Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is planning care for a client who has a chest tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to ensure proper functioning of the chest tube?

• A. Clamp the chest tube intermittently.
• B. Keep the drainage system below chest level.
• C. Empty the drainage chamber every 4 hours.
• D. Apply sterile gauze around the insertion site daily.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To ensure proper functioning of a chest tube, the nurse should keep the drainage system below chest level. This position allows for proper drainage by gravity and prevents backflow into the pleural space. Clamping the chest tube intermittently can lead to a buildup of pressure and should be avoided. Emptying the drainage chamber every 4 hours is important but not directly related to maintaining the chest tube's function. Applying sterile gauze around the insertion site daily is essential for infection prevention but does not specifically ensure the proper functioning of the chest tube.

2. In the nursing process, the evaluation phase is used to determine:

• A. Value of the nursing intervention
• B. Accuracy of problem identification
• C. Quality of the plan of care
• D. Degree of outcome achievement

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The evaluation phase of the nursing process is used to determine the degree of outcome achievement. It assesses whether the goals and outcomes set during the planning phase were met. Choice A is incorrect because it focuses on the worth of the intervention rather than the achievement of outcomes. Choice B is incorrect as it pertains to the assessment phase where problems are identified. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to the planning phase where the care plan is developed, not evaluated.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who reports burning around the peripheral IV site. Which finding should the nurse identify as a manifestation of infiltration?

• A. Redness at the site
• B. Warmth around the site
• C. Edema
• D. Pain at the site

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Edema at the IV site indicates that IV solution has leaked into the extravascular tissue, which is a sign of infiltration. Redness, warmth, and pain at the site are more indicative of phlebitis, not infiltration. Phlebitis is characterized by redness, warmth, and pain along the vein where the IV is placed, while infiltration involves the leaking of IV fluids into the surrounding tissue.

4. While assessing four clients, which client data should be reported to the provider?

• A. Client with pleurisy who reports a pain level of 6 out of 10 when coughing
• B. Client with 110 mL of serosanguineous fluid from a JP drain
• C. Client 4 hours postoperative with a heart rate of 98 bpm
• D. Client undergoing chemotherapy with an absolute neutrophil count of 75/mm³

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An absolute neutrophil count of 75/mm³ is critically low and places the client at high risk for infection, necessitating immediate intervention. Neutropenia increases susceptibility to infections, making it essential to report this finding promptly. The other options, such as pain level in pleurisy, drainage amount from a drain, and heart rate postoperatively, are important but do not indicate an immediate life-threatening condition that requires urgent provider notification.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has been prescribed methadone. Which of the following client statements indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I understand methadone slows my breathing.
• B. I understand methadone may cause me to have trouble sleeping.
• C. I will avoid alcohol while I’m taking this medication.
• D. I’ll change positions slowly, especially when standing.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because methadone typically causes sedation and respiratory depression, not trouble sleeping. The statement about trouble sleeping indicates a need for further teaching. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because understanding that methadone slows breathing, avoiding alcohol while taking the medication, and changing positions slowly to prevent dizziness are all appropriate client statements when prescribed methadone.

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