Nursing Elites

1. A client experiencing acute dyspnea and diaphoresis reports anxiety and difficulty breathing. Vital signs include HR 117/min, respirations 38/min, temperature 38.4 C (101.2 F), and blood pressure 100/54 mm Hg. What should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Notify the provider.
• B. Administer heparin via IV infusion.
• C. Administer oxygen therapy.
• D. Obtain a spiral CT scan.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a client with acute dyspnea, diaphoresis, tachycardia, tachypnea, fever, and hypotension, the priority is to ensure adequate oxygenation. Administering oxygen therapy helps improve oxygenation levels and stabilize the client's condition. This intervention takes precedence over notifying the provider, administering heparin, or obtaining a CT scan, as oxygen therapy addresses the client's immediate need for respiratory support.

2. Which of the following procedures always requires surgical asepsis?

• A. Vaginal instillation of conjugated estrogen
• B. Urinary catheterization
• C. Nasogastric tube insertion
• D. Colostomy irrigation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Surgical asepsis, which involves maintaining a sterile field and preventing contamination in a surgical setting, is required for urinary catheterization as it involves entering a sterile body cavity. Vaginal instillation of conjugated estrogen, nasogastric tube insertion, and colostomy irrigation do not always require surgical asepsis as they involve different levels of sterility and infection control measures.

3. A client in labor is receiving oxytocin. Which of the following findings indicates that the nurse should increase the rate of infusion?

• A. Urine output of 20 ml/hr.
• B. Montevideo units constantly at 300 mm Hg.
• C. FHR pattern showing absent variability.
• D. Contractions occurring every 5 minutes and lasting 30 seconds.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Montevideo units measure the strength and frequency of contractions during labor. A consistent Montevideo units reading of 300 mm Hg or higher is indicative of effective uterine contractions. In this scenario, an increase in the rate of oxytocin infusion may be warranted to further augment contractions and promote progress in labor. The other options, such as low urine output, absent variability in fetal heart rate, and short contractions, do not directly correlate with the need for an increase in oxytocin infusion rate.

4. When is sterile technique used?

• A. During strict isolation procedures
• B. After terminal disinfection is performed
• C. For invasive procedures
• D. When protective isolation is necessary

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Sterile technique is utilized during invasive procedures to prevent the introduction of pathogens, minimizing the risk of infections. This strict approach ensures that the procedure is performed in a sterile environment, reducing the chances of contamination and subsequent complications.

5. A healthcare provider is reviewing the laboratory report of a client who has been taking lithium carbonate for the past 12 months. The provider notes a lithium level of 0.8 mEq/L. Which of the following orders from the provider should the healthcare provider expect?

• A. Withhold the next dose
• B. Increase the dosage
• C. Discontinue the medication
• D. Administer the medication

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A lithium level of 0.8 mEq/L falls within the therapeutic range for maintaining the drug's effectiveness while minimizing toxicity. Therefore, the appropriate action would be to continue administering the medication as prescribed by the healthcare provider to maintain the therapeutic effect for the client.

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