Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is assessing a client with a history of heart failure who is receiving a unit of packed red blood cells. The client's respiratory rate is 33 breaths/min and blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg. Which action does the nurse take first?

• A. Administer prescribed diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
• B. Continue to monitor the client's vital signs.
• C. Stop the infusion of packed red blood cells.
• D. Slow the infusion rate of the transfusion

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the client is showing signs of a potential transfusion reaction, indicated by an increased respiratory rate. The nurse's initial action should be to slow down the infusion rate of the packed red blood cells to prevent further complications. Administering diphenhydramine or stopping the infusion should not be the first actions taken, as the priority is to ensure the client's safety and prevent adverse reactions. Continuing to monitor vital signs without taking immediate action to address the increased respiratory rate would delay appropriate intervention.

2. A client is diagnosed with varicella (chickenpox). The nurse places the client on which precautions?

• A. Airborne
• B. Standard
• C. Contact
• D. Droplet

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Airborne.' Varicella (chickenpox) is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which spreads through the air by respiratory droplets. Therefore, placing the client on airborne precautions is necessary to prevent the transmission of the virus. Choice B, 'Standard precautions,' involve basic infection prevention measures that are used for all client care. Choice C, 'Contact precautions,' are used for diseases that spread by direct or indirect contact. Choice D, 'Droplet precautions,' are implemented for diseases transmitted by respiratory droplets that are larger than 5 microns.

3. The nurse assesses distended neck veins in a client sitting in a chair to eat. What intervention is the nurse's priority?

• A. Document the observation in the chart.
• B. Measure urine specific gravity and volume.
• C. Assess the pulse and blood pressure.
• D. Assess the client's deep tendon reflexes.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the pulse and blood pressure. Distended neck veins can indicate fluid volume overload or heart failure, which can lead to hemodynamic instability. Assessing the pulse and blood pressure will provide immediate information on the client's cardiovascular status. Documenting the observation in the chart (choice A) is important but not the priority when immediate assessment is needed. Measuring urine specific gravity and volume (choice B) is important for assessing renal function but is not the priority in this situation. Assessing the client's deep tendon reflexes (choice D) is not relevant to addressing distended neck veins in a client sitting to eat.

4. A client is receiving an IV infusion of an antibiotic. The client calls the nurse feeling uneasy due to congestion. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

• A. Elevate the head of the client's bed to 45 degrees
• B. Have another nurse call the Rapid Response Team
• C. Prepare to administer diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• D. Slow the rate of the IV infusion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this situation, the client's symptoms of congestion and feeling uneasy may indicate an anaphylactic reaction, which can be life-threatening. The most appropriate action is to call the Rapid Response Team to provide immediate assistance and interventions. Elevating the head of the bed, administering diphenhydramine, or slowing the IV infusion rate are not the priority actions in the case of a potential severe allergic reaction. These interventions may delay necessary emergency care and potentially worsen the client's condition.

5. The nurse teaches a client who is newly diagnosed with coronary artery disease. Which instruction does the nurse include to minimize complications of this disease?

• A. "Rest is the best medicine at this time. Do not start an exercise program."?
• B. "You are a man; therefore, there is nothing you can do to minimize your risks."?
• C. "You should talk to your provider about medications to help you quit smoking."?
• D. "Decreasing the carbohydrates in your diet will help you lose weight."?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to advise the client to talk to their provider about medications to help quit smoking. Smoking is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease, and quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of complications. Choice A is incorrect because exercise is beneficial for managing coronary artery disease, but should be started gradually and under guidance. Choice B is incorrect and inappropriate as it undermines the client's ability to take control of their health. Choice D is incorrect because while a balanced diet is important, specifically targeting carbohydrates alone may not be the most effective or healthy approach for managing coronary artery disease.

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