Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is preparing to administer a high dose of morphine to a patient with terminal cancer. What is the nurse's primary consideration before administration?

• A. Ensure the family is aware of the dosage to be administered.
• B. Monitor the patient for respiratory depression.
• C. Administer the morphine in divided doses.
• D. Delay administration until the next assessment.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitor the patient for respiratory depression. When administering a high dose of morphine, the nurse's primary consideration should be to monitor the patient for respiratory depression, as morphine can slow down breathing, especially in higher doses. Option A is incorrect because the primary focus should be on the patient's well-being and safety rather than family awareness at this point. Option C is not the best approach as the immediate concern is monitoring the patient closely for any adverse effects. Option D is not advisable as delaying administration without a valid reason can compromise pain management in a terminal cancer patient.

2. A client just had a flexible bronchoscopy. Which of the following nursing actions is appropriate?

• A. Irrigate the client's throat every 4 hours
• B. Withhold food and liquids until the client's gag reflex returns
• C. Suction the client's oropharynx frequently
• D. Have the client refrain from talking for 24 hours

Correct answer: B

Rationale: After a flexible bronchoscopy, it is essential to withhold food and liquids until the client's gag reflex returns. This precaution helps prevent aspiration, as the gag reflex protects the airway from foreign material. Irrigating the client's throat every 4 hours (Choice A) is unnecessary and may increase the risk of aspiration. Suctioning the client's oropharynx frequently (Choice C) can cause trauma and is not indicated unless there is a specific medical reason for it. Having the client refrain from talking for 24 hours (Choice D) is not necessary after a flexible bronchoscopy.

3. A client is prescribed 1g of potassium phosphate IV to be infused continuously over 6 hr. Available is 1 g in 250 ml of dextrose 5%. What rate should the nurse set the IV pump to run at?

• A. 40 ml/hr
• B. 42 ml/hr
• C. 44 ml/hr
• D. 46 ml/hr

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To calculate the IV rate, divide the total volume by the total time in hours. In this case, 1 g in 250 ml is to be infused over 6 hours. Therefore, 250 ml / 6 hr = 42 ml/hr. This means the IV pump should be set to run at 42 ml/hr. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately calculate the infusion rate based on the provided information.

4. A healthcare provider notices a discrepancy in the narcotics log. What is the appropriate response?

• A. Correct the narcotics log and move on.
• B. Report the discrepancy to the supervisor.
• C. Confront the provider responsible for the discrepancy.
• D. Dispose of the medication and ignore the discrepancy.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a healthcare provider notices a discrepancy in the narcotics log, the appropriate response is to report the issue to the supervisor. Reporting discrepancies is crucial to maintain accountability and prevent potential misuse. Choice A is incorrect because simply correcting the log without addressing the underlying issue does not ensure accountability. Choice C is inappropriate as confronting the provider directly may not be the best approach and could lead to a confrontational situation. Choice D is highly inappropriate as ignoring the discrepancy and disposing of medication without proper documentation can lead to serious consequences.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has not voided for 8 hours following the removal of an indwelling urinary catheter. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Provide assistance to the bathroom
• B. Insert a straight catheter
• C. Increase fluids
• D. Perform a bladder scan

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Performing a bladder scan is the first step to assess bladder retention before any further interventions.

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