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. When planning care for a client with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (SARS), which of the following actions should not be included in the care plan?

• A. Administer antibiotics
• B. Provide supplemental oxygen
• C. Administer antiviral medications
• D. Administer bronchodilators

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (SARS) is caused by a virus, not bacteria, and antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections. Therefore, administering antibiotics would not be appropriate in the care plan for a client with SARS. The priority interventions for SARS include providing supplemental oxygen to improve oxygenation, administering antiviral medications to target the viral infection, and using bronchodilators to help with bronchospasm or airway constriction. Antibiotics are not indicated unless there is a secondary bacterial infection present.

3. After 5 days of diuretic therapy with 20mg of furosemide (Lasix) daily, a patient begins to exhibit fatigue, muscle cramping, and muscle weakness. These symptoms probably indicate that the patient is experiencing:

• A. Hypokalemia
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Anorexia
• D. Dysphagia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The symptoms of fatigue, muscle cramping, and muscle weakness in a patient after starting furosemide therapy are indicative of hypokalemia. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium depletion, causing hypokalemia. Hypokalemia can manifest with muscle weakness, cramps, and fatigue due to alterations in neuromuscular function and decreased ATP production.

4. What term refers to the manner of walking?

• A. Gait
• B. Range of motion
• C. Flexion and extension
• D. Hopping

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Gait specifically refers to the manner in which a person walks. It encompasses the pattern, rhythm, and style of walking, making it the most appropriate term in this context. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Range of motion refers to the extent of movement of a joint, flexion and extension relate to bending and straightening movements at a joint, and hopping is a specific type of movement that involves jumping on one foot.

5. After a walk-in client enters the clinic with a chief complaint of abdominal pain and diarrhea, the nurse takes the client’s vital signs. What phase of the nursing process is being implemented by the nurse?

• A. Assessment
• B. Diagnosis
• C. Planning
• D. Implementation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse is performing the assessment phase of the nursing process. Assessment involves collecting data, which includes obtaining vital signs, to identify the client's health status and needs. This step is crucial for the nurse to gather information that will guide further decision-making in the nursing process. Choice B, 'Diagnosis,' would involve analyzing the collected data to identify the client's health problems. Choice C, 'Planning,' would be developing a plan of care based on the assessment findings. Choice D, 'Implementation,' is the phase where the nurse carries out the plan of care developed during the planning phase.

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