Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary purpose of a chest tube in a client's care?

• A. To drain air and fluid from the pleural space
• B. To prevent infection in the thoracic cavity
• C. To assist with lung expansion
• D. To monitor intrathoracic pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: To drain air and fluid from the pleural space. A chest tube is primarily used to remove accumulated air or fluid in the pleural space, preventing lung collapse or compromise of lung function. This intervention aims to re-expand the lung and enhance respiratory function. Choice B is incorrect because preventing infection is not the primary purpose of a chest tube. Choice C is incorrect as lung expansion is a result of draining the pleural space, not the primary goal. Choice D is incorrect as monitoring intrathoracic pressure is not the main objective of a chest tube insertion.

2. The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder who has been prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). What is the most important teaching point?

• A. Take the medication with food.
• B. Expect to see improvement within 24 hours.
• C. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice.
• D. Report any thoughts of self-harm immediately.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Report any thoughts of self-harm immediately.' Clients prescribed SSRIs should be educated to report any thoughts of self-harm promptly, as these medications can initially increase suicidal ideation. Choice A is incorrect because SSRIs are usually taken on an empty stomach. Choice B is incorrect as it takes several weeks for SSRIs to reach their full effectiveness. Choice C is irrelevant to SSRI therapy.

3. During a severe asthma exacerbation in a client, what is the nurse's priority?

• A. Administer a rescue inhaler immediately
• B. Prepare for intubation
• C. Encourage deep breathing exercises
• D. Monitor oxygen saturation levels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During a severe asthma exacerbation, the nurse's priority is to administer a rescue inhaler immediately. This action helps open the airways and improve breathing, which is crucial in managing the exacerbation. Choice B, preparing for intubation, would be considered if the client's condition deteriorates and they are unable to maintain adequate oxygenation even after using the rescue inhaler. Encouraging deep breathing exercises (Choice C) may not be appropriate during a severe exacerbation as the client may struggle to breathe. While monitoring oxygen saturation levels (Choice D) is important, the immediate administration of a rescue inhaler takes precedence to address the acute breathing difficulty.

4. The nurse is caring for a client who has just returned from surgery with a urinary catheter in place. What is the most important action to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs)?

• A. Irrigate the catheter daily
• B. Ensure the catheter bag is always below bladder level
• C. Change the catheter every 48 hours
• D. Administer prophylactic antibiotics

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to ensure the catheter bag is always below bladder level. This positioning helps prevent backflow of urine, reducing the risk of CAUTIs. Choice A, irrigating the catheter daily, is not recommended as it can introduce pathogens into the bladder. Changing the catheter too frequently (Choice C) can increase the risk of introducing pathogens. Administering prophylactic antibiotics (Choice D) is not the primary intervention for preventing CAUTIs and can lead to antibiotic resistance.

5. A client with a diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) is being discharged home. Which instruction is most important for the nurse to provide?

• A. Avoid close contact with others until treatment is complete.
• B. Take all prescribed medications as directed.
• C. Schedule a follow-up appointment with the healthcare provider.
• D. Wear a mask when in public places.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important instruction for a client with tuberculosis (TB) is to take all prescribed medications as directed. This is crucial to prevent the development of drug-resistant TB. While avoiding close contact with others until treatment is complete (Choice A) is important to prevent the spread of TB, ensuring the client completes the prescribed medication regimen is the priority. Scheduling a follow-up appointment (Choice C) is important for monitoring but not as critical as medication adherence. Wearing a mask in public places (Choice D) can help reduce the spread of TB but is not as essential as taking medications as prescribed.

Similar Questions