Nursing Elites

1. The RN is making a home visit to a female client with end-stage heart disease. She has a living will and states she will never go back to the hospital. During the visit, the RN notes that the client is pale and SOB while speaking. The RN discovers 3+ edema in both ankles and bilateral pulmonary crackles. Which intervention should the RN implement first?

• A. Order a chest X-ray
• B. Obtain a peripheral O2 saturation reading
• C. Obtain an order for complete blood count
• D. Tell the patient to stay in bed

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Obtaining a peripheral O2 saturation reading is the priority intervention in this scenario. It helps assess the client's oxygenation status quickly, which is crucial in a client with signs of respiratory distress, such as shortness of breath and bilateral pulmonary crackles. Ordering a chest X-ray (Choice A) may be necessary later but does not address the immediate need for oxygen assessment. Obtaining an order for a complete blood count (Choice C) is not the priority in this situation as it does not directly address the client's respiratory distress. Instructing the patient to stay in bed (Choice D) does not address the underlying issue of potential hypoxia and respiratory compromise.

2. The client with acute hypocalcemia is admitted to the unit. Nursing action should include:

• A. Implement seizure precautions
• B. Assess for hypoglycemia
• C. Monitor for visual changes
• D. Observe for muscle weakness

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for a client with acute hypocalcemia is to implement seizure precautions. Hypocalcemia can lead to tetany and seizures due to neuromuscular irritability. Assessing for hypoglycemia (choice B) is not directly related to hypocalcemia. Monitoring for visual changes (choice C) is more indicative of conditions like hyperglycemia or retinal disorders. Observing for muscle weakness (choice D) is a common symptom of hypocalcemia but does not address the immediate risk of seizures, which is why implementing seizure precautions is the priority nursing action.

3. Which statement specifically describes occupational health nursing?

• A. Involves prevention, recognition, and treatment of injury and illness
• B. All of these
• C. The application of nursing principles in conserving the health of workers in all occupations
• D. Requires special skills in the field of health, education, and counseling

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Occupational health nursing involves all aspects mentioned in the statements: prevention, recognition, treatment of injury and illness, application of nursing principles in conserving workers' health, and the requirement of special skills in health, education, and counseling. Choice A focuses on prevention, recognition, and treatment but does not encompass all aspects of occupational health nursing. Choice C only mentions the application of nursing principles without including prevention and treatment. Choice D specifically highlights the need for special skills but does not cover all the aspects of occupational health nursing.

4. A pre-term baby develops nasal flaring, cyanosis, and diminished breath sounds on one side. The provider's diagnosis is spontaneous pneumothorax. Which procedure should the nurse prepare for first?

• A. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• B. Insertion of a chest tube
• C. Oxygen therapy
• D. Assisted ventilation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Insertion of a chest tube. In a case of spontaneous pneumothorax, the primary intervention is to insert a chest tube. This procedure allows the trapped air to escape from the pleural space, relieving pressure and enabling the lung to re-expand. Choices A, C, and D are not the initial interventions for spontaneous pneumothorax. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is indicated for cardiac arrest, oxygen therapy may provide supportive care but does not address the underlying issue of trapped air in the pleural space, and assisted ventilation may be needed later but is not the first-line treatment for a pneumothorax.

5. The nurse is teaching a 27-year-old client with asthma about the management of their therapeutic regimen. Which statement would indicate the need for additional instruction?

• A. ''I should monitor my peak flow every day.''
• B. ''I should contact the clinic if I am using my medication more often.''
• C. ''I need to limit my exercise, especially activities such as walking and running.''
• D. ''I should learn stress reduction and relaxation techniques.''

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Exercise, especially aerobic activities, is beneficial for clients with asthma as long as it is well-managed. Limiting exercise is not generally recommended unless specifically advised by a healthcare provider, indicating a need for further instruction in this case. Monitoring peak flow, contacting the clinic for increased medication use, and learning stress reduction techniques are all appropriate self-management strategies for asthma, indicating good understanding by the client.

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