Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is assessing a client with a suspected myocardial infarction. Which finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Chest pain radiating to the left arm.
• B. Shortness of breath.
• C. Nausea and vomiting.
• D. Diaphoresis.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Shortness of breath is a critical sign that can indicate heart failure or pulmonary edema, conditions that require immediate intervention in a client with a suspected myocardial infarction. Chest pain radiating to the left arm is a classic symptom of a myocardial infarction but may not necessitate immediate intervention compared to severe shortness of breath. Nausea and vomiting can be present in myocardial infarction but are not as urgent as shortness of breath. Diaphoresis, or sweating, is a common symptom of a myocardial infarction but may not be as immediately concerning as significant shortness of breath.

2. A client with a history of epilepsy is admitted with status epilepticus. Which medication should the nurse prepare to administer?

• A. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• B. Lorazepam (Ativan)
• C. Phenytoin (Dilantin)
• D. Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the management of status epilepticus, the initial medication of choice is a benzodiazepine such as lorazepam (Ativan) to rapidly terminate the seizure activity. Lorazepam acts quickly and effectively in stopping seizures. Phenytoin (Dilantin) is often used as a second-line agent for status epilepticus, and carbamazepine (Tegretol) is not typically indicated for the acute treatment of status epilepticus. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a pain reliever and antipyretic but is not used in the treatment of status epilepticus.

3. The client is receiving warfarin (Coumadin) therapy. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I will avoid eating foods high in vitamin K.
• B. I will use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.
• C. I will keep all appointments for blood tests.
• D. I will avoid participating in contact sports.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because participating in contact sports can increase the risk of injury and bleeding in a client receiving warfarin therapy. Warfarin is a blood thinner, and activities with a higher risk of injury should be avoided to prevent bleeding complications. Choices A, B, and C are all correct statements for a client on warfarin therapy. Avoiding foods high in vitamin K helps maintain consistent anticoagulation levels, using a soft toothbrush and an electric razor reduces the risk of bleeding gums and cuts, and keeping appointments for blood tests ensures proper monitoring of the client's international normalized ratio (INR) levels.

4. During a follow-up home visit, the nurse observes that a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is using accessory muscles to breathe and has a pulse oximetry reading of 88%. What action should the nurse take first?

• A. Administer a prescribed bronchodilator
• B. Increase the oxygen flow rate
• C. Instruct the client to perform pursed-lip breathing
• D. Notify the healthcare provider immediately

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this situation, the nurse should first instruct the client to perform pursed-lip breathing. Pursed-lip breathing helps improve oxygenation and decrease the work of breathing in clients with COPD. Administering a bronchodilator or increasing the oxygen flow rate may be necessary interventions but addressing the breathing technique through pursed-lip breathing is the initial action to optimize oxygenation. Notifying the healthcare provider immediately is not the first action indicated in this scenario; the nurse should intervene promptly to assist the client in improving breathing before escalating the situation.

5. During a home visit, the nurse observes that an elderly client has numerous bruises on her arms and appears fearful of her caregiver. What should the nurse do first?

• A. report the findings to adult protective services
• B. ask the client how she got the bruises
• C. document the observations in the client's medical record
• D. discuss the observations with the caregiver

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The initial step for the nurse should be to ask the client how she got the bruises. This approach allows the nurse to directly assess the situation, gather information from the client, and potentially uncover signs of abuse. Reporting to adult protective services should come after obtaining more details from the client to ensure appropriate action. Documenting the observations is important but should follow gathering information from the client. Discussing the observations with the caregiver may not be appropriate as the caregiver could be the source of abuse, and involving them first may jeopardize the client's safety.

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