Nursing Elites

1. How does the pain of a myocardial infarction (MI) differ from stable angina?

• A. Accompanied by shortness of breath
• B. Feelings of fear or anxiety
• C. Lasts about 3-5 minutes
• D. Relieved by taking nitroglycerin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The pain of an MI is often accompanied by shortness of breath and feelings of fear or anxiety. It typically lasts longer than 15 minutes and is not relieved by nitroglycerin. Unlike stable angina, the pain of an MI occurs without a known cause such as exertion.

2. A client has burns to his face, ears, and eyelids. What is the priority finding for the nurse to report to the provider?

• A. Urinary output of 25 mL/hr
• B. Difficulty swallowing
• C. Heart rate of 122/min
• D. Pain level of 6 on a scale of 0 to 10

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client has burns involving the face, ears, and eyelids, the priority finding to report to the provider is difficulty swallowing. This symptom could indicate potential airway compromise or swelling in the throat, which can lead to serious complications. Monitoring and addressing this issue promptly is crucial to ensure the client's airway remains patent and secure.

3. A client has a newly inserted chest drainage system with a water seal. Which of the following actions should be taken?

• A. Clamp the tube when the client is ambulating.
• B. Keep the collection device below the level of the client's chest.
• C. Carefully coil the tubes to prevent kinking.
• D. Position the client flat to avoid leaks in the tubing.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Keeping the collection device below the level of the client's chest ensures proper drainage and prevents backflow of fluid into the patient's chest. This position allows gravity to assist in the drainage process. Clamping the tube when the client is ambulating can cause a buildup of pressure in the chest drainage system, potentially leading to complications. Carefully coiling the tubes is important to prevent obstructions and kinks that could impede the flow of drainage. Positioning the client flat may not be ideal as it could hinder proper drainage and increase the risk of leaks in the tubing.

4. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving nutrition education. Which nutrition information should the nurse include in this client's teaching? (Select ONE that does not apply)

• A. Avoid drinking fluids just before and during meals.
• B. Rest before meals if you have dyspnea.
• C. Have about six small meals a day.
• D. Eat high-fiber foods to promote gastric emptying.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Avoiding drinking fluids just before and during meals helps prevent bloating in clients with COPD. Resting before meals if experiencing dyspnea can aid in improving breathing during meals. Having approximately six small meals a day can reduce bloating and help with easier digestion. However, consuming high-fiber foods to promote gastric emptying is not advisable for clients with COPD, as fibrous foods can lead to gas production, abdominal bloating, and increased shortness of breath. Clients with COPD should focus on increasing calorie and protein intake to prevent malnourishment. Increasing carbohydrate intake should also be avoided, as it can raise carbon dioxide production and worsen dyspnea.

5. A post-anesthesia care unit nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a thoracotomy and lobectomy. Which of the following postoperative assessments should the nurse give the highest priority to?

• A. Arterial blood gases
• B. Urinary output
• C. Chest tube drainage
• D. Pain level

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Arterial blood gases are crucial to assess postoperatively in a client who has undergone thoracotomy and lobectomy to monitor oxygenation and ventilation status. Changes in arterial blood gases can indicate respiratory complications or inadequate gas exchange, which are critical issues that need prompt intervention to prevent further complications. While urinary output, chest tube drainage, and pain level are important assessments, monitoring arterial blood gases takes precedence in this specific postoperative scenario to ensure optimal respiratory function and overall patient well-being.

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