Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer a dose of hydrocodone. Which of the following should the healthcare professional assess first?

• A. Respiratory rate
• B. Blood pressure
• C. Pain level
• D. Heart rate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When administering hydrocodone, a healthcare professional should assess the respiratory rate first because hydrocodone is an opioid that can lead to respiratory depression. Monitoring the respiratory rate helps to detect any signs of respiratory distress or depression early on. Assessing blood pressure, pain level, or heart rate is also important but not the priority when administering hydrocodone, as the risk of respiratory depression is a more critical concern.

2. A nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Obtain the client's consent
• B. Verify the blood type and crossmatch
• C. Take baseline vital signs
• D. Prime the IV with normal saline

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action the nurse should take when preparing to administer a blood transfusion is to verify the blood type and crossmatch. This step is crucial to ensure compatibility and prevent transfusion reactions. Obtaining the client's consent is important but should follow the verification process. Taking baseline vital signs is necessary before starting the transfusion, but confirming compatibility takes precedence. Priming the IV with normal saline is a step done before starting the transfusion, after ensuring blood compatibility.

3. A nurse is caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which of the following should the nurse assess for?

• A. Respiratory rate
• B. Chest pain
• C. Use of accessory muscles
• D. Oxygen saturation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a client with COPD, the nurse should assess for the use of accessory muscles. This is important because COPD can lead to increased work of breathing, causing the client to engage accessory muscles to help with respiration. Assessing for the use of accessory muscles provides crucial information about the client's respiratory effort. Respiratory rate (Choice A) is a standard assessment parameter but may not specifically indicate the severity of COPD. Chest pain (Choice B) is not typically associated with COPD unless there are complicating factors. Oxygen saturation (Choice D) is essential to monitor in COPD clients, but assessing for the use of accessory muscles takes priority as it directly reflects the client's respiratory status in COPD.

4. A client with burn injuries covering their upper body is concerned about their altered appearance. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

• A. “It is okay to not want to touch the burned areas of your body.”
• B. “Cosmetic surgery should be performed within the next year to be effective.”
• C. “Reconstructive surgery can completely restore your previous appearance.”
• D. “It could be helpful for you to attend a support group for people who have burn injuries.”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should encourage the client to attend a support group for individuals with burn injuries. Support groups can provide emotional support, promote acceptance of altered appearance, and help the client cope with the changes. Choice A is incorrect because it may not address the client's emotional needs. Choice B is incorrect as suggesting a timeline for cosmetic surgery may not be appropriate without considering the client's physical and emotional readiness. Choice C is incorrect as reconstructive surgery may not completely restore the client's previous appearance and may set unrealistic expectations.

5. A nurse is planning a staff education program to review nursing interventions for patients who have kidney failure. What source should the nurse identify as the best source for obtaining evidence-based practice information?

• A. A recent peer-reviewed nursing research article
• B. A website for a nursing association
• C. A textbook published 5 years ago
• D. An expert opinion from a seasoned nurse

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: A recent peer-reviewed nursing research article. Peer-reviewed research articles provide the most current and reliable evidence-based practice information for clinical care. Choice B, a website for a nursing association, may have valuable information but may not always guarantee the highest level of evidence. Choice C, a textbook published 5 years ago, may not reflect the most up-to-date practices and guidelines. Choice D, an expert opinion from a seasoned nurse, though valuable, is not as reliable as evidence derived from peer-reviewed research articles.

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