Nursing Elites

1. During the beginning shift assessment of a client with asthma who is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 liters per minute, the nurse would be most concerned about which unreported finding?

• A. Pulse oximetry reading of 89%
• B. Crackles at the base of the lungs on auscultation
• C. Rapid shallow respirations with intermittent wheezes
• D. Excessive thirst with a dry cracked tongue

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Rapid, shallow respirations with intermittent wheezes are concerning as they indicate a potential worsening of the client's asthma. This finding suggests airway narrowing, which can lead to respiratory failure. Immediate intervention is required to address this respiratory distress. A pulse oximetry reading of 89% is low and indicates hypoxemia, but the respiratory pattern described in option C takes priority as it directly reflects the client's respiratory status. Crackles at the base of the lungs suggest fluid accumulation, which is important but not as immediately critical as the respiratory distress in asthma. Excessive thirst and a dry cracked tongue may indicate dehydration, which is relevant but not as urgent as the respiratory compromise presented in option C.

2. The Food Fortification Act of 2000 provides for the mandatory fortification of staple foods, which includes:

• A. Flour with iron
• B. Refined sugar with iron
• C. Cooking oil with vitamin A
• D. Rice with vitamin A

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Flour with iron. The Food Fortification Act of 2000 mandates the fortification of flour with iron to address iron deficiency in the population. Refined sugar is not typically fortified with iron, making choice B incorrect. While cooking oil fortification with vitamin A is common in some regions, it is not specified under the Food Fortification Act of 2000, rendering choice C incorrect. Similarly, rice fortification with vitamin A is not included in the mandatory fortification list according to the act, making choice D incorrect.

3. When discussing hypothyroidism and treatment with the family of a newborn, the nurse should emphasize

• A. Expecting mental retardation in the child is likely
• B. Administering thyroid hormone can prevent problems
• C. This rare problem is always hereditary
• D. Physical growth/development will be delayed

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Administering thyroid hormone to a newborn diagnosed with hypothyroidism can prevent developmental delays and mental retardation. This treatment is crucial to ensure optimal growth and development. Choice A is incorrect because with prompt treatment, mental retardation can be prevented. Choice C is incorrect as hypothyroidism can also be acquired and not only hereditary. Choice D is incorrect as physical growth and development can be supported through timely administration of thyroid hormone.

4. A client with a fractured femur is in Buck's traction. The nurse should assess for which of the following complications?

• A. Foot drop
• B. Urinary retention
• C. Constipation
• D. Muscle spasms

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Foot drop is a potential complication of prolonged immobility and improper positioning in traction. In Buck's traction, the lower extremity is suspended to immobilize and align the fractured femur. Prolonged suspension of the leg in traction can lead to nerve damage, specifically to the common peroneal nerve, resulting in foot drop. Urinary retention, constipation, and muscle spasms are not directly associated with Buck's traction and a fractured femur.

5. The nurse is caring for a client on mechanical ventilation. When performing endotracheal suctioning, the nurse will avoid hypoxia by

• A. Inserting a fenestrated catheter with a whistle tip without suction
• B. Completing the suction pass in 30 seconds with a pressure of 150 mm Hg
• C. Hyperoxygenating with 100% O2 for 1 to 2 minutes before and after each suction pass
• D. Minimizing the suction pass to 60 seconds while slowly rotating the lubricated catheter

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hyperoxygenating the client before and after suctioning helps prevent hypoxia by ensuring adequate oxygen levels during the procedure, which briefly interrupts the client's normal breathing pattern. Choice A is incorrect because inserting a fenestrated catheter with a whistle tip without suction would not prevent hypoxia. Choice B is incorrect as completing the suction pass in 30 seconds with a pressure of 150 mm Hg may lead to hypoxia. Choice D is incorrect as minimizing the suction pass to 60 seconds may not provide enough time for effective suctioning and could lead to hypoxia.

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