Nursing Elites

1. The patient has been in bed for several days and needs to be ambulated. What action should the nurse take first?

• A. Dangle the patient at the bedside.
• B. Encourage isometric exercises.
• C. Suggest a high-calcium diet.
• D. Maintain a narrow base of support.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Dangle the patient at the bedside.' When a patient has been in bed for an extended period and needs to be ambulated, it is essential to dangle the patient at the bedside first. Dangling involves helping the patient sit on the edge of the bed with their legs over the side before standing up. This action helps prevent orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure when moving from lying down to standing up, which can lead to dizziness or fainting. Encouraging isometric exercises (choice B) or suggesting a high-calcium diet (choice C) are not the first actions to take before ambulating a patient. Maintaining a narrow base of support (choice D) is related to assisting with ambulation but is not the initial step that should be taken.

2. Which of the following is a critical nursing action when managing a patient with a chest tube?

• A. Keep the chest tube clamped at all times.
• B. Ensure the chest tube is connected to a closed drainage system.
• C. Empty the chest tube drainage system every 2 hours.
• D. Disconnect the chest tube when the patient is ambulating.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Ensure the chest tube is connected to a closed drainage system." This is a critical nursing action when managing a patient with a chest tube because it is essential for proper drainage and to prevent complications such as air leaks or infections. Option A is incorrect because keeping the chest tube clamped at all times would prevent proper drainage and could lead to complications. Option C is incorrect as emptying the chest tube drainage system should be done based on assessment findings rather than a fixed time interval. Option D is incorrect because disconnecting the chest tube when the patient is ambulating can lead to complications like a pneumothorax.

3. A client with left hemiparesis is learning how to use a cane. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Place the cane approximately 61 cm (24 in) in front of their feet before advancing
• B. Advance the stronger leg and the cane together to support the weaker leg
• C. Remove the rubber tip when using the cane
• D. Hold the cane on the right side to provide support for the weaker leg

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct way to use a cane for a client with left hemiparesis is to hold the cane on the right side to provide support for the weaker left leg. This allows for better stability and weight distribution. Placing the cane approximately 61 cm (24 in) in front of their feet before advancing (Choice A) is not necessary and may lead to improper gait. Advancing the stronger leg and the cane together (Choice B) is incorrect as it does not provide support for the weaker leg. Removing the rubber tip when using the cane (Choice C) is also incorrect as the rubber tip helps provide traction and stability.

4. How should a healthcare professional manage a patient with a chest tube?

• A. Ensuring the chest tube is secured properly and functioning
• B. Checking for air leaks and ensuring drainage is working
• C. Ensuring chest tube drainage is below chest level
• D. Ensuring proper documentation of chest tube output

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Proper documentation of chest tube output is crucial in the care of a patient with a chest tube. While ensuring the chest tube is secured and functioning, checking for air leaks, and maintaining drainage below chest level are important aspects of care, documentation of output is essential for monitoring the patient's condition, assessing the effectiveness of treatment, and ensuring appropriate interventions if needed.

5. A client with a DNR order has requested resuscitation during a visit from the family. What is the nurse's best course of action?

• A. Follow the family's request and perform CPR.
• B. Explain to the family that the DNR must be honored.
• C. Call the healthcare provider to cancel the DNR order.
• D. Delay resuscitation until further clarification can be made.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct course of action for the nurse is to explain to the family that the DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order must be honored. It is essential for the nurse to uphold the client's wishes as documented in the DNR order. Performing CPR against the client's expressed wishes in the DNR order would violate ethical and legal standards. Calling the healthcare provider to cancel the DNR order without the client's consent is inappropriate and goes against the client's autonomy. Delaying resuscitation can be detrimental in an emergency situation and may not align with the client's wishes as outlined in the DNR order.

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