Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client who had a myocardial infarction 6 hours ago. The primary goal of care at this time is to

• A. Limit the effects of tissue damage
• B. Relieve pain and anxiety
• C. Prevent arrhythmias
• D. Reduce anxiety

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Limit the effects of tissue damage.' After a myocardial infarction, the primary goal of care is to limit the damage to the heart muscle. This includes interventions to improve blood flow, oxygenation, and prevent further complications. Choice B ('Relieve pain and anxiety') is important but secondary to addressing tissue damage. Choice C ('Prevent arrhythmias') is also crucial but falls under the broader goal of limiting tissue damage. Choice D ('Reduce anxiety') is essential for holistic care but is not the primary goal immediately after a myocardial infarction.

2. A 78-year-old client with diabetes is being taught how to care for his feet. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further education?

• A. I will soak my feet in warm water every day.
• B. I will use a mirror to check my feet every day.
• C. I will apply lotion to my feet every day, avoiding the area between the toes.
• D. I will wear properly fitting shoes at all times.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Soaking feet daily can lead to excessive moisture, which can increase the risk of skin breakdown or infection in diabetic clients. Choices B, C, and D are all correct statements for foot care in diabetic clients. Using a mirror for daily foot checks helps in early detection of any issues, applying lotion while avoiding the area between the toes helps keep the skin moisturized without creating a risk for fungal infections, and wearing properly fitting shoes is important to prevent pressure points and potential injuries.

3. Which statement made by the client indicates an understanding of the instructions regarding the administration of alendronate (Fosamax)?

• A. I will take the medication at bedtime to avoid stomach upset.
• B. I will take the medication with a full glass of water first thing in the morning.
• C. I will lie down for 30 minutes after taking the medication.
• D. I will take the medication with food to reduce stomach irritation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Alendronate (Fosamax) should be taken with a full glass of water in the morning to prevent esophageal irritation and ensure proper absorption. Choice A is incorrect because taking alendronate at bedtime increases the risk of esophageal irritation due to lying down. Choice C is incorrect because patients should remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking alendronate to prevent esophageal irritation. Choice D is incorrect because alendronate should be taken on an empty stomach, not with food, to enhance absorption.

4. At 0600 while admitting a woman for a scheduled repeat cesarean section, the client tells the nurse that she drank a cup of coffee at 0400 because she wanted to avoid getting a headache. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Cancel the surgery
• B. Inform the anesthesia care provider
• C. Ask the client if she has had any other liquids
• D. Proceed with routine preparations

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Drinking liquids before surgery can increase the risk of aspiration during anesthesia. Therefore, the anesthesia care provider must be informed immediately to determine how to proceed, as this could delay or alter the surgical plan. Canceling the surgery without consulting the anesthesia care provider would be premature and could potentially lead to unnecessary actions. Asking the client if she has had any other liquids is important but not the first priority. Proceeding with routine preparations without addressing the potential issue of ingesting liquids before surgery could compromise the client's safety.

5. The nurse is caring for a client with a chest tube following surgery. The nurse should intervene if which of the following is observed?

• A. The chest tube is securely taped at the insertion site.
• B. The water seal chamber is filled to the correct level.
• C. The chest drainage system is below chest level.
• D. There are no air leaks in the system.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The chest drainage system should always be kept below chest level to ensure proper drainage. Having the system above chest level can result in ineffective drainage. Choices A, B, and D are all correct actions to maintain the integrity and functionality of the chest tube system. Securing the chest tube at the insertion site, maintaining the water seal chamber at the correct level, and ensuring there are no air leaks are all essential components of caring for a client with a chest tube post-surgery.

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