Nursing Elites

1. The nurse notes that a client who has undergone a thoracotomy has an increase in a large amount of dark red blood in the chest tube collection chamber. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Document the findings for this procedure as expected
• B. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
• C. Check the tube for kinks or dependent loops
• D. Increase the suction to the chest drainage system

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An increase in a large amount of dark red blood in the chest tube collection chamber may indicate active bleeding. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider immediately to address the situation promptly and prevent further complications. Documenting the findings without taking immediate action could delay necessary interventions. Checking the tube for kinks or dependent loops is a good practice but not the priority when dealing with a potentially life-threatening situation like active bleeding. Increasing the suction without healthcare provider's orders can lead to complications and is not appropriate in this scenario.

2. To reduce the risk of being named in a malpractice lawsuit, which action is most important for the nurse to take?

• A. Adhere consistently to standards of care.
• B. Thoroughly document all client interactions.
• C. Build a good rapport with clients.
• D. Work closely with the healthcare team.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Adhering consistently to standards of care is crucial for nurses to reduce the risk of being named in a malpractice lawsuit. Following established protocols and guidelines ensures that the care provided is safe and effective. Thoroughly documenting all client interactions is also essential to support the care provided and to have a record of the interventions. Building a good rapport with clients is important for communication and trust but does not directly reduce the risk of malpractice. Working closely with the healthcare team is valuable for collaboration but might not directly impact the risk of malpractice unless it relates to following standards of care.

3. A 12-year-old boy has a body mass index (BMI) of 28, a systolic pressure, and a glycosylated hemoglobin (HBA1C) of 7.8%. Which selection indicates that his mother understands the management of his diet?

• A. One whole-wheat bagel with cream cheese, two strips of bacon, six ounces of orange juice.
• B. Two eggs with toast and butter, 8 ounces of milk.
• C. Fresh fruit salad with low-fat yogurt.
• D. Pancakes with syrup and sausage links.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Fresh fruit salad with low-fat yogurt is a healthier choice for managing the diet of a 12-year-old boy with a high BMI and elevated HBA1C. This choice provides a good balance of nutrients, fiber, and low-fat content, helping to lower BMI and maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Choices A, B, and D are less ideal as they contain higher levels of refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, and sugars, which can contribute to weight gain and worsen blood sugar control in this scenario.

4. A client with chronic heart failure is admitted with shortness of breath and a new onset of confusion. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Obtain a neurological assessment.
• B. Administer oxygen therapy.
• C. Monitor the client's urine output.
• D. Obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG).

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to obtain a neurological assessment. In a client with chronic heart failure presenting with confusion, the priority is to assess neurological status to rule out potential causes such as hypoxia or other complications. Administering oxygen therapy (Choice B) is important but assessing the neurological status takes precedence in this scenario. Monitoring urine output (Choice C) and obtaining an ECG (Choice D) may be necessary but are not the initial priority when a client presents with confusion alongside shortness of breath.

5. At 0600 while admitting a woman for a scheduled repeat cesarean section (C-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. Ensure preoperative lab results are available
• B. Start prescribed IV with lactated Ringer's
• C. Inform the anesthesia care provider
• D. Contact the client's obstetrician

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first is to inform the anesthesia care provider. The patient's ingestion of coffee violates the NPO (nothing by mouth) guidelines before surgery, which increases the risk of aspiration during anesthesia. Informing the anesthesia care provider promptly allows for appropriate assessment and decision-making regarding the patient's anesthesia plan. Ensuring preoperative lab results, starting an IV, or contacting the obstetrician can be important steps but addressing the NPO violation and its implications on anesthesia safety take precedence.

Similar Questions