Nursing Elites

1. When caring for a client who is to have a line placed for hemodynamic monitoring, which statement by the newly licensed nurse indicates effectiveness of the teaching?

• A. Air should be instilled into the monitoring system after the procedure.
• B. The client should be positioned on the left side after the procedure.
• C. The transducer should be level with the second intercostal space after the line is placed.
• D. A chest x-ray is needed to verify placement after the procedure.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After a line is placed for hemodynamic monitoring, it is crucial to confirm its correct placement. The definitive way to verify the placement is through a chest x-ray. This ensures that the line is appropriately positioned without complications. Options A, B, and C do not address the essential step of confirming the line's placement, making them incorrect choices.

2. Which of the following patients is at greatest risk for developing pressure ulcers?

• A. An alert chronic arthritic patient treated with steroids and aspirin
• B. An 88-year-old incontinent patient with gastric cancer who is confined to bed at home
• C. An apathetic 63-year-old COPD patient receiving nasal oxygen via cannula
• D. A confused 78-year-old patient with congestive heart failure (CHF) who requires assistance to get out of bed

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. An elderly patient who is incontinent, bedridden, and suffering from a serious illness like gastric cancer is at the highest risk for developing pressure ulcers. Being bedridden and incontinent increases the pressure on certain areas of the body, leading to tissue damage and the development of pressure ulcers. Additionally, the patient's age and underlying health condition further contribute to their risk. It is crucial to identify and address such risk factors promptly to prevent the occurrence of pressure ulcers in vulnerable patients.

3. A caregiver is caring for a 5-month-old infant who has manifestations of severe dehydration and a prescription for parenteral fluid therapy. The caregiver asks, 'What are the indications that my baby needs an IV?' Which of the following responses should the caregiver make?

• A. Your baby needs an IV because she is not producing any tears
• B. Your baby needs an IV because her fontanels are bulging
• C. Your baby needs an IV because she is breathing slower than normal
• D. Your baby needs an IV because her heart rate is decreasing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct response is A: 'Your baby needs an IV because she is not producing any tears.' In infants, the inability to produce tears is a sign of severe dehydration. This is a crucial indication for the need for intravenous (IV) fluid therapy to rehydrate the infant. While the other options may also be symptoms of dehydration, the absence of tears is a more direct and specific indicator requiring immediate attention and intervention.

4. During a seizure, what is the primary intervention?

• A. Protect the patient from injury
• B. Insert an airway
• C. Elevate the head of the bed
• D. Withdraw all pain medications

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary intervention during a seizure is to protect the patient from injury. This involves creating a safe environment by moving harmful objects away, cushioning the head, and staying with the patient until the seizure ends. Inserting an airway is only necessary if the patient's airway is obstructed, not routinely during a seizure. Elevating the head of the bed is not a priority during an active seizure as it won't affect the seizure's outcome. Withdrawing all pain medications is not a standard practice unless there are specific contraindications related to the seizure itself.

5. During the assessment of a client receiving packed RBCs, which finding indicates fluid overload?

• A. Low back pain.
• B. Dyspnea.
• C. Hypotension.
• D. Thready pulse.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Dyspnea is a key finding indicating fluid overload in a client receiving packed RBCs. Fluid overload can lead to pulmonary edema, causing difficulty breathing or shortness of breath (dyspnea). Low back pain is not typically associated with fluid overload but can be more related to musculoskeletal issues. Hypotension and thready pulse are more indicative of hypovolemia (low fluid volume), not fluid overload.

Similar Questions