Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is reviewing ABG laboratory results of a client who is in respiratory distress. The results are pH 7.47, PaCO2 32 mm Hg, and HCO3 22 mm Hg. The healthcare professional should recognize that the client is experiencing which of the following acid-base imbalances?

• A. Respiratory acidosis
• B. Respiratory alkalosis
• C. Metabolic acidosis
• D. Metabolic alkalosis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The ABG results show a high pH (alkalosis) along with low PaCO2 and normal HCO3 levels, indicating respiratory alkalosis. In this condition, there is excessive loss of carbon dioxide (as seen by the low PaCO2) leading to a decrease in carbonic acid concentration and subsequent increase in pH. Metabolic acidosis or alkalosis would involve primary changes in bicarbonate levels, which are not predominant in this case.

2. A healthcare professional is preparing to assess a 2-week-old newborn. Which of the following actions should the professional plan to take?

• A. Obtain the newborn's body temperature using a tympanic thermometer.
• B. FACES pain scale.
• C. Auscultate the newborn's apical pulse for 60 seconds.
• D. Measure the newborn's head circumference over the eyebrows and below the occipital prominence.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Assessing the apical pulse in newborns is important to evaluate their cardiac function. The normal heart rate for a newborn is typically between 100-160 beats per minute. Auscultating the apical pulse for a full 60 seconds allows for an accurate assessment of the newborn's heart rate. This is a crucial component of the newborn assessment to ensure the baby's cardiovascular system is functioning within the expected range.

3. Which of the following techniques involves the sense of sight?

• A. Inspection
• B. Palpation
• C. Percussion
• D. Auscultation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Inspection (Choice A). Inspection is a technique that involves observing the patient using the sense of sight. During inspection, a healthcare provider visually examines the patient for any abnormalities, changes, or specific signs that may help in diagnosing a condition. Palpation (Choice B) involves using the sense of touch to feel for abnormalities. Percussion (Choice C) involves tapping the body to produce sounds that can help identify the underlying structures. Auscultation (Choice D) involves listening to sounds produced by the body, typically using a stethoscope. Therefore, in this context, the technique that specifically involves the sense of sight is Inspection.

4. Which of the following white blood cell (WBC) counts clearly indicates leukocytosis?

• A. 4,500/mm³
• B. 7,000/mm³
• C. 10,000/mm³
• D. 25,000/mm³

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Leukocytosis is defined as an increase in the total white blood cell count. A normal WBC count typically ranges from 4,500 to 10,000/mm³. A WBC count of 25,000/mm³, as indicated in choice D, is significantly higher than the normal range and clearly indicates leukocytosis.

5. The healthcare professional is preparing to take vital signs in an alert client admitted to the hospital with dehydration secondary to vomiting and diarrhea. What is the best method used to assess the client’s temperature?

• A. Oral
• B. Axillary
• C. Radial
• D. Heat-sensitive tape

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most accurate method for assessing temperature in an alert client is the oral method. It provides a more reliable reflection of the body's core temperature compared to axillary or radial methods. In cases of dehydration, it is important to get an accurate temperature reading to monitor the client's condition closely. Axillary temperature may be affected by environmental factors, while radial temperature measurement is not a standard method for assessing core body temperature. Heat-sensitive tape is not a recognized method for assessing body temperature in clinical practice.

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