Nursing Elites

1. What are the key components of a focused respiratory assessment, and how do you recognize signs of respiratory distress?

• A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
• B. Palpation, Inspection, Observation, Auscultation
• C. Percussion, Inspection, Auscultation, Palpation
• D. Inspection, Percussion, Auscultation, Palpation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation. A focused respiratory assessment should start with inspection (observing the breathing pattern), followed by palpation (feeling for abnormalities like crepitus), percussion (evaluating for dullness or hyperresonance), and auscultation (listening to lung sounds). This systematic approach helps to identify signs of respiratory distress, such as abnormal breath sounds, increased respiratory rate, use of accessory muscles, and cyanosis. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not follow the standard order and sequence of a focused respiratory assessment.

2. What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient with chest pain?

• A. Administer nitroglycerin
• B. Assess pain level
• C. Monitor vital signs
• D. Provide oxygen therapy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin is the priority intervention for a patient with chest pain because it helps relieve chest pain by dilating coronary arteries, improving blood flow to the heart muscle. Assessing pain level, monitoring vital signs, and providing oxygen therapy are important interventions as well, but administering nitroglycerin takes precedence in addressing the immediate symptom of chest pain and potential cardiac ischemia.

3. What are the common signs and symptoms of dehydration in the elderly?

• A. Dry mouth, confusion, and decreased skin turgor
• B. Increased heart rate and muscle cramps
• C. Fever, rapid breathing, and increased urine output
• D. Increased thirst and difficulty walking

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Dehydration in the elderly is often signaled by dry mouth, confusion, and decreased skin turgor due to reduced fluid intake. Choice A is the correct answer as these are common signs and symptoms of dehydration in the elderly.\nIncorrect Rationales: Option B (Increased heart rate and muscle cramps) are more associated with conditions like hyperthyroidism or electrolyte imbalances rather than dehydration. Option C (Fever, rapid breathing, and increased urine output) are signs of other medical conditions such as infections or diabetes insipidus. Option D (Increased thirst and difficulty walking) can be seen in various situations but are not specific signs of dehydration in the elderly.

4. A client who is to undergo surgery for a hip fracture is being taught by a nurse about postoperative pain management. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will ask for pain medication only if the pain becomes unbearable.
• B. I will ask the nurse to increase my medication if the pain doesn't subside.
• C. I will wait until the pain is severe before taking my medication.
• D. I will take my medication at regular intervals to stay ahead of the pain.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because taking pain medication at regular intervals helps maintain consistent pain control after surgery. Option A is incorrect because waiting for the pain to become unbearable can lead to inadequate pain management. Option B is incorrect as it suggests increasing medication without a schedule. Option C is incorrect because waiting for the pain to be severe before taking medication is not proactive pain management.

5. A healthcare provider is assessing a client who has received a preoperative dose of morphine. Which of the following findings is the priority to report to the provider?

• A. Client reports nausea.
• B. Urinary output of 20 mL/hr.
• C. Oxygen saturation 90%.
• D. Respiratory rate 14/min.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An oxygen saturation of 90% is below the expected reference range and could indicate respiratory depression, a serious side effect of morphine. This finding requires immediate attention as it may lead to hypoxia. Nausea (choice A) is a common side effect of morphine but does not pose an immediate threat. A urinary output of 20 mL/hr (choice B) may indicate decreased renal perfusion but is not as critical as respiratory compromise. A respiratory rate of 14/min (choice D) is within the normal range and does not suggest immediate danger.

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