Nursing Elites

1. During the infusion of a second unit of packed red blood cells, the client's temperature increases from 99 to 101.6 F. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Stop the transfusion and start a saline infusion.
• B. Administer antipyretics and continue the transfusion.
• C. Monitor the client’s vital signs every 15 minutes.
• D. Notify the healthcare provider and continue the transfusion.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An increase in temperature during a transfusion may indicate a transfusion reaction, which can be serious. Stopping the transfusion and starting a saline infusion is the priority action to prevent further complications and address the potential adverse reaction. Administering antipyretics (choice B) may mask the symptoms of a transfusion reaction, delaying appropriate treatment. While monitoring vital signs (choice C) is important, stopping the transfusion takes precedence to prevent harm. Notifying the healthcare provider (choice D) is essential but should not delay the immediate intervention of stopping the transfusion and starting a saline infusion.

2. In assessing an adult client with a partial rebreather mask, the nurse notes that the oxygen reservoir bag does not deflate completely during inspiration and the client's respiratory rate is 14 breaths/minute. What action should the nurse implement?

• A. Encourage the client to take deep breaths
• B. Remove the mask to deflate the bag
• C. Increase the liter flow of oxygen
• D. Document the assessment data

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to implement is to document the assessment data. In this scenario, the findings indicate that the partial rebreather mask is functioning correctly as the reservoir bag should not deflate completely during inspiration. Additionally, the client's respiratory rate of 14 breaths/minute falls within the normal range. There is no need to encourage the client to take deep breaths, as the respiratory rate is normal, and doing so may disrupt the client's breathing pattern. Removing the mask to deflate the bag or increasing the liter flow of oxygen are unnecessary actions based on the assessment findings.

3. The nurse plans to administer a scheduled dose of metoprolol (Toprol SR) at 0900 to a client with hypertension. At 0800, the nurse notes that the client's telemetry pattern shows a second-degree heart block with a ventricular rate of 50. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Administer the Toprol immediately and monitor the client until the heart rate increases.
• B. Provide the dose of Toprol as scheduled and assign a UAP to monitor the client's BP q30 minutes.
• C. Give the Toprol as scheduled if the client's systolic blood pressure reading is greater than 180.
• D. Hold the scheduled dose of Toprol and notify the healthcare provider of the telemetry pattern.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In clients with second-degree heart block, beta blockers such as metoprolol (Toprol SR) are contraindicated as they can further decrease the heart rate. Administering metoprolol in this situation can lead to serious complications. The correct action for the nurse to take is to hold the scheduled dose of Toprol and promptly notify the healthcare provider of the telemetry pattern. This ensures patient safety and appropriate management of the cardiac condition. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because administering Toprol despite the heart block can worsen the condition and pose a risk to the client's health.

4. A client with hyperthyroidism is admitted to the postoperative unit after subtotal thyroidectomy. Which of the client's serum laboratory values requires intervention by the nurse?

• A. Total calcium 5.0 mg/dL.
• B. Serum sodium 140 mEq/L.
• C. Serum potassium 4.0 mEq/L.
• D. Serum glucose 90 mg/dL.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A calcium level of 5.0 mg/dL is critically low and could indicate hypoparathyroidism, a possible complication after thyroidectomy. Low calcium levels can lead to tetany, seizures, and cardiac dysrhythmias, requiring immediate intervention. Choices B, C, and D fall within the normal range and do not require immediate intervention in this scenario.

5. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted with pneumonia. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Administer oxygen therapy as prescribed.
• B. Elevate the head of the bed.
• C. Obtain a sputum culture.
• D. Administer antibiotics as prescribed.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a client with COPD admitted with pneumonia, the priority intervention should be to administer oxygen therapy as prescribed. This is crucial to improve oxygenation, especially in a client with compromised respiratory function. Elevating the head of the bed can help with breathing but is secondary to ensuring adequate oxygenation. Obtaining a sputum culture and administering antibiotics are important steps in the treatment of pneumonia but come after ensuring adequate oxygen supply.

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