Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is assessing a client who has just returned from surgery. Which of these findings requires the most immediate attention?

• A. Respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute
• B. Blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg
• C. Temperature of 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit
• D. Heart rate of 80 beats per minute

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A temperature of 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit is slightly elevated but not immediately critical. In a postoperative patient, an elevated temperature could indicate an infection, which requires prompt attention to prevent complications. The respiratory rate, blood pressure, and heart rate within normal ranges are important to monitor but do not indicate an immediate need for intervention as an elevated temperature does.

2. The health care provider order reads 'aspirate nasogastric feeding (NG) tube every 4 hours and check pH of aspirate.' The pH of the aspirate is 10. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Hold the tube feeding and notify the provider
• B. Administer the tube feeding as scheduled
• C. Irrigate the tube with diet cola soda
• D. Apply intermittent suction to the feeding tube

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A pH of 10 indicates improper placement of the NG tube, requiring notification of the provider and holding the feeding. Choice B is incorrect because administering the tube feeding could lead to complications due to the improper placement. Choice C is incorrect as irrigating the tube with diet cola soda is not a standard practice for addressing this issue. Choice D is incorrect as applying intermittent suction does not address the problem of improper placement indicated by the high pH level.

3. The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with hypertension. Which of these statements made by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will limit my intake of high-sodium foods.
• B. I will take my medications as prescribed by my healthcare provider.
• C. I will monitor my blood pressure regularly and keep a record to show my healthcare provider.
• D. I will limit my intake of high-fat foods.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because limiting high-sodium foods is essential in managing hypertension and preventing complications. High sodium intake can lead to increased blood pressure levels. Choice B is important too, but solely relying on medications without lifestyle modifications may not be as effective in controlling hypertension. Choice C is also crucial for monitoring progress, but without dietary changes, blood pressure control may be challenging. Choice D, limiting high-fat foods, is beneficial for overall health but is not as directly related to managing hypertension as limiting high-sodium foods.

4. A client is diagnosed with a spontaneous pneumothorax necessitating the insertion of a chest tube. What is the best explanation for the nurse to provide this client?

• A. The tube will drain fluid from your chest.
• B. The tube will remove excess air from your chest.
• C. The tube controls the amount of air that enters your chest.
• D. The tube will seal the hole in your lung.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'The tube will remove excess air from your chest.' In a spontaneous pneumothorax, air accumulates in the pleural space, causing lung collapse. The chest tube is inserted to remove this excess air, allowing the lung to re-expand. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the primary purpose of a chest tube in pneumothorax is to evacuate air, not fluid, control air entry, or seal a lung hole.

5. After surgery, a client has been taken off the ventilator and has a nasogastric tube draining bile-colored liquids. Which nursing measure will provide the most comfort to the client?

• A. Allow the client to melt ice chips in the mouth
• B. Provide mints to freshen the breath
• C. Perform frequent oral care with a tooth sponge
• D. Swab the mouth with glycerin swabs

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Performing frequent oral care with a tooth sponge is the most appropriate nursing measure in this situation. It helps maintain oral hygiene, prevent dryness, and provide comfort for a client with an NG tube. Allowing the client to melt ice chips may not be suitable immediately post-surgery due to potential risks. Providing mints or swabbing the mouth with glycerin swabs may not address the need for proper oral care and hygiene, which is essential for a client with an NG tube.

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