Nursing Elites

1. The nurse observes that Mr. Adams begins to have increased difficulty breathing. She elevates the head of the bed to the high Fowler position, which decreases his respiratory distress. The nurse documents this breathing as:

• A. Tachypnea
• B. Eupnea
• C. Orthopnea
• D. Hyperventilation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Orthopnea is a condition where a person experiences difficulty breathing when lying flat but finds relief when sitting up or standing. Elevating the head of the bed to the high Fowler position helps alleviate this symptom. Tachypnea refers to rapid breathing, eupnea is normal breathing, and hyperventilation is breathing excessively fast or deep.

2. A client with depression reports taking St. John's wort along with citalopram. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following conditions as a result of an interaction between these substances?

• A. Serotonin syndrome
• B. Tardive dyskinesia
• C. Pseudoparkinsonism
• D. Acute dystonia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When St. John's wort, an herbal supplement, is taken with citalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), there is a risk of serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is a serious condition that can occur when there is an excess of serotonin in the body, leading to symptoms such as confusion, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, increased body temperature, and more. Monitoring for serotonin syndrome is crucial when these substances are taken together to prevent any potential harm to the client.

3. During a client's first hospitalization, which of the following actions ensures the safety of the client?

• A. Keep unnecessary furniture out of the way
• B. Keep the lights on at all times
• C. Keep side rails up at all times
• D. Keep all equipment out of view

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During a client's first hospitalization, it is essential to keep unnecessary furniture out of the way to prevent obstacles and ensure a safe environment. This action helps reduce the risk of accidents or falls, promoting the client's safety and well-being. Keeping the lights on at all times may not be necessary and can disrupt the client's rest. Keeping side rails up at all times can restrict the client's movement and independence unnecessarily. Keeping all equipment out of view may hinder the healthcare team's ability to monitor and access necessary tools for providing care.

4. Prior to a thoracentesis, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Position the client in an upright position, leaning over the bedside table.
• B. Explain the procedure.
• C. Obtain ABGs.
• D. Administer benzocaine spray.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Positioning the client in an upright position, leaning over the bedside table helps to facilitate access to the thoracic cavity during the thoracentesis procedure. This position allows for easier identification and access to the insertion site. Explaining the procedure to the client is important, but positioning is the priority. Obtaining ABGs is not directly related to the thoracentesis procedure. Administering benzocaine spray is not a standard practice before a thoracentesis.

5. Which of the following patients is at greatest risk for developing pressure ulcers?

• A. An alert chronic arthritic patient treated with steroids and aspirin
• B. An 88-year-old incontinent patient with gastric cancer who is confined to bed at home
• C. An apathetic 63-year-old COPD patient receiving nasal oxygen via cannula
• D. A confused 78-year-old patient with congestive heart failure (CHF) who requires assistance to get out of bed

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. An elderly patient who is incontinent, bedridden, and suffering from a serious illness like gastric cancer is at the highest risk for developing pressure ulcers. Being bedridden and incontinent increases the pressure on certain areas of the body, leading to tissue damage and the development of pressure ulcers. Additionally, the patient's age and underlying health condition further contribute to their risk. It is crucial to identify and address such risk factors promptly to prevent the occurrence of pressure ulcers in vulnerable patients.

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