Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. Which task could be safely delegated by the nurse to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

• A. Accompanying a client who self-administers insulin
• B. Cleansing and dressing a small decubitus ulcer
• C. Monitoring a client's response to passive range of motion exercises
• D. Applying and caring for a client's rectal pouch

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because tasks like applying and caring for a client's rectal pouch are within the UAP's scope of practice, as they do not require clinical judgment. Choices A, B, and C involve more complex assessments or interventions that require clinical judgment and should be performed by licensed nursing staff.

3. A client with dysphagia is having difficulty swallowing medications. What is the nurse's best intervention?

• A. Crush the medications and mix them with applesauce.
• B. Encourage the client to drink water with each dose.
• C. Consult with the healthcare provider about switching to liquid medications.
• D. Offer the client soft foods to reduce difficulty swallowing.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The best intervention for a client with dysphagia experiencing difficulty swallowing medications is to consult with the healthcare provider about switching to liquid medications. Liquid medications are often easier to swallow and can reduce the risk of choking and aspiration in clients with dysphagia. Crushing medications can alter their effectiveness, encouraging the client to drink water may not be sufficient, and offering soft foods is not directly related to improving medication swallowing.

4. A client at 12 weeks gestation is admitted to the antepartum unit with a diagnosis of hyperemesis gravidarum. Which action is most important for the nurse to implement?

• A. Provide emotional support
• B. Monitor daily weight
• C. Encourage small frequent meals
• D. Initiate prescribed intravenous fluids

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Hyperemesis gravidarum, characterized by severe nausea and vomiting, leads to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. The priority intervention is initiating IV fluids to correct these imbalances. Providing emotional support is important for the client's well-being, but addressing fluid and electrolyte imbalances takes precedence. Monitoring daily weight and encouraging small frequent meals are beneficial interventions but are not the priority when managing hyperemesis gravidarum.

5. After administering a proton pump inhibitor, which action should the nurse take to evaluate the effectiveness of the medication?

• A. Monitor gastrointestinal pain
• B. Ask the client about pain levels
• C. Check the client's vital signs
• D. Assess for signs of bleeding

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to ask the client about pain levels. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) work by reducing stomach acid to alleviate gastrointestinal pain. By inquiring about the client's pain experience, the nurse can directly assess the effectiveness of the medication. Monitoring bowel movements (Choice A) is not directly related to evaluating the effectiveness of a PPI. Checking vital signs (Choice C) may not reflect the medication's effectiveness in reducing stomach acid. Assessing for signs of bleeding (Choice D) is important but not the most direct way to evaluate the effectiveness of a PPI.

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