Nursing Elites

1. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being taught by a nurse about measures to improve breathing. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Use pursed-lip breathing during physical activity
• B. Breathe deeply and quickly during exercise
• C. Avoid using the incentive spirometer
• D. Avoid physical activity to conserve energy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction the nurse should include is to 'Use pursed-lip breathing during physical activity.' Pursed-lip breathing is a technique that helps improve breathing efficiency in individuals with COPD by preventing airway collapse and allowing for better air exchange. Choice B is incorrect because breathing deeply and quickly can lead to hyperventilation and worsen symptoms in COPD patients. Choice C is incorrect because the incentive spirometer is a device used to encourage deep breathing and improve lung function, so it should not be avoided. Choice D is incorrect because physical activity is important for maintaining overall health and should be encouraged in a controlled and appropriate manner for individuals with COPD.

2. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is to start taking digoxin. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I should take this medication with food.
• B. I will contact my provider if my heart rate is below 60 beats per minute.
• C. I should take an antacid with this medication to prevent gastrointestinal upset.
• D. I will need to take this medication for 14 days.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The client should contact their provider if their heart rate drops below 60 beats per minute, as this could indicate digoxin toxicity.

3. A client has developed phlebitis at the IV site. What should the nurse do immediately?

• A. Apply a warm compress over the IV site
• B. Discontinue the IV and notify the provider
• C. Monitor the site for signs of infection
• D. Administer an anti-inflammatory medication

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client develops phlebitis at the IV site, the immediate action the nurse should take is to discontinue the IV and notify the provider. Phlebitis is inflammation of the vein, and if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as infection, thrombosis, or sepsis. Removing the IV line helps prevent further irritation and infection. Applying a warm compress (Choice A) may provide some relief but does not address the root cause. Monitoring for signs of infection (Choice C) is important but not the immediate action needed to address phlebitis. Administering an anti-inflammatory medication (Choice D) may be prescribed by the provider but is not the first step in managing phlebitis.

4. What are the early signs of heart failure in a patient?

• A. Shortness of breath and weight gain
• B. Fatigue and chest pain
• C. Nausea and vomiting
• D. Cough and elevated blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Shortness of breath and weight gain. Early signs of heart failure typically manifest as shortness of breath due to fluid accumulation in the lungs and weight gain due to fluid retention in the body. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Fatigue and chest pain are symptoms commonly associated with heart conditions but are not specific early signs of heart failure. Nausea and vomiting are not typically early signs of heart failure. Cough can be a symptom of heart failure, but it is usually associated with other symptoms like shortness of breath rather than being an isolated early sign. Elevated blood pressure is not an early sign of heart failure; in fact, heart failure is more commonly associated with low blood pressure.

5. How do you assess for dehydration in a pediatric patient?

• A. Check for dry mouth and decreased urine output
• B. Monitor skin turgor and capillary refill
• C. Assess for lethargy and irritability
• D. Monitor blood pressure and heart rate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct! When assessing for dehydration in a pediatric patient, checking for dry mouth and decreased urine output are crucial indicators. Dry mouth indicates reduced fluid intake or dehydration, while decreased urine output suggests decreased renal perfusion secondary to dehydration. Skin turgor and capillary refill are more indicative of perfusion status rather than dehydration specifically. Lethargy and irritability can be present in dehydrated patients but are more general signs of illness. Monitoring blood pressure and heart rate are important in assessing dehydration severity but are not the initial signs used for assessment.

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