Nursing Elites

1. A patient in metabolic alkalosis is admitted to the emergency department, and pulse oximetry indicates that the O2 saturation is 94%. Which action should the nurse take next?

• A. Administer bicarbonate.
• B. Complete a head-to-toe assessment.
• C. Place the patient on high-flow oxygen.
• D. Obtain repeat arterial blood gases (ABGs).

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a patient with metabolic alkalosis and an O2 saturation of 94%, placing the patient on high-flow oxygen is the correct action. Even though the O2 saturation seems adequate, metabolic alkalosis causes a left shift in the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve, reducing oxygen delivery to tissues. Therefore, providing high-flow oxygen can help compensate for this. Administering bicarbonate would exacerbate the alkalosis. While completing a head-to-toe assessment and obtaining repeat ABGs are important interventions, the priority in this scenario is to improve oxygen delivery by placing the patient on high-flow oxygen.

2. The nurse caring for Mrs. J is prepared to suction her endotracheal tube. Which of the following interventions will reduce hypoxia during this procedure?

• A. Hyperoxygenate Mrs. J for up to 60 seconds prior to starting
• B. Administer 15 mL of sterile fluid into the tube prior to suctioning
• C. Suction for no longer than 30 seconds at a time
• D. Wait 30 seconds after suctioning before attempting again

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Before suctioning a client's endotracheal tube, it is essential to hyperoxygenate the client for approximately 30 to 60 seconds. Hyperoxygenation helps increase oxygen delivery to the tissues, reducing the risk of hypoxia during and after the suctioning procedure. Administering fluid into the tube before suctioning (Choice B) is unnecessary and can lead to complications. Suctioning for no longer than 30 seconds at a time (Choice C) is a general guideline but does not specifically address reducing hypoxia. Waiting 30 seconds after suctioning before attempting again (Choice D) may lead to inadequate oxygenation and potential hypoxia, making it less effective in preventing this complication compared to hyperoxygenation prior to suctioning.

3. A newborn infant in the nursery has developed vomiting, poor feeding, lethargy, and respiratory distress, and has been diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis. Which of the following nursing interventions is most appropriate for this infant?

• A. Feed the infant 30 cc of sterile water
• B. Position the infant on his back
• C. Administer antibiotics as ordered
• D. Allow the infant to breastfeed

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious condition characterized by ischemic bowel, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms, lethargy, poor feeding, and respiratory distress. In the management of NEC, it is crucial to stop oral feedings, insert a nasogastric tube for decompression, and administer antibiotics as prescribed by the physician. Therefore, the most appropriate nursing intervention for an infant with NEC is to administer antibiotics as ordered. Choice A, feeding the infant sterile water, is incorrect because oral feedings should be stopped in NEC. Choice B, positioning the infant on his back, is not directly related to the treatment of NEC. Choice D, allowing the infant to breastfeed, is contraindicated in NEC as oral feedings should be ceased to prevent further complications.

4. In which part of the plan of care should a nurse record the item 'Encourage patient to attend one psychoeducational group daily'?

• A. Assessment
• B. Analysis
• C. Planning
• D. Implementation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Implementation.' In the nursing process, implementation involves carrying out the planned interventions to meet the patient's goals. Encouraging the patient to attend a psychoeducational group daily is an intervention aimed at building social skills. Assessment (choice A) is the phase where data about the patient's condition is collected. Analysis (choice B) involves interpreting the gathered data. Planning (choice C) is where the nurse decides on the interventions to address the patient's needs. Therefore, in this scenario, recording the item 'Encourage patient to attend one psychoeducational group daily' would be part of the implementation phase.

5. When assessing a child admitted to the hospital with pyloric stenosis, which symptom would the nurse likely find when asking the parent about the child's symptoms?

• A. Watery diarrhea
• B. Projectile vomiting
• C. Increased urine output
• D. Vomiting large amounts of bile

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In pyloric stenosis, hypertrophy of the circular muscles of the pylorus causes narrowing of the pyloric canal between the stomach and the duodenum. The hallmark symptom of pyloric stenosis is projectile vomiting, which is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents. Other common symptoms include irritability, hunger and crying, constipation, and signs of dehydration. Watery diarrhea (Choice A) is not a typical symptom of pyloric stenosis. Increased urine output (Choice C) is not directly associated with this condition. Vomiting large amounts of bile (Choice D) is not a characteristic symptom of pyloric stenosis; instead, the vomitus in pyloric stenosis is non-bilious.

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