Nursing Elites

1. Mr. Y had surgery two days ago and is recovering on the surgical unit of the hospital. Just before lunch, he develops chest pain and difficulties with breathing. His respiratory rate is 32/minute, his temperature is 100.8°F, and he has rales on auscultation. Which of the following nursing interventions is most appropriate in this situation?

• A. Place the client in the Trendelenburg position
• B. Contact the physician for an order for antibiotics
• C. Administer oxygen therapy
• D. Decrease his IV rate

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Chest pain, dyspnea, tachypnea, mild fever, and rales or crackles on auscultation in a client who had surgery 2 days ago may be indicative of a pulmonary embolism. The nurse should administer oxygen to address his breathing and assist him to a comfortable position to facilitate better oxygenation before contacting the physician. Placing the client in the Trendelenburg position is not recommended in this situation as it may worsen a potential pulmonary embolism by increasing venous return. Contacting the physician for antibiotics is not the priority as the immediate concern is addressing the breathing difficulty. Decreasing the IV rate is not indicated in this situation where the client is experiencing respiratory distress and needs oxygen therapy.

2. Becky is a 17-year-old type I diabetic who has been admitted for her third episode of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) since being diagnosed last year. She states that she hates feeling different from her friends and refuses to take her insulin as recommended. What would be the most helpful action for Becky?

• A. Scolding her for not taking her insulin
• B. Recommending that she use an insulin pump
• C. Contacting the local support group for diabetic teens
• D. Telling her parents they must provide more strict oversight

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Contacting the local support group for diabetic teens would be the most helpful action for Becky. By reaching out to see if another diabetic teenager could provide support, Becky would have the opportunity to connect with someone in her peer group who faces similar challenges. This connection can help reduce her sense of isolation and the feeling of being 'different.' Choice A, 'Scolding her for not taking her insulin,' is inappropriate and could further alienate Becky. It does not address the underlying emotional issues driving her behavior. Choice B, 'Recommending that she use an insulin pump,' does not directly address Becky's emotional struggle with feeling different from her friends. While an insulin pump may be a helpful tool, it does not tackle the root cause of her non-compliance. Choice D, 'Telling her parents they must provide more strict oversight,' focuses on imposing stricter control without addressing Becky's emotional needs or offering peer support, which may not be effective in improving her insulin adherence in the long term.

3. The mother of a 2-month-old infant brings the child to the clinic for a well-baby check. She is concerned because she feels only one testis in the scrotal sac. Which of the following statements about the undescended testis is the most accurate?

• A. Normally, the testes descend by one year of age.
• B. The infant will likely require surgical intervention.
• C. The infant likely has only one testis.
• D. Normally, the testes are descended by birth.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is that normally, the testes descend by one year of age. In young infants, it is common for the testes to retract into the inguinal canal when the environment is cold or the cremasteric reflex is stimulated. The exam should be done in a warm room with warm hands. It is most likely that both testes are present and will descend by a year. Option B is incorrect as not all cases of undescended testes require surgical intervention. Option C is incorrect because feeling only one testis does not necessarily mean the infant only has one testis. Option D is inaccurate as the testes do not normally descend by birth, but rather by one year of age. If the testes do not descend by one year, a full assessment will be needed to determine the appropriate treatment.

4. Choose the BEST answer. To ensure adequate protection for legal issues, offices should maintain patients' charts for:

• A. 10 years
• B. Forever
• C. Until the age of majority
• D. 2 years after the patient was last seen in the office

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Forever.' Maintaining patients' charts indefinitely ensures comprehensive legal protection by having all relevant information available in case of litigation or if patient history needs to be referenced in the future. Choice A, '10 years,' may not be sufficient to cover the entire period within which legal issues may arise. Choice C, 'Until the age of majority,' is not ideal as legal matters may extend beyond this age limit. Choice D, '2 years after the patient was last seen in the office,' is inadequate as legal actions can occur beyond this timeframe, necessitating the need for long-term retention of patient charts.

5. What is the highest priority for post ECT care?

• A. Observe for confusion
• B. Monitor respiratory status
• C. Reorient to time, place, and person
• D. Document the client's response to the treatment

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The highest priority for post ECT care is to monitor respiratory status. This is crucial because a life-threatening side effect of ECT is respiratory arrest. While observing for confusion and reorienting the client are important aspects of post ECT care, they are not as critical as ensuring the client's respiratory status is stable. Documenting the client's response to treatment is also important for maintaining accurate medical records, but it is not the highest priority immediately post ECT.

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