Nursing Elites

1. Signs and symptoms of stroke may include all of the following EXCEPT:

• A. Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg.
• B. Sudden confusion.
• C. Sudden headache with no known cause.
• D. Hypotension.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Hypotension is not a typical sign or symptom of an acute stroke. The correct signs and symptoms of a stroke include sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg, sudden confusion, and a sudden headache with no known cause. Hypotension, which refers to low blood pressure, is not a common indicator of a stroke. It is important to differentiate between hypotension and hypertension in the context of stroke symptoms, as hypertension (high blood pressure) is actually a risk factor for strokes. Sudden weakness, numbness, confusion, and headache are signs associated with a stroke due to a disruption in blood flow to the brain. Hypotension, on the other hand, primarily indicates low blood pressure and is not directly linked to the typical presentation of a stroke.

2. Mr. V is receiving treatment for a spinal cord injury after falling off of his deck at home. He has undergone spinal surgery and has been placed in a halo traction device. Which of the following nursing interventions is most appropriate for a client with a spinal cord injury?

• A. Turn the client and use incentive spirometry each shift
• B. Administer stool softeners as ordered
• C. Turn the head slowly to avoid further damage to the spine
• D. Change NPO status

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a client with a spinal cord injury, administering stool softeners as ordered is a crucial nursing intervention. Patients with spinal cord injuries are at higher risk of constipation due to decreased mobility. Stool softeners help prevent constipation and potential fecal impaction. Turning the client and using incentive spirometry each shift can be beneficial for respiratory function but is not the most vital intervention in this scenario. Turning the head slowly to avoid further damage to the spine is important but is not directly related to preventing constipation. Changing NPO status is not relevant to preventing constipation or managing a spinal cord injury.

3. A patient with bacterial pneumonia has rhonchi and thick sputum. What is the nurse's most appropriate action to promote airway clearance?

• A. Assist the patient to splint the chest when coughing.
• B. Teach the patient about the need for fluid intake.
• C. Encourage the patient to wear the nasal oxygen cannula.
• D. Instruct the patient on the pursed lip breathing technique.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Assisting the patient to splint the chest when coughing is the most appropriate action to promote airway clearance in a patient with bacterial pneumonia, rhonchi, and thick sputum. Splinting the chest helps reduce pain during coughing and increases the effectiveness of clearing secretions. Teaching the patient about the need for fluid intake is important as it helps liquefy secretions, aiding in easier clearance. Encouraging the patient to wear a nasal oxygen cannula may improve gas exchange but does not directly promote airway clearance. Instructing the patient on the pursed lip breathing technique is beneficial for improving gas exchange in patients with COPD but does not directly aid in airway clearance in a patient with bacterial pneumonia and thick sputum.

4. A nurse is caring for a patient with peripheral vascular disease (PVD). The patient complains of burning and tingling of the hands and feet and cannot tolerate touch of any kind. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for these symptoms?

• A. Inadequate tissue perfusion leading to nerve damage.
• B. Fluid overload leading to compression of nerve tissue.
• C. Sensation distortion due to psychiatric disturbance.
• D. Inflammation of the skin on the hands and feet.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Patients with the peripheral vascular disease often sustain nerve damage as a result of inadequate tissue perfusion. Ischemic rest pain is more worrisome; it refers to pain in the extremity that is due to a combination of PVD and inadequate perfusion. Ischemic rest pain often is exacerbated by poor cardiac output. The condition is often partially or fully relieved by placing the extremity in a dependent position, so that perfusion is enhanced by the effects of gravity.

5. The nurse is caring for clients in the pediatric unit. A 6-year-old patient is admitted with 2nd and 3rd degree burns on his arms. The nurse should assign the new patient to which of the following roommates?

• A. A 4-year-old with sickle-cell disease
• B. A 12-year-old with chickenpox
• C. A 6-year-old undergoing chemotherapy
• D. A 7-year-old with a high temperature

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should be concerned about the burn patient's vulnerability to infection due to compromised skin integrity. Sickle cell disease is not a communicable disease, so rooming the burn patient with a 4-year-old with sickle-cell disease would not pose an increased risk of infection transmission. Rooming the burn patient with a 12-year-old with chickenpox would increase the risk of infection for the burn patient. Rooming with a 6-year-old undergoing chemotherapy may expose the burn patient to potential infections. A 7-year-old with a high temperature could potentially have a contagious illness, which could be risky for the burn patient.

Similar Questions