Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is assessing a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is experiencing shortness of breath. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administer bronchodilator therapy as prescribed
• B. Encourage deep breathing and coughing exercises
• C. Position the client in a high-Fowler's position
• D. Increase the oxygen flow rate

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a client with COPD experiencing shortness of breath is to position the client in a high-Fowler's position. This position helps improve lung expansion and ease breathing in COPD patients. While administering bronchodilator therapy as prescribed (Choice A) is important, it is not the priority in this scenario. Encouraging deep breathing and coughing exercises (Choice B) can be beneficial but do not take precedence over positioning for improved respiratory function. Increasing the oxygen flow rate (Choice D) can be considered after the initial positioning to relieve respiratory distress, making it a later intervention.

2. A client who is 24 weeks pregnant presents with a complaint of feeling dizzy when lying on her back. What is the best response by the nurse?

• A. Advise the client to lie on her side
• B. Encourage the client to drink more fluids
• C. Suggest the client elevate her legs when lying down
• D. Recommend the client take short walks throughout the day

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to advise the client to lie on her side. Lying on the side can prevent the compression of the vena cava, which can cause dizziness in pregnant women. Encouraging the client to drink more fluids (Choice B) may be beneficial for other conditions but is not the best response for dizziness when lying on her back. Suggesting the client elevate her legs when lying down (Choice C) is not directly related to the issue described by the client. Recommending the client take short walks throughout the day (Choice D) may be helpful for other pregnancy-related symptoms but is not the most appropriate action for dizziness when lying on her back.

3. The nurse notes that a postoperative client's wound site is red and slightly swollen. What is the most appropriate action?

• A. Apply an ice pack
• B. Document the findings and monitor
• C. Notify the surgeon
• D. Clean the wound with sterile saline

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to notify the surgeon. Redness and swelling at a wound site can indicate an infection, which may require medical intervention. Applying an ice pack (choice A) is not appropriate without further assessment. While documenting the findings and monitoring (choice B) is important, it should be accompanied by notifying the surgeon for further evaluation. Cleaning the wound with sterile saline (choice D) may not be sufficient if an infection is present, so immediate communication with the surgeon is crucial.

4. A client with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving home oxygen therapy. What is the most important instruction the nurse should provide?

• A. Use oxygen at the highest flow rate tolerated.
• B. Do not smoke while using oxygen.
• C. Avoid wearing the oxygen during physical activity.
• D. Store oxygen tanks in a cool, dark place.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important instruction the nurse should provide to a client with COPD receiving home oxygen therapy is not to smoke while using oxygen. Smoking near oxygen can cause a fire or explosion due to the flammable nature of oxygen. Choice A is incorrect because using oxygen at the highest flow rate tolerated without medical supervision can be harmful. Choice C is the correct answer as wearing oxygen during physical activity can increase the risk of oxygen combustion. Choice D is not the most important instruction; while storing oxygen tanks properly is essential, the immediate safety concern is the risk of fire due to smoking near oxygen.

5. The nurse assigns an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to feed a client who is at risk for aspiration. What action should the nurse take to ensure safety?

• A. Inform the UAP that suction is available at the bedside.
• B. Instruct the UAP to notify the nurse if the client chokes.
• C. Observe the UAP's ability to implement precautions during feeding.
• D. Ask the UAP about previous experience in performing this skill.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Observing the UAP's ability to implement precautions during feeding is crucial to ensuring the client's safety, especially when there is a risk of aspiration. This hands-on observation allows the nurse to assess whether the UAP is competent in handling the feeding procedure safely. Informing the UAP about suction availability (Choice A) is important but does not directly assess the UAP's ability during feeding. Instructing the UAP to notify the nurse if the client chokes (Choice B) focuses on reactive measures rather than proactive supervision. Asking about previous experience (Choice D) does not provide real-time information on the UAP's current competency in handling the specific feeding task for the at-risk client.

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