Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is planning a staff education program to review nursing interventions for clients who have kidney failure. Which of the following sources should the nurse identify as the best resource for obtaining evidence-based information?

• A. The advice of an expert nephrology nurse
• B. Retrospective chart reviews
• C. Facility critical pathway
• D. A recent peer-reviewed nursing research article

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A peer-reviewed nursing research article is the best resource for obtaining evidence-based information because it provides the most current and reliable data on nursing interventions. Choice A, the advice of an expert nephrology nurse, may be helpful but could be based on individual experience rather than the latest research. Retrospective chart reviews (Choice B) focus on past cases and may not reflect current best practices. Facility critical pathways (Choice C) offer standardized care plans but may not always incorporate the most up-to-date evidence-based practices.

2. What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient with a new tracheostomy?

• A. Suction the tracheostomy as needed to maintain a patent airway.
• B. Monitor the patient's oxygen saturation.
• C. Provide humidified air to prevent drying of the airway.
• D. Administer pain medication as prescribed.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to suction the tracheostomy as needed to maintain a patent airway. After a tracheostomy procedure, the immediate concern is airway patency to prevent respiratory compromise. Suctioning helps clear secretions and maintains a clear airway, reducing the risk of respiratory distress. Monitoring the patient's oxygen saturation (choice B) is important but not the priority compared to ensuring a clear airway. Providing humidified air (choice C) and administering pain medication (choice D) are also essential aspects of care for a patient with a tracheostomy, but they are not the priority when immediate airway management is required.

3. A nurse is assessing a client following a head injury and a brief loss of consciousness. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 12
• B. Edematous bruise on the forehead
• C. Small drops of clear fluid in the left ear
• D. Pupils are 4 mm and reactive to light

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Clear fluid draining from the ear may indicate a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, which is a serious complication following a head injury. Reporting this finding is crucial as it may require immediate medical intervention to prevent further complications. Choices A, B, and D are not as concerning as a CSF leak. A GCS score of 12 is relatively high, indicating a mild level of consciousness alteration. An edematous bruise on the forehead is a common physical finding after a head injury. Pupils that are 4 mm and reactive to light suggest normal pupillary function.

4. A nurse is caring for a patient who is postoperative day 1 following abdominal surgery. What is the nurse's priority action to prevent complications?

• A. Encourage the patient to perform incentive spirometry.
• B. Assist the patient in ambulating around the unit.
• C. Reposition the patient every 2 hours.
• D. Administer pain medication as prescribed.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to encourage the patient to perform incentive spirometry. Incentive spirometry helps prevent respiratory complications, such as atelectasis, by promoting deep breathing and optimal lung expansion. Ambulating, repositioning, and administering pain medication are important interventions but do not take precedence over preventing respiratory complications in the immediate postoperative period.

5. After a case manager completes a history and physical assessment for a client with COPD, which of the following actions should the case manager take next?

• A. Call the provider with a list of client concerns.
• B. Identify the client's current health needs.
• C. Compile a list of community resources for the client.
• D. Refer the client to a COPD support group.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: After completing a history and physical assessment for a client with COPD, the next step for the case manager should be to call the provider with a list of client concerns. This is crucial as the provider needs to be informed about any issues or changes in the client's health status to ensure appropriate management. Identifying the client's current health needs, as mentioned in option B, is important but would typically follow after communicating the client's concerns to the provider. Compiling a list of community resources (option C) and referring the client to a COPD support group (option D) are also valuable actions but are not the immediate next steps after completing the assessment.

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