Nursing Elites

1. A nurse manager of a med surge unit is assigning care responsibilities for the oncoming shift. A client is waiting transfer back to the unit from the PACU following thoracic surgery. To which staff member should the nurse assign the client?

• A. Charge nurse
• B. RN
• C. LVN
• D. AP

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: RN. An RN is required for managing post-surgical care in the immediate postoperative period, especially for a client following thoracic surgery. The RN is equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to assess the client's condition, provide complex care, and recognize and respond to any complications that may arise. Assigning the client to the Charge nurse (A) may not be appropriate as the Charge nurse focuses more on administrative and managerial tasks rather than direct patient care. LVNs (C) and APs (D) may have limitations in their scope of practice when it comes to managing post-surgical care following thoracic surgery, which requires a higher level of assessment and intervention that an RN can provide.

2. Which nursing intervention is best for a client with constipation?

• A. Encourage the client to remain in bed to avoid straining
• B. Administer a stool softener as prescribed
• C. Increase fiber intake through dietary changes
• D. Encourage regular exercise to promote bowel movement

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Increasing fiber intake is the most appropriate nursing intervention for a client experiencing constipation. Fiber helps add bulk to the stool, making it easier to pass and promoting regular bowel movements. Encouraging the client to remain in bed may exacerbate constipation by reducing movement and promoting inactivity. While stool softeners can be beneficial, they are typically used as a short-term solution and may not address the underlying issue of low fiber intake. Regular exercise is important for overall bowel health; however, in the immediate management of constipation, increasing fiber intake is the most effective intervention.

3. A client with a chest tube is post-op. What is the priority nursing action?

• A. Clamp the chest tube every 2 hours
• B. Check for air leaks and proper functioning of the chest tube
• C. Encourage deep breathing and coughing every 2 hours
• D. Encourage frequent coughing to clear secretions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to check for air leaks and ensure the proper functioning of the chest tube. This action is crucial post-op to prevent complications such as pneumothorax or hemothorax. Clamping the chest tube every 2 hours (Choice A) is incorrect as it can lead to a buildup of pressure within the chest, risking complications. Encouraging deep breathing and coughing every 2 hours (Choice C) is important for respiratory hygiene but not the priority over ensuring the chest tube's proper function. Encouraging frequent coughing to clear secretions (Choice D) is not the priority when assessing a chest tube post-op; ensuring the chest tube's integrity and function take precedence.

4. A nurse is preparing to administer purified protein derivative (PPD) to a client who has suspected tuberculosis. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

• A. Ensure the injection produces a wheal on the skin
• B. Administer the injection in the client's thigh
• C. Use an intradermal needle for the injection
• D. Avoid touching the site after injection

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ensure the injection produces a wheal on the skin. A wheal indicates that the PPD has been administered correctly, allowing for the proper interpretation of results. Administering the injection in the client's thigh (choice B) is not the recommended site for PPD administration; it should be administered intradermally. Using an 18-gauge needle (choice C) is unnecessary and not the standard practice for PPD administration as a smaller gauge needle is preferred for intradermal injections. Massaging the site after injection (choice D) can lead to inaccurate results by dispersing the solution, so it is important to avoid touching the site after the injection to prevent altering the test results.

5. When caring for a client diagnosed with delirium, which condition is most important for the nurse to investigate?

• A. Cancer of any kind
• B. Impaired hearing
• C. Prescription drug intoxication
• D. Heart failure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When caring for a client diagnosed with delirium, the most important condition for the nurse to investigate is prescription drug intoxication. Delirium can be caused by various factors, and prescription drug intoxication is a common reversible cause. Investigating this factor first is crucial to identify and address the underlying cause promptly. Choices A, B, and D are less likely to be directly associated with delirium compared to prescription drug intoxication. While cancer, impaired hearing, and heart failure can have their complications and effects, they are not typically the primary causes of delirium in a client.

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