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 collecting data from a client who has a newly applied cast to the right lower extremity. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Capillary refill of 1 second
• B. Capillary refill of 5 seconds
• C. Pitting edema
• D. Shortness of breath

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When assessing a client with a newly applied cast, the nurse should expect a capillary refill of approximately 2 seconds, as this indicates adequate circulation. A capillary refill longer than 3 seconds suggests impaired circulation, which is abnormal. Therefore, a capillary refill of 5 seconds is the finding the nurse should expect. Pitting edema and shortness of breath are not typically directly related to a newly applied cast and should not be expected findings in this scenario.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent atelectasis?

• A. Encourage deep breathing exercises
• B. Encourage the client to cough every 2 hours
• C. Administer an incentive spirometer
• D. Assist the client to ambulate in the hallway

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Administer an incentive spirometer. Using an incentive spirometer helps prevent atelectasis by encouraging lung expansion after surgery. Encouraging deep breathing exercises (choice A) is beneficial but may not be as effective as an incentive spirometer. Encouraging the client to cough (choice B) helps with airway clearance but does not directly prevent atelectasis. Assisting the client to ambulate (choice D) is important for preventing complications such as deep vein thrombosis, but it is not the most effective intervention for preventing atelectasis.

4. A charge nurse is teaching new staff members about factors that increase a client's risk of becoming violent. Which of the following risk factors should the nurse include as the best predictor of future violence?

• A. Experiencing delusions.
• B. Male gender.
• C. Previous violent behavior.
• D. A history of being in prison.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Previous violent behavior. This is considered the best predictor of future violent actions as individuals who have a history of violent behavior are more likely to engage in violent acts again. Option A, experiencing delusions, although it can impact behavior, is not as strong of a predictor as past violent behavior. Option B, male gender, is a demographic factor but not as specific or predictive as a history of violence. Option D, a history of being in prison, may indicate past behavior but is not directly linked to future violent actions as a known history of violence.

5. A nurse is preparing to perform a sterile dressing change. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when setting up the sterile field?

• A. Place the cap from the solution sterile side up on a clean surface.
• B. Open the outermost flap of the sterile kit away from the body.
• C. Place the sterile dressing within 1.25 cm (0.5 in) of the edge of the sterile field.
• D. Set up the sterile field 5 cm (2 in) above waist level.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To maintain the sterility of the field, the nurse should place the cap from the solution sterile side up on a clean surface. This action helps prevent contamination. Choice B is incorrect because opening the outermost flap toward the body increases the risk of introducing contaminants onto the sterile field. Choice C is incorrect as the sterile dressing should be placed at least 2.5 cm (1 in) from the edge of the sterile field to prevent accidental contamination. Choice D is incorrect because setting up the sterile field above waist level could lead to inadvertent contact and compromise the field's sterility.

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