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 nurse is caring for a client with a chest tube. Which of these assessments is a priority?

• A. Assessing for subcutaneous emphysema
• B. Assessing for signs of infection at the insertion site
• C. Monitoring the client's respiratory status
• D. Checking the chest tube for kinks or occlusions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Assessing for signs of infection at the insertion site is the priority when caring for a client with a chest tube. Infection at the insertion site can lead to serious complications such as empyema or sepsis. Monitoring respiratory status is essential but assessing for infection takes precedence to prevent immediate harm. Assessing for subcutaneous emphysema is important but not the priority unless it compromises respiratory function. Checking the chest tube for kinks or occlusions is crucial for proper drainage but is not the priority when infection is a concern.

3. A client is being treated for tuberculosis (TB). Which of these statements indicates the client understands the transmission of TB?

• A. I need to wear a mask when I go out in public to prevent spreading the infection.
• B. I need to take my medication as prescribed to prevent spreading the infection to others.
• C. I need to cover my mouth when I cough to prevent spreading the infection.
• D. I need to isolate myself from others until my treatment is complete to prevent spreading the infection.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because wearing a mask in public can help prevent the spread of TB to others. Choice B is incorrect as taking medication as prescribed helps in treating the infection within the individual but does not directly prevent spreading it to others. Choice C is important for respiratory hygiene but may not be sufficient to prevent transmission. Choice D, isolation until treatment is complete, is crucial for preventing the spread but is not specifically about understanding transmission.

4. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is experiencing dyspnea. Which of these actions should the nurse perform first?

• A. Administer oxygen therapy
• B. Encourage the client to perform deep breathing exercises
• C. Raise the head of the bed
• D. Check the client's oxygen saturation level

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to check the client's oxygen saturation level first. This action is crucial in assessing the severity of dyspnea and determining the necessity for oxygen therapy. Administering oxygen therapy without knowing the current oxygen saturation level can be inappropriate and potentially harmful. Encouraging deep breathing exercises and raising the head of the bed are important interventions, but assessing the oxygen saturation level takes precedence in managing dyspnea in a client with COPD.

5. While assessing several clients in a long-term health care facility, which client is at the highest risk for developing decubitus ulcers?

• A. A 79-year-old malnourished client on bed rest
• B. An obese client who uses a wheelchair
• C. A client who had 3 incontinent diarrhea stools
• D. An 80-year-old ambulatory diabetic client

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: A 79-year-old malnourished client on bed rest. This client is at the highest risk for developing decubitus ulcers due to poor nutrition and immobility. Malnutrition can impair tissue healing and increase susceptibility to skin breakdown, while prolonged bed rest can lead to pressure ulcers. Choice B is incorrect because obesity can cushion pressure points and reduce the risk of pressure ulcers. Choice C is incorrect as incontinence predisposes to moisture-associated skin damage rather than pressure ulcers. Choice D is incorrect as an ambulatory client is less likely to develop pressure ulcers compared to bedridden clients.

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