Nursing Elites

1. What are the nursing considerations when caring for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

• A. Encouraging pursed-lip breathing to improve ventilation
• B. Administering bronchodilators and corticosteroids
• C. Monitoring oxygen saturation and ABGs
• D. Teaching the patient how to use an inhaler

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Pursed-lip breathing is a nursing consideration for patients with COPD as it helps improve oxygenation and reduces air trapping. While administering bronchodilators and corticosteroids (choice B) is part of the treatment plan, it is typically done by healthcare providers. Monitoring oxygen saturation and arterial blood gases (ABGs) (choice C) is important but not a direct nursing consideration. Teaching the patient how to use an inhaler (choice D) is relevant but not specific to COPD care.

2. What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient with a new tracheostomy?

• A. Suction the tracheostomy as needed to maintain a patent airway.
• B. Monitor the patient's oxygen saturation.
• C. Provide humidified air to prevent drying of the airway.
• D. Administer pain medication as prescribed.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to suction the tracheostomy as needed to maintain a patent airway. After a tracheostomy procedure, the immediate concern is airway patency to prevent respiratory compromise. Suctioning helps clear secretions and maintains a clear airway, reducing the risk of respiratory distress. Monitoring the patient's oxygen saturation (choice B) is important but not the priority compared to ensuring a clear airway. Providing humidified air (choice C) and administering pain medication (choice D) are also essential aspects of care for a patient with a tracheostomy, but they are not the priority when immediate airway management is required.

3. A parent of a child who is terminally ill tells a nurse that she wants to take her child home. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

• A. Your provider will be here later today.
• B. I can give you information on what that would involve.
• C. I understand how you feel. I felt the same way when my sister was terminally ill.
• D. I think you should speak with social services about your request.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should offer to explain the process of taking the child home and provide resources for the parent's decision. Choice B is the best response as it shows willingness to support the parent by offering information on what taking the child home would involve. Choices A, C, and D do not directly address the parent's request or provide the necessary information and support needed in this situation.

4. Which intervention is most effective in preventing postoperative complications?

• A. Encourage the patient to drink fluids.
• B. Ambulate the patient as soon as possible.
• C. Perform deep breathing exercises with the patient.
• D. Encourage the patient to perform range of motion exercises.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most effective intervention in preventing postoperative complications is to ambulate the patient as soon as possible. Early ambulation helps prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis and pneumonia by enhancing circulation and preventing respiratory issues. Encouraging the patient to drink fluids, perform deep breathing exercises, or range of motion exercises are beneficial interventions, but ambulation is the priority due to its overall impact on preventing various postoperative complications.

5. A patient has an ankle restraint applied. Upon assessment, the nurse finds the toes a light blue color. Which action will the nurse take next?

• A. Immediately do a complete head-to-toe neurological assessment.
• B. Take the patient's blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiratory rate.
• C. Place a blanket over the feet.
• D. Remove the restraint.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to remove the restraint (Choice D). Cyanosis of the toes, indicated by a light blue color, suggests impaired circulation. The priority action is to ensure proper circulation by removing the restraint to prevent further compromise. Choices A and B are not the immediate actions needed for cyanosis related to impaired circulation. Choice C, placing a blanket over the feet, does not address the underlying issue of impaired circulation and could delay appropriate intervention.

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