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. Which term is best described as a systematic, rational method of planning and providing nursing care for individuals, families, groups, and communities?

• A. Assessment
• B. Nursing Process
• C. Diagnosis
• D. Implementation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nursing Process. The nursing process is a systematic, rational method that guides nurses in planning and delivering patient care. It involves a series of steps including assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. By utilizing the nursing process, nurses can provide individualized care tailored to the specific needs of patients, families, groups, and communities. Choice A, Assessment, is a step within the nursing process but does not encompass the entire process itself. Choice C, Diagnosis, is another step within the nursing process and focuses on identifying the patient's health problems. Choice D, Implementation, is also a step in the nursing process where the care plan is put into action, but it does not solely describe the entire systematic and rational method of planning and providing nursing care.

3. Which of the following is a sign or symptom of a hemolytic reaction to a blood transfusion?

• A. Hemoglobinuria
• B. Chest pain
• C. Urticaria
• D. Distended neck veins

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hemoglobinuria is a characteristic sign of a hemolytic reaction to a blood transfusion. Hemolytic reactions can lead to the destruction of red blood cells, causing the release of hemoglobin into the urine, which presents as hemoglobinuria. Chest pain, urticaria, and distended neck veins are not specific signs of a hemolytic reaction and may be associated with other conditions or reactions.

4. A client had oral surgery following a motor vehicle accident. The nurse assessing the client finds the skin flushed and warm. Which of the following would be the best method to take the client’s body temperature?

• A. Oral
• B. Axillary
• C. Arterial line
• D. Rectal

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In cases where the oral route is contraindicated due to oral surgery or altered consciousness, the rectal method is preferred for the most accurate body temperature reading. This method is particularly useful when the skin is flushed and warm, as it provides a reliable reflection of core body temperature despite external factors affecting the skin temperature. Axillary temperature may not be as accurate as rectal temperature due to variations caused by environmental factors and technique. Arterial line temperature monitoring is invasive and not typically used for routine temperature assessment.

5. If a patient asks the nurse for her opinion about a particular physician and the nurse replies that the physician is incompetent, the nurse could be held liable for:

• A. Slander
• B. Libel
• C. Assault
• D. Respondent superior

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, if the nurse makes a false verbal statement about the physician being incompetent, it is considered slander. Slander is the act of making defamatory spoken statements or gestures. Libel, on the other hand, refers to defamatory statements that are written or published. Assault involves the threat of physical harm, and respondent superior is a legal doctrine holding an employer responsible for the actions of an employee in the course of employment.

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