Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is assessing a client with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which assessment finding would be most concerning?

• A. Barrel chest
• B. Clubbing of the fingers
• C. Cough with sputum production
• D. Use of accessory muscles

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The use of accessory muscles is the most concerning finding in a client with COPD. It indicates increased work of breathing and may signal respiratory distress, requiring immediate attention. Barrel chest is a common physical characteristic in individuals with COPD due to chronic air trapping and hyperinflation of the lungs but is not as acutely concerning as the use of accessory muscles. Clubbing of the fingers is a late sign of chronic hypoxia and is often seen in conditions with prolonged hypoxemia but is not as acute as the use of accessory muscles. Cough with sputum production is a common symptom in COPD due to excess mucus production but does not indicate immediate respiratory distress as the use of accessory muscles does.

2. An older adult client just diagnosed with colon cancer asks the nurse what the primary care provider is going to do. The provider will be making rounds within the hour. Which of the following nursing actions is appropriate?

• A. Help the client write down the questions to ask the provider, so that the client doesn’t forget
• B. Reassure the client that everything will be explained
• C. Explain the procedure in detail yourself
• D. Direct the client to search for information online

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Assisting the client in preparing questions is the most appropriate action as it helps ensure that all concerns are addressed during the provider's visit. By helping the client write down questions, the nurse empowers the client to actively participate in their care and communicate effectively with the provider. Reassuring the client, while well-intentioned, may not address the specific questions or fears the client has. Explaining the procedure in detail may not be what the client is seeking at this moment, as their primary concern is about the provider's actions. Directing the client to search for information online is not recommended as it may lead to confusion or misinformation, and the information may not be tailored to the client's specific situation.

3. A client returns from surgery with two Penrose drains in place. Anticipating frequent dressing changes, what should the nurse use around the incision site?

• A. Montgomery straps
• B. Sterile gauze
• C. Adhesive tape
• D. Elastic bandages

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Montgomery straps are the correct choice in this scenario. They are specifically designed to secure dressings around drain sites, like Penrose drains, and are ideal for frequent dressing changes. Sterile gauze (Choice B) is commonly used for wound dressings but may not provide the best securement for drains. Adhesive tape (Choice C) can cause skin irritation and may not be suitable for securing drains. Elastic bandages (Choice D) are typically used for compression or support but are not appropriate for securing dressings around drain sites.

4. The nurse notices that the mother of a 9-year-old Vietnamese child always looks at the floor when she talks to the nurse. What action should the LPN take?

• A. Directly address the child instead of the mother.
• B. Continue asking the mother questions about the child.
• C. Request another nurse to interview the mother now.
• D. Politely ask the mother to look at you when answering.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the LPN should continue asking the mother questions about the child. The mother's behavior of looking at the floor may be a cultural practice, such as avoiding direct eye contact, which should be respected. By maintaining the conversation with the mother, the nurse acknowledges and respects her communication style, fostering trust and open dialogue. Option A is not the best choice as it may disregard the cultural context and the importance of the mother's input. Option C is unnecessary as the LPN can effectively handle the situation. Option D could be perceived as insensitive and may disrupt the rapport between the nurse and the mother.

5. During an assessment, a healthcare professional observes significant tenting of the skin over an older adult client's forearm. What factor should the healthcare professional primarily consider as a cause for this finding?

• A. Thin, parchment-like skin
• B. Loss of adipose tissue
• C. Dehydration
• D. Diminished skin elasticity

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Dehydration is the primary factor to consider in this scenario. Dehydration leads to decreased skin turgor and tenting, where the skin does not return to its normal position when pinched. While thin, parchment-like skin, loss of adipose tissue, and diminished skin elasticity can contribute to skin changes, they are not the primary cause of the significant tenting observed.

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