Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is performing a focused assessment on a client who has a history of COPD and is experiencing dyspnea. What finding should the healthcare professional expect?

• A. Decreased respiratory rate
• B. Flushing of the skin
• C. Flaring of the nostrils
• D. Productive cough

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Flaring of the nostrils is a sign of increased respiratory effort, which is common in clients with COPD experiencing dyspnea. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. A decreased respiratory rate is not expected in a client with COPD experiencing dyspnea, as they often have an increased respiratory rate. Flushing of the skin is not a typical finding associated with COPD or dyspnea. While a productive cough can be seen in COPD, it is not specifically related to the increased respiratory effort seen with dyspnea.

2. A client has a new prescription for a cane. What instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Hold the cane on the weaker side
• B. Ensure the cane has a rubber tip
• C. Keep the cane on the dominant side
• D. Use the cane only on stairs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction the nurse should include is to ensure the cane has a rubber tip. This is important as it prevents slipping and ensures safety while walking. Choice A is incorrect because the cane should be held on the stronger side to provide better support. Choice C is incorrect as the cane should be used on the stronger, not the dominant, side for stability. Choice D is incorrect because a cane can be used for support in various situations, not just on stairs.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is undergoing surgery for a hip fracture. What is a priority intervention to reduce the risk of postoperative complications?

• A. Encourage early ambulation
• B. Provide intravenous antibiotics
• C. Apply anti-embolism stockings
• D. Place a Foley catheter to monitor output

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging early ambulation is crucial in reducing the risk of postoperative complications, such as blood clots and pneumonia. Early mobilization helps prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis and pneumonia by promoting circulation and preventing respiratory complications. Providing intravenous antibiotics (Choice B) is important for preventing infections but is not the priority immediately post-surgery. Applying anti-embolism stockings (Choice C) is beneficial in preventing venous thromboembolism but does not address the immediate need for mobility. Placing a Foley catheter (Choice D) may be necessary during surgery but is not a priority intervention to reduce postoperative complications related to immobility.

4. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with a new diagnosis of hypertension. What instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Reduce sodium intake to 4 grams per day
• B. Avoid foods high in potassium
• C. Take prescribed antihypertensive medications daily
• D. Limit fluid intake to 1 liter per day

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Take prescribed antihypertensive medications daily.' When providing discharge teaching to a client with hypertension, one of the key instructions is to ensure the consistent intake of prescribed antihypertensive medications. This is crucial for controlling blood pressure levels and reducing the risk of complications associated with hypertension. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because reducing sodium intake, avoiding foods high in potassium, and limiting fluid intake are important dietary modifications for various health conditions, but they are not the priority when it comes to managing hypertension. The primary focus should be on medication adherence to effectively manage hypertension.

5. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being taught breathing exercises by a nurse. What instruction should the nurse include to improve oxygenation?

• A. Use pursed-lip breathing during activities
• B. Use deep breathing exercises after meals
• C. Perform diaphragmatic breathing during exercise
• D. Breathe in short, shallow breaths

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction the nurse should include to improve oxygenation for a client with COPD is to 'Use pursed-lip breathing during activities.' Pursed-lip breathing helps improve oxygenation by slowing down the respiratory rate, reducing the work of breathing, and keeping the airways open. This technique also helps prevent the collapse of small airways during exhalation, allowing for more complete emptying of the lungs. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because deep breathing exercises after meals, diaphragmatic breathing during exercise, and breathing in short, shallow breaths do not specifically target the improvement of oxygenation in individuals with COPD.

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