Nursing Elites

1. A client has a new prescription for guaifenesin. What information regarding the action of guaifenesin should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Decreases mucus production
• B. Reduces nasal congestion
• C. Increases cough production
• D. Reduces fever

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Increases cough production.' Guaifenesin is an expectorant that works by increasing cough production to help clear secretions from the airways. Option A is incorrect because guaifenesin does not decrease mucus production but rather helps to make the mucus easier to cough up. Option B is incorrect as guaifenesin does not reduce nasal congestion. Option D is incorrect because guaifenesin does not have any effect on reducing fever.

2. A patient has just undergone a tracheostomy. What is the nurse's priority intervention?

• A. Suction the tracheostomy to maintain a patent airway.
• B. Administer pain medication as prescribed.
• C. Change the tracheostomy dressing every 4 hours.
• D. Monitor the patient's oxygen saturation closely.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to suction the tracheostomy to maintain a patent airway. After a tracheostomy, the priority intervention is to ensure a clear airway to prevent respiratory distress. Administering pain medication, changing the tracheostomy dressing, and monitoring oxygen saturation are important but are secondary to maintaining a patent airway in a patient who has just undergone a tracheostomy.

3. A healthcare provider is assessing a patient with dehydration. Which finding indicates the patient's condition is worsening?

• A. Dry mucous membranes.
• B. Tachycardia and low blood pressure.
• C. Bradycardia and shallow respirations.
• D. Clear lung sounds.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Tachycardia and low blood pressure are indicative of worsening dehydration in a patient. Tachycardia is the body's compensatory mechanism to maintain cardiac output in response to decreased intravascular volume, while low blood pressure reflects inadequate perfusion due to decreased fluid levels. Bradycardia and shallow respirations are not typical findings in worsening dehydration, and clear lung sounds do not directly correlate with the severity of dehydration.

4. A client is vomiting, and a nurse is providing care. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Administer an antiemetic to the client
• B. Notify housekeeping
• C. Prevent the client from aspirating
• D. Provide the client with an emesis basin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Preventing aspiration is the priority when caring for a client who is vomiting to reduce the risk of pneumonia or other respiratory complications. Aspiration can occur when vomitus enters the airway, leading to respiratory distress. Ensuring the airway is protected during vomiting episodes is essential. Administering an antiemetic (Choice A) can be considered after addressing the immediate risk of aspiration. Notifying housekeeping (Choice B) and providing an emesis basin (Choice D) are important but are secondary to preventing aspiration, which is crucial for the client's safety and well-being.

5. A patient with heart failure has gained 5 pounds in the last 3 days. What is the nurse's priority intervention?

• A. Restrict the patient's fluid intake.
• B. Monitor the patient's daily weight.
• C. Administer diuretics as prescribed.
• D. Increase the patient's salt intake to promote fluid balance.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the patient's daily weight. In heart failure, sudden weight gain indicates fluid retention, which can worsen the condition. Monitoring daily weight helps in early detection of fluid accumulation, allowing timely intervention. Restricting fluid intake (choice A) may be necessary but is not the priority at this point. Administering diuretics (choice C) should be done based on healthcare provider orders, not the nurse's independent decision. Increasing salt intake (choice D) is contraindicated in heart failure as it can exacerbate fluid retention.

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