Nursing Elites

1. An infant has just returned from surgery for placement of a gastrostomy tube as an initial treatment for tracheoesophageal fistula. The mother asks, 'When can the tube be used for feeding?' The nurse's best response would be which of these comments?

• A. "Feedings can begin in 5 to 7 days."
• B. "The use of the feeding tube can begin immediately."
• C. "The stomach contents and air must be drained first."
• D. "The incision healing must be complete before feeding."

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'The stomach contents and air must be drained first.' Before starting feedings through a gastrostomy tube, it is essential to drain the stomach contents and air. This process helps prevent complications and ensures the proper functioning of the tube after placement. Choice A is incorrect because initiating feedings within 5 to 7 days may lead to complications if the stomach is not adequately prepared. Choice B is incorrect as feeding should not begin immediately to allow for proper preparation of the tube and the stomach. Choice D is incorrect because although incision healing is important, draining the stomach contents and air is a more immediate concern to prevent complications.

2. The nurse is assigned to a client with Parkinson's disease. Which findings would the nurse anticipate?

• A. Non-intention tremors and urgency with voiding
• B. Echolalia and a shuffling gait
• C. Muscle spasm and a bent-over posture
• D. Intention tremor and jerky movement of the elbows

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Echolalia (repeating others' words) and a shuffling gait are common symptoms of Parkinson's disease. These symptoms result from the degeneration of the basal ganglia in the brain that controls movement and speech. Choice A is incorrect because non-intention tremors are not typically associated with Parkinson's disease. Choice C is incorrect as muscle spasm and a bent-over posture are not classic manifestations of Parkinson's disease. Choice D is incorrect since intention tremors and jerky movement of the elbows are not characteristic of Parkinson's disease.

3. During the care of a client with Legionnaire's disease, which finding would require the nurse's immediate attention?

• A. Pleuritic pain on inspiration
• B. Dry mucus membranes in the mouth
• C. A decrease in respiratory rate from 34 to 24
• D. Decrease in chest wall expansion

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A decrease in chest wall expansion suggests that the client may be experiencing a serious complication, such as worsening pneumonia or respiratory failure, requiring immediate medical attention. This finding indicates a potential decrease in lung function, which could lead to respiratory distress. Pleuritic pain on inspiration may be related to the disease process but does not indicate an immediate need for intervention. Dry mucus membranes in the mouth may require attention but are not as critical as a decrease in chest wall expansion. A decrease in respiratory rate could be concerning but is not as urgent as a decrease in chest wall expansion, which directly impacts respiratory function.

4. When designing a home health care program for disabled children, which factor should be considered when assessing reimbursement for services from private insurance companies?

• A. greater access to any healthcare provider
• B. allowance for early discharge
• C. concern for the quality of care
• D. approval by the network healthcare provider

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When assessing reimbursement for services from private insurance companies, approval by the network healthcare provider is crucial. This approval ensures that the services provided are within the approved network, allowing for reimbursement. Choices A, B, and C are not directly related to the reimbursement process by private insurance companies. While greater access to any healthcare provider, allowance for early discharge, and concern for the quality of care are important considerations when designing a home health care program, they do not specifically impact the reimbursement process from private insurance companies.

5. The nurse is teaching a group of older adults about medication safety. Which of the following should be included in the teaching?

• A. keeping a list of all medications and dosages
• B. sharing medications with family members if they have the same prescription
• C. stopping medications when symptoms improve
• D. doubling up on missed doses

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: keeping a list of all medications and dosages. Maintaining a comprehensive list of medications and their dosages is essential for older adults to prevent medication errors and dangerous interactions. Choice B is incorrect because sharing medications, even if family members have the same prescription, can lead to unintended adverse effects or inappropriate dosages. Choice C is incorrect as stopping medications when symptoms improve can be harmful if the full course of treatment is not completed. Choice D is incorrect as doubling up on missed doses can result in overdosing and adverse reactions.

Similar Questions