Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider writes several prescriptions for a client diagnosed with hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) that include a combination of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Administer the first dose of antibiotics.
• B. Obtain a chest X-ray.
• C. Administer oxygen therapy.
• D. Collect blood specimens for culture prior to starting antibiotic therapy.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Collecting blood specimens for culture prior to starting antibiotic therapy is the priority intervention in a client diagnosed with hospital-acquired pneumonia. This step is crucial to identify the causative organism responsible for the infection and ensure that the antibiotics prescribed are appropriate for effective treatment. Administering antibiotics before collecting cultures may interfere with the accuracy of culture results, potentially leading to inappropriate treatment. While administering the first dose of antibiotics is important, obtaining a chest X-ray and administering oxygen therapy are secondary interventions compared to identifying the causative organism through blood cultures.

2. While planning care for a client with carpal tunnel syndrome, the nurse identifies a collaborative problem of pain. What is the etiology of this problem?

• A. Irritation of nerve endings
• B. Diminished blood flow
• C. Ischemic tissue changes
• D. Compression of a nerve

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Compression of a nerve. In carpal tunnel syndrome, pain arises from the compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel. This compression leads to symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because carpal tunnel syndrome pain is primarily caused by the physical compression of the nerve, rather than irritation of nerve endings, diminished blood flow, or ischemic tissue changes.

3. When performing postural drainage on a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which approach should the nurse use?

• A. Obtain arterial blood gases (ABGs) before the procedure.
• B. Explain that the client may be positioned in five different ways.
• C. Assist the patient into a position that will allow gravity to move secretions.
• D. Encourage the client to practice deep breathing throughout the procedure.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct approach when performing postural drainage on a client with COPD is to assist the patient into a position that allows gravity to help move secretions. This position helps drain secretions from specific segments of the lungs. Obtaining arterial blood gases (Choice A) is not directly related to postural drainage. While the client may be placed in multiple positions during postural drainage, the key is to position them to facilitate the movement of secretions, not just any five positions as mentioned in Choice B. Encouraging deep breathing (Choice D) is a good nursing intervention for overall respiratory health but is not specifically related to the technique of postural drainage.

4. A client with urolithiasis is preparing for discharge after lithotripsy. Which intervention should the nurse include in the client's postoperative discharge instructions?

• A. Report when hematuria becomes pink-tinged
• B. Use incentive spirometer
• C. Restrict physical activities
• D. Monitor urinary stream for a decrease in output

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After lithotripsy, monitoring the urinary stream for a decrease in output is essential to identify any potential complications such as urinary retention or obstruction. Reporting pink-tinged hematuria is important, but monitoring the urinary stream for a decrease in output takes precedence as it directly assesses renal function and potential complications. Using an incentive spirometer is not directly related to post-lithotripsy care. Restricting physical activities may be necessary initially but is not the priority compared to monitoring urinary output.

5. The nurse is caring for a client with a nasogastric tube. Which action should the nurse take to ensure proper functioning of the tube?

• A. Flush the tube with 50 mL of normal saline every 8 hours
• B. Clamp the tube when not in use
• C. Position the client in a supine position
• D. Verify tube placement by checking pH of gastric contents

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Verifying tube placement by checking the pH of gastric contents is crucial to ensure the nasogastric tube is correctly positioned in the stomach. This action helps prevent complications such as aspiration. Flushing the tube with normal saline every 8 hours is not necessary for ensuring proper functioning of the tube. Clamping the tube when not in use may lead to the build-up of gastric secretions and blockages. Positioning the client in a supine position is not directly related to ensuring the proper functioning of the nasogastric tube.

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