Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is planning care for a client who is postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement to prevent respiratory complications?

• A. Encourage the client to ambulate twice daily.
• B. Encourage the client to deep breathe and cough every hour.
• C. Encourage the client to use an incentive spirometer every hour.
• D. Instruct the client to avoid coughing to prevent pain.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Encouraging the client to use an incentive spirometer every hour is crucial to prevent respiratory complications postoperatively. Incentive spirometry helps in lung expansion and prevents atelectasis, which is common after abdominal surgery. Choice A, encouraging ambulation, is important for preventing complications but does not directly address respiratory issues. Choice B, deep breathing and coughing every hour, is also beneficial but not as effective in preventing atelectasis as using an incentive spirometer. Choice D, instructing the client to avoid coughing, is incorrect as coughing helps clear secretions and prevent respiratory complications.

2. What is the best position for a patient in respiratory distress?

• A. Semi-Fowler's position
• B. Trendelenburg position
• C. Prone position
• D. Supine position

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best position for a patient in respiratory distress is the Semi-Fowler's position. This position promotes lung expansion and eases breathing by allowing the chest to expand more fully. The Trendelenburg position (choice B) where the patient's feet are higher than the head is not recommended in respiratory distress as it may cause increased pressure on the chest and reduced lung expansion. The prone position (choice C) lying on the stomach is also not optimal for respiratory distress as it can further compromise breathing. The supine position (choice D) lying flat on the back is not ideal as it may impair breathing by restricting chest expansion.

3. A client is receiving radiation therapy to the head and neck. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

• A. Instruct the client to use an alcohol-free mouthwash.
• B. Apply heat packs to the radiation site.
• C. Provide a diet low in carbohydrates.
• D. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight during treatment.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client receiving radiation therapy to the head and neck is to avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Direct sunlight should be avoided to protect the skin from further irritation and damage caused by the radiation therapy. Instructing the client to use an alcohol-free mouthwash is important to prevent irritation and maintain oral hygiene, making choice A incorrect. Applying heat packs to the radiation site is contraindicated as heat can further aggravate the skin, making choice B incorrect. Providing a diet low in carbohydrates is not directly related to radiation therapy to the head and neck, so choice C is also incorrect.

4. A client with a history of heart failure is receiving furosemide. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor?

• A. Sodium 140 mEq/L
• B. Calcium 9.0 mg/dL
• C. Potassium 3.2 mEq/L
• D. Chloride 100 mEq/L

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Potassium 3.2 mEq/L. A potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L is below the normal range and should be monitored in clients receiving furosemide due to the risk of hypokalemia. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium depletion, leading to hypokalemia. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Choices A, B, and D are not directly impacted by furosemide therapy in the same way as potassium levels, making them less relevant for monitoring in this scenario.

5. What is the best initial action when a patient presents with confusion?

• A. Administer IV fluids
• B. Perform a neurological assessment
• C. Administer electrolytes
• D. Prepare for a CT scan

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a patient presents with confusion, the best initial action is to perform a neurological assessment. This assessment helps in identifying potential causes of confusion such as neurological issues, infections, metabolic abnormalities, or medication side effects. Administering IV fluids (Choice A) may be necessary based on assessment findings, but it is not the first step. Administering electrolytes (Choice C) would also depend on the assessment results. Preparing for a CT scan (Choice D) may be indicated later in the diagnostic process but is not the initial action when a patient presents with confusion.

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