Nursing Elites

1. The client is admitted with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Blood gases reveal pH 7.36, CO2 45, O2 84, HCO3 28. The nurse would assess the client to be in:

• A. Uncompensated acidosis
• B. Compensated alkalosis
• C. Compensated respiratory acidosis
• D. Uncompensated metabolic acidosis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The client is experiencing compensated respiratory acidosis. The pH is within the normal range but is lower than 7.40, indicating acidity. The elevated CO2 level and low O2 level suggest respiratory involvement. The slightly elevated HCO3 level indicates a compensatory mechanism. In respiratory acidosis, the pH will be inversely related to the CO2 and bicarb levels, with elevated CO2 and HCO3 levels contributing to acidosis. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the presented blood gas values and the compensatory response observed in this case.

2. Which information should be reported to the state Board of Nursing?

• A. The facility fails to provide literature in both Spanish and English.
• B. The narcotic count has been incorrect on the unit for the past 3 days.
• C. The client fails to receive an itemized account of his bills and services received during his hospital stay.
• D. The nursing assistant assigned to the client with hepatitis fails to feed the client and give the bath.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'The narcotic count has been incorrect on the unit for the past 3 days.' This information should be reported to the state Board of Nursing as it involves medication errors and potential drug diversion, which are serious issues that fall under the jurisdiction of the Board. Reporting medication discrepancies and errors in narcotic counts is crucial for patient safety and regulatory compliance. Choices A, C, and D involve different types of issues that are not within the direct purview of the Board of Nursing. Providing literature in multiple languages (Choice A), addressing billing practices (Choice C), and resolving staff performance issues (Choice D) should be handled internally or reported to the appropriate departments or authorities, such as the Joint Commission or the charge nurse.

3. A client with a diagnosis of Schizophrenia has been released from an acute care setting. The client had a prolonged recovery from relapse. One of the parents says to the discharge nurse, 'I do not understand what is going on. The hospital said she was better, but all she does is sit around all day and smoke. We cannot get her to go to the vocational training you arranged.' The nurse recognizes that more teaching is needed about

• A. the pathophysiology and behavioral manifestations of schizophrenia.
• B. support groups that can help the parents cope with their frustration.
• C. the prolonged recovery time and side effects of medications to prevent relapse.
• D. motivational techniques that are effective in engaging clients with schizophrenia.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse conducting discharge teaching must emphasize the extended recovery process and the potential side effects of medications used to prevent relapse in individuals with schizophrenia. In this scenario, it is crucial for the parents to understand that the client's behavior may be influenced by the medication's sedative qualities and the time required for full recovery. While support groups can assist caregivers in coping with their emotions and providing better care, the priority here is educating on the recovery process and medication effects. Motivational techniques are beneficial but may not be the immediate focus in this situation.

4. A 5-year-old is admitted to the unit following a tonsillectomy. Which of the following would indicate a complication of the surgery?

• A. Decreased appetite
• B. A low-grade fever
• C. Chest congestion
• D. Constant swallowing

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A complication of a tonsillectomy is bleeding, and constant swallowing may indicate bleeding. Decreased appetite is expected after a tonsillectomy, as is a low-grade fever; thus, answers A and B are incorrect. Chest congestion, as mentioned in answer C, is not typical of tonsillectomy complications, making it an incorrect choice.

5. The nurse is assessing the client recently returned from surgery. The nurse is aware that the best way to assess pain is to:

• A. Take the blood pressure, pulse, and temperature
• B. Ask the client to rate his pain on a scale of 0-5
• C. Watch the client's facial expression
• D. Ask the client if he is in pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best way to evaluate pain levels is to ask the client to rate his pain on a scale. This method provides a more standardized and quantifiable measure of pain compared to subjective observations like facial expressions (choice C) or direct questioning (choice D). Monitoring vital signs (choice A) can be part of pain assessment but is not as specific or reliable as asking the client to self-report pain intensity.

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