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. A nurse is preparing to discontinue a client's indwelling urinary catheter. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Measure and document the urine in the drainage bag
• B. Remove the tape or device securing the catheter to the client's thigh
• C. Position the client supine
• D. Deflate the catheter balloon using a sterile syringe

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct first action the nurse should take when discontinuing a client's indwelling urinary catheter is to measure and document the urine in the drainage bag. This step is essential to assess the client's urinary output and bladder function before removing the catheter. Removing the tape securing the catheter (Choice B) or positioning the client supine (Choice C) should come after measuring and documenting the urine output. Deflating the catheter balloon (Choice D) is the last step in the process of removing the catheter.

3. A patient is receiving an opioid analgesic for pain management. What is the most important assessment for the nurse to perform?

• A. Monitor the patient's blood pressure.
• B. Assess the patient's respiratory rate.
• C. Monitor the patient's oxygen saturation.
• D. Assess the patient's heart rate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the patient's respiratory rate. When a patient is receiving opioids, it is crucial to monitor their respiratory rate as opioids can depress the respiratory system, leading to respiratory depression and potential respiratory failure. Monitoring blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and heart rate are important assessments as well, but the priority lies in assessing respiratory rate due to the risk of respiratory depression associated with opioid use.

4. 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.

5. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client following a cataract extraction. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Bend at the waist when picking up objects.
• B. Avoid lying on the operative side.
• C. Avoid lifting more than 10 lb.
• D. Apply ice to the affected eye.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Avoid lifting more than 10 lb.' After a cataract extraction, the nurse should instruct the client to avoid lifting heavy objects to prevent increased intraocular pressure, which could lead to complications. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. A - 'Bend at the waist when picking up objects' can increase intraocular pressure; B - 'Avoid lying on the operative side' is not a specific concern related to cataract extraction; D - 'Apply ice to the affected eye' is not a standard post-cataract extraction instruction.

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