Nursing Elites

1. What are the key signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) that a nurse should monitor for?

• A. Monitor for changes in level of consciousness
• B. Check for pupil dilation
• C. Assess for bradycardia
• D. Monitor for vomiting

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Monitor for changes in the level of consciousness.' Key signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) include changes in the level of consciousness and pupil dilation. Assessing for bradycardia and monitoring for vomiting are not typically considered primary signs of increased ICP. While bradycardia and vomiting can occur with increased ICP, they are not as specific or sensitive as changes in consciousness and pupil dilation.

2. A nurse is providing discharge instructions for a client using home oxygen. What is the most important safety measure?

• A. Store oxygen tanks in a closet when not in use
• B. Ensure that oxygen tanks are kept upright and away from heat sources
• C. Allow family members to smoke in designated areas
• D. Restrict fluid intake while using oxygen

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ensure that oxygen tanks are kept upright and away from heat sources. This is the most important safety measure to prevent accidents related to home oxygen use. Storing oxygen tanks in a closet when not in use (choice A) is not recommended as they should be stored in a well-ventilated area. Allowing family members to smoke in designated areas (choice C) poses a significant fire hazard. Restricting fluid intake while using oxygen (choice D) is not a safety measure related to oxygen use.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy and reports tingling and numbness in the hands. The nurse should expect to administer which of the following medications?

• A. Sodium bicarbonate.
• B. Calcium gluconate.
• C. Potassium chloride.
• D. Magnesium sulfate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Tingling and numbness in the hands can indicate hypocalcemia, a common complication following a thyroidectomy. Hypocalcemia requires immediate intervention to prevent severe complications like tetany and seizures. Calcium gluconate is the drug of choice for rapidly raising serum calcium levels in hypocalcemic patients. Sodium bicarbonate is not indicated for treating hypocalcemia or related symptoms. Potassium chloride is used to correct potassium imbalances, not calcium. Magnesium sulfate is not the appropriate treatment for hypocalcemia; it is commonly used for conditions like preeclampsia or eclampsia.

4. What is the primary intervention for sepsis?

• A. Administer IV antibiotics
• B. Monitor blood pressure
• C. Administer fluids
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The primary intervention for sepsis involves a multifaceted approach, including administering IV antibiotics to address the underlying infection and administering fluids to stabilize the patient's hemodynamic status. Monitoring blood pressure is important in the management of sepsis, but it is not the sole primary intervention. Therefore, the correct answer is 'All of the above' as it encompasses the comprehensive approach required for effective sepsis management.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent atelectasis?

• A. Encourage deep breathing exercises
• B. Encourage the client to cough every 2 hours
• C. Administer an incentive spirometer
• D. Assist the client to ambulate in the hallway

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Administer an incentive spirometer. Using an incentive spirometer helps prevent atelectasis by encouraging lung expansion after surgery. Encouraging deep breathing exercises (choice A) is beneficial but may not be as effective as an incentive spirometer. Encouraging the client to cough (choice B) helps with airway clearance but does not directly prevent atelectasis. Assisting the client to ambulate (choice D) is important for preventing complications such as deep vein thrombosis, but it is not the most effective intervention for preventing atelectasis.

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