Nursing Elites

1. A client with a spinal cord injury at T6 suddenly reports a pounding headache and blurred vision. What action should the nurse take first?

• A. Administer pain medication as ordered.
• B. Check the client's blood pressure.
• C. Place the client in a supine position.
• D. Increase the client's fluid intake.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The client's symptoms of a pounding headache and blurred vision are indicative of autonomic dysreflexia, a potentially life-threatening condition in clients with spinal cord injuries at T6 or above. The nurse's priority action should be to check the client's blood pressure as autonomic dysreflexia can lead to severe hypertension. Identifying and addressing this elevated blood pressure promptly is crucial to prevent serious complications such as seizures, stroke, or even death. Once the blood pressure is assessed and managed, further interventions can be implemented to address the underlying cause of autonomic dysreflexia.

2. A healthcare professional is caring for a client who has just developed a pulmonary embolism. Which of the following medications should the healthcare professional anticipate administering?

• A. Furosemide
• B. Dexamethasone
• C. Heparin
• D. Atropine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the scenario of a pulmonary embolism, the priority medication to administer is Heparin. Heparin is an anticoagulant that helps prevent the formation of new blood clots and the growth of existing ones, which is crucial in managing pulmonary embolism. Furosemide is a diuretic used to treat fluid retention, Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid used for inflammation, and Atropine is an anticholinergic medication used for various purposes such as treating bradycardia.

3. A client is scheduled for a colonoscopy and receiving education from a healthcare provider. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I can have clear liquids up to 2 hours before the procedure.
• B. I need to take a laxative the night before the procedure.
• C. I will be sedated during the procedure.
• D. I should avoid eating solid foods for 24 hours before the procedure.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because clients are typically instructed to avoid solid foods for 12-24 hours before a colonoscopy, not a full 24 hours. This statement indicates a need for further teaching to ensure the client follows the correct dietary instructions for the procedure.

4. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) appears thin and disheveled. Which question should the nurse ask first?

• A. Do you have a strong support system?
• B. What do you understand about your disease?
• C. Do you experience shortness of breath with basic activities?
• D. What medications are you prescribed to take each day?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In clients with severe COPD, shortness of breath can significantly impact their ability to perform basic activities like bathing and eating. Therefore, the nurse's priority should be to assess if shortness of breath is interfering with the client's basic activities, which can provide crucial information for planning and managing care.

5. What should the nurse prioritize when monitoring an older adult client immediately following a bronchoscopy?

• A. Observing for confusion
• B. Auscultating breath sounds
• C. Confirming the gag reflex
• D. Measuring blood pressure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Following a bronchoscopy, the priority for the nurse is to confirm the gag reflex in the older adult client. This is crucial to ensure that the client's airway is protected and free from any obstruction or aspiration. Monitoring the gag reflex helps in preventing complications such as aspiration pneumonia. While auscultating breath sounds, observing for confusion, and measuring blood pressure are important assessments, confirming the gag reflex takes precedence in this situation to maintain airway patency and prevent potential respiratory complications.

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