rate to 4 L/min.
• B. Administer a bronchodilator via nebulizer.
• C. Encourage the client to take deep breaths.
• D. Assess the client's mental status and level of consciousness.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The priority action for the nurse is to assess the client's mental status and level of consciousness. This assessment helps determine if the decreased respiratory rate is affecting the client's oxygenation. By evaluating the client's mental status and level of consciousness, the nurse can promptly identify any signs of respiratory distress or hypoxia, allowing for timely intervention and appropriate adjustments to the oxygen therapy or other treatments.

4. While caring for a client with extensive partial and full-thickness burns of the head, neck, and chest, which risk should the nurse prioritize for assessment and intervention?

• A. Airway obstruction
• B. Infection
• C. Fluid imbalance
• D. Paralytic ileus

Correct answer: Airway obstruction

Rationale: When a client sustains burns to the head, neck, or chest, the risk of airway obstruction is a critical concern due to potential swelling, inflammation, or inhalation injury. Any compromise to the airway can lead to severe respiratory distress or failure. Early recognition and intervention to maintain a clear airway are essential to prevent life-threatening complications in burn patients.

5. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD tells the nurse, 'I can feel the congestion in my lungs, and I certainly cough a lot, but I can't seem to bring anything up.' Which of the following actions should the nurse take to help this client with tenacious bronchial secretions?

• A. Maintaining a semi-Fowler's position as often as possible
• B. Administering oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min
• C. Helping the client select a low-salt diet
• D. Encouraging the client to drink 2 to 3 L of water daily

Correct answer: Encouraging the client to drink 2 to 3 L of water daily

Rationale: Encouraging the client to drink 2 to 3 liters of water daily helps to thin bronchial secretions, making them easier to expectorate. This can assist the client in coughing up the tenacious secretions. Maintaining a semi-Fowler's position can aid in improving lung expansion but may not directly address the issue of clearing the secretions. Administering oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min can help improve oxygenation but does not specifically target the removal of bronchial secretions. Selecting a low-salt diet is important for overall health, but it does not directly address the client's immediate concern of clearing the bronchial secretions.

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