Nursing Elites

1. A client with asthma is prescribed a corticosteroid inhaler. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Use the inhaler as needed for acute symptoms.
• B. Rinse the mouth after each use.
• C. Take the medication only during asthma attacks.
• D. Administer a bronchodilator after using the corticosteroid.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction is to rinse the mouth after each use of a corticosteroid inhaler to prevent oral candidiasis (thrush). Choice A is incorrect because corticosteroid inhalers are usually used on a regular schedule to control asthma symptoms, not just for acute symptoms. Choice C is incorrect as corticosteroid inhalers are typically used for long-term management, not just during asthma attacks. Choice D is incorrect as administering a bronchodilator after using a corticosteroid is not a standard practice and is not necessary for the effectiveness of the corticosteroid inhaler.

2. A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a female client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Perform perineal care before the procedure.
• B. Apply sterile gloves before cleansing the perineal area.
• C. Place the client in a supine position.
• D. Lubricate the catheter with alcohol-based gel.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Before inserting an indwelling urinary catheter for a female client, the nurse should apply sterile gloves before cleansing the perineal area to prevent infection. Performing perineal care before the procedure is incorrect as it should be done after catheter insertion. Placing the client in a side-lying position is not necessary for this procedure. Lubricating the catheter with petroleum jelly is not recommended as it can damage the catheter; using a water-soluble lubricant is preferred.

3. A healthcare professional is reviewing laboratory results for a client who has cirrhosis. Which of the following findings should the professional report to the provider?

• A. Albumin 3.5 g/dL
• B. Bilirubin 1.0 mg/dL
• C. INR 3.0
• D. Ammonia 80 mcg/dL

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An INR of 3.0 is elevated, indicating impaired blood clotting function, which poses a significant risk of bleeding in clients with cirrhosis. This finding should be promptly reported to the provider for further evaluation and management. Choice A (Albumin 3.5 g/dL) is within the normal range and indicates adequate liver synthetic function, so it does not require immediate reporting. Choice B (Bilirubin 1.0 mg/dL) is also within the normal range and typically seen in clients without significant liver dysfunction, so it does not need urgent attention. Choice D (Ammonia 80 mcg/dL) is elevated, but it is not the priority finding in cirrhosis; elevated ammonia levels are associated with hepatic encephalopathy rather than increased bleeding risk.

4. A client with a history of angina reports substernal chest pain that radiates to the left arm. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Administer nitroglycerin sublingually.
• B. Administer 2L of oxygen via nasal cannula.
• C. Administer aspirin 325 mg orally.
• D. Obtain a 12-lead ECG.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a client with a history of angina experiencing chest pain radiating to the left arm, obtaining a 12-lead ECG is the priority action to assess for myocardial infarction. An ECG helps in diagnosing and evaluating the extent of cardiac ischemia or infarction. Administering nitroglycerin, oxygen, or aspirin can follow once the ECG has been performed to confirm the diagnosis and guide further interventions. Administering nitroglycerin sublingually is often appropriate for angina but should not precede the ECG in this urgent scenario. Oxygen therapy and aspirin administration are important interventions but obtaining the ECG takes precedence in assessing for acute cardiac events.

5. A nurse is assessing a newborn's heart rate. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Auscultate the apical pulse and count for 1 minute
• B. Place a sensor on the index finger
• C. Heat the skin prior to placing the probe
• D. Recheck after 10 minutes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Auscultating the apical pulse and counting for one minute is the appropriate method to accurately measure a newborn's heart rate. The apical pulse is located at the point of maximum impulse (PMI), which is usually at the fourth or fifth intercostal space along the mid-clavicular line. This method allows for a precise assessment of the newborn's heart rate. Choice B, placing a sensor on the index finger, is incorrect because this method is more suitable for measuring oxygen saturation rather than heart rate. Choice C, heating the skin prior to placing the probe, is unnecessary for assessing heart rate and may lead to potential burns in newborns. Choice D, rechecking after 10 minutes, is not appropriate as immediate assessment and intervention may be required if an abnormal heart rate is detected in a newborn.

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