Nursing Elites

1. A young adult is burned when wearing a shirt that was splashed with lighter fluid and caught on fire while attempting to light a charcoal grill. The client ripped off the shirt immediately, without unbuttoning the sleeves, which caused circumferential burns to both wrists. When the client is admitted, which intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Monitor pulse intensity.
• B. Evaluate extremity sensation.
• C. Assess range of motion.
• D. Place sterile bandage on both wrists.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Monitoring pulse intensity is the priority to ensure circulation is not compromised due to circumferential burns.

2. A client who had a C-5 spinal cord injury 2 years ago is admitted to the emergency department with the diagnosis of autonomic dysreflexia secondary to a full bladder. Which assessment finding should the nurse expect this client to exhibit?

• A. Complaints of chest pain and shortness of breath
• B. Hypotension and venous pooling in the extremities
• C. Profuse diaphoresis and severe, pounding headache
• D. Pain and burning sensation upon urination and hematuria

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Autonomic dysreflexia is a life-threatening condition commonly seen in clients with spinal cord injuries above the T6 level. It is characterized by a sudden onset of excessively high blood pressure due to a noxious stimulus below the level of injury, often a distended bladder. The exaggerated sympathetic response leads to vasoconstriction, resulting in symptoms such as profuse diaphoresis (sweating) and a severe, pounding headache. These symptoms are the body's attempt to lower blood pressure. Complaints of chest pain and shortness of breath (Choice A) are not typical findings in autonomic dysreflexia. Hypotension and venous pooling (Choice B) are opposite manifestations of autonomic dysreflexia, which is characterized by hypertension. Pain and burning sensation upon urination and hematuria (Choice D) are indicative of a urinary tract infection and not specific to autonomic dysreflexia.

3. Which of the following medications is typically used to treat asthma?

• A. Aspirin
• B. Metformin
• C. Albuterol
• D. Lisinopril

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Albuterol. Albuterol is a bronchodilator commonly used to treat asthma by relaxing the muscles around the airways, helping to relieve symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Aspirin (Choice A) is not typically used to treat asthma and can actually trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals. Metformin (Choice B) is a medication for managing type 2 diabetes and is not indicated for asthma treatment. Lisinopril (Choice D) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor primarily used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, not asthma.

4. Upon arrival of a client transferred to the surgical unit, what should the nurse plan to do first?

• A. Assess the patency of the airway
• B. Check tubes and drains for patency
• C. Check the dressing for bleeding
• D. Assess the vital signs to compare them with preoperative measurements

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The initial action for the nurse upon the arrival of a client to the surgical unit is to assess the patency of the airway. This step takes priority to ensure that the client has a clear airway for adequate breathing. Checking tubes and drains for patency, inspecting the dressing for bleeding, and assessing vital signs to compare with preoperative measurements are important subsequent steps in the assessment process. However, ensuring the airway is patent is the immediate priority to maintain the client's respiratory function and overall well-being.

5. In a client with heart failure presenting bilateral +4 edema of the right ankle extending up to midcalf while sitting with legs dependent, what is the priority goal?

• A. Decrease venous congestion.
• B. Maintain normal respirations.
• C. Maintain body temperature.
• D. Prevent injury to lower extremities.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority goal in this scenario is to decrease venous congestion. By elevating the legs above the heart level, venous return is improved, reducing congestion in the lower extremities. This intervention helps decrease swelling and prevents complications such as impaired tissue perfusion. Maintaining normal respirations and body temperature are important aspects of care but are secondary to addressing the immediate issue of venous congestion. Preventing injury to lower extremities is also essential but takes precedence after managing the venous congestion to prevent further complications.

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