Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is assessing a client who has just undergone a thoracentesis. Which finding should be reported immediately?

• A. Diminished breath sounds on the affected side.
• B. Pain at the procedure site.
• C. Blood-tinged sputum.
• D. Shortness of breath.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Shortness of breath should be reported immediately as it may indicate a pneumothorax, a potential complication of thoracentesis. Diminished breath sounds on the affected side, pain at the procedure site, and blood-tinged sputum are common findings post-thoracentesis and do not necessarily indicate immediate complications like a pneumothorax.

2. While caring for a client's postoperative dressing, the nurse observes purulent wound drainage. Previously, the wound was inflamed and tender but without drainage. Which is the most important action for the nurse to take?

• A. Determine if the drainage has an unpleasant odor.
• B. Monitor the client's white blood cell count (WBC).
• C. Request a culture and sensitivity of the wound.
• D. Cleanse the wound with a sterile saline solution.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Requesting a culture and sensitivity of the wound is the most crucial action in this scenario. This will help identify the specific organism causing the infection and determine its sensitivity to antibiotics, guiding appropriate antibiotic therapy. Option A is less critical as odor alone may not provide enough information about the type of infection. Monitoring the client's white blood cell count (WBC) in option B is important but not as immediate as obtaining a wound culture. Cleansing the wound with a sterile saline solution in option D is necessary but should follow after obtaining the culture results to ensure proper treatment.

3. A client with a diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI) is prescribed nitroglycerin. What is the primary action of this medication?

• A. Increases heart rate
• B. Lowers blood pressure
• C. Dilates coronary arteries
• D. Reduces myocardial oxygen demand

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Nitroglycerin dilates coronary arteries, improving blood flow to the heart muscle. This helps increase oxygen supply to the heart tissue. Option A, 'Increases heart rate,' is incorrect because nitroglycerin does not directly affect heart rate. Option B, 'Lowers blood pressure,' is also incorrect as while nitroglycerin can lower blood pressure, its primary action in the context of MI is related to coronary artery dilation. Option D, 'Reduces myocardial oxygen demand,' is not the primary action of nitroglycerin in the treatment of myocardial infarction; its main action is to increase oxygen supply by dilating coronary arteries.

4. When observing a newly admitted elderly client with dementia resisting care, what approach should the nurse take to facilitate cooperation?

• A. Use short, simple sentences and maintain a calm demeanor
• B. Involve family members to provide reassurance
• C. Offer choices to empower the client
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When dealing with a newly admitted elderly client with dementia who is resistant to care, it is crucial to employ multiple strategies to facilitate cooperation. Using short, simple sentences and maintaining a calm demeanor can help the client better understand instructions and reduce agitation. Involving family members can provide comfort and reassurance to the client, potentially decreasing resistance. Offering choices allows the client to feel a sense of control and autonomy in their care, which can increase cooperation and reduce challenging behaviors. Therefore, a combination of clear communication, family involvement, and providing choices is essential to effectively engage and care for a client with dementia. Choices A, B, and C all play crucial roles in addressing the needs of the client, making 'All of the above' the correct answer.

5. A client is scheduled for an abdominal ultrasound in the morning and has been instructed to fast overnight. The client asks the nurse why fasting is necessary. What is the best response?

• A. It helps reduce the production of intestinal gases.
• B. It ensures clearer imaging by emptying the stomach.
• C. It prevents the risk of aspiration during the procedure.
• D. It is a standard procedure for all surgical interventions.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'It ensures clearer imaging by emptying the stomach.' Fasting before an abdominal ultrasound is essential to empty the stomach, allowing for better visualization of the abdominal organs. This improves the quality of the imaging and enhances diagnostic accuracy. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because reducing intestinal gases, preventing aspiration, and being a standard procedure for surgical interventions are not the primary reasons for fasting before an abdominal ultrasound.

Similar Questions