Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is teaching a patient with hypertension about the DASH diet. What is the most important instruction to include?

• A. Increase the patient's intake of fruits and vegetables.
• B. Limit the patient's intake of saturated fats.
• C. Encourage the patient to reduce sodium intake.
• D. Recommend the patient avoid caffeine.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to encourage the patient to reduce sodium intake. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet emphasizes reducing sodium intake to help manage hypertension. While increasing fruits and vegetables (Choice A) is important in the DASH diet, reducing sodium intake is considered more crucial. Limiting saturated fats (Choice B) is beneficial but not as critical as reducing sodium. Avoiding caffeine (Choice D) is not a specific recommendation of the DASH diet for managing hypertension.

2. A patient on mechanical ventilation experiences a sudden drop in oxygen saturation. What should the nurse check first?

• A. Check the ventilator tubing for disconnection.
• B. Increase the patient's oxygen flow.
• C. Perform a full physical assessment.
• D. Reassess the patient's oxygen levels after 5 minutes.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to check the ventilator tubing for disconnection first when a patient on mechanical ventilation experiences a sudden drop in oxygen saturation. This is crucial because equipment malfunction, such as tubing disconnection, can lead to decreased oxygen delivery, resulting in a drop in oxygen saturation. Checking the tubing ensures that the ventilation system is functioning properly and that the patient is receiving the necessary oxygen. Option B is incorrect because increasing oxygen flow without checking for equipment issues may not address the root cause of the drop in saturation. Option C is not the priority in this situation as the immediate focus should be on assessing and ensuring the functioning of the ventilation equipment. Option D delays addressing the potential equipment malfunction, which could worsen the patient's condition if not promptly resolved.

3. A nurse is assessing a client who has asthma. Which of the following areas should the nurse evaluate as the most reliable indicator of central cyanosis?

• A. Oral mucosa
• B. Conjunctivae
• C. Soles of the feet
• D. Ear lobes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Central cyanosis is best assessed by examining the oral mucosa, as it is a more reliable indicator compared to other areas like the conjunctivae, soles of the feet, and ear lobes. The oral mucosa reflects the oxygen saturation levels of the blood more accurately. Conjunctivae and ear lobes may show cyanosis, but they are not as reliable as the oral mucosa. The soles of the feet are not typically used to assess central cyanosis.

4. The nurse is caring for a patient in restraints. Which essential information will the nurse document in the patient's medical record to provide safe care?

• A. Straps with quick-release buckles attached to bed side rails.
• B. Attempts to distract the patient with television are unsuccessful.
• C. Bilateral radial pulses present, 2+, hands warm to the touch.
• D. Released from restraints, active range-of-motion exercises completed.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because documenting bilateral radial pulses being present, 2+, and hands warm to the touch is crucial when caring for a patient in restraints. This information helps in monitoring circulation and assessing the patient's well-being. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not provide essential information related to the patient's safety and well-being while in restraints.

5. Which finding in a postoperative patient requires immediate intervention by the nurse?

• A. Heart rate of 88 beats per minute.
• B. Blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg.
• C. Crackles heard in the lung bases.
• D. Oxygen saturation of 88% on room air.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a postoperative patient, an oxygen saturation level of 88% on room air indicates a significant drop below the normal range, suggesting potential respiratory distress. This finding requires immediate intervention by the nurse to ensure the patient receives adequate oxygenation. A heart rate of 88 beats per minute is within the normal range, making it a less concerning finding. A blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg falls within the normal range for blood pressure and does not require immediate intervention. Crackles heard in the lung bases may indicate fluid accumulation but may not always require immediate intervention unless accompanied by other concerning signs or symptoms.

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