Nursing Elites

1. What are the signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism?

• A. Sudden shortness of breath
• B. Chest pain
• C. Cough with blood
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A pulmonary embolism can manifest with sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing up blood. These symptoms are classic presentations of a pulmonary embolism due to the blockage of blood flow to the lungs. Therefore, the correct answer is 'All of the above.' Each symptom alone can be seen in various other conditions, but when occurring together, they strongly suggest a pulmonary embolism. Sudden shortness of breath is due to decreased oxygenation, chest pain can result from the strain on the heart, and coughing with blood may indicate damage to the lung tissue. Choosing any single symptom would not encompass the full range of presentations seen in a pulmonary embolism.

2. A nurse manager of a med surge unit is assigning care responsibilities for the oncoming shift. A client is waiting transfer back to the unit from the PACU following thoracic surgery. To which staff member should the nurse assign the client?

• A. Charge nurse
• B. RN
• C. LVN
• D. AP

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: RN. An RN is required for managing post-surgical care in the immediate postoperative period, especially for a client following thoracic surgery. The RN is equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to assess the client's condition, provide complex care, and recognize and respond to any complications that may arise. Assigning the client to the Charge nurse (A) may not be appropriate as the Charge nurse focuses more on administrative and managerial tasks rather than direct patient care. LVNs (C) and APs (D) may have limitations in their scope of practice when it comes to managing post-surgical care following thoracic surgery, which requires a higher level of assessment and intervention that an RN can provide.

3. A client with heart failure is on a fluid restriction. What should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?

• A. Encourage the client to drink more water to stay hydrated
• B. Monitor the client's weight daily
• C. Avoid drinking water after 6 PM
• D. Monitor fluid intake only during meals

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Monitor the client's weight daily.' In clients with heart failure on fluid restriction, monitoring daily weight is crucial to track fluid balance. This allows healthcare providers to assess if the client is retaining excess fluid, a common issue in heart failure. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Encouraging the client to drink more water contradicts the fluid restriction; avoiding drinking water after 6 PM is not specific to managing fluid restriction; and monitoring fluid intake only during meals does not provide a comprehensive assessment of fluid balance throughout the day.

4. When instructing a client with tuberculosis on home care, what is the priority teaching point?

• A. Wear a surgical mask at all times
• B. Limit visitors to two-hour increments
• C. Take medication for 6-9 months
• D. Take breaks during meals

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Take medication for 6-9 months.' The priority teaching point for a client with tuberculosis is to ensure they understand the importance of completing the entire course of medication. This is crucial to effectively treat and cure tuberculosis, prevent the development of drug-resistant strains, and reduce the risk of transmission to others. Choice A is incorrect as wearing a surgical mask at all times is not the priority teaching point for tuberculosis home care. Choice B is not the priority teaching point; while limiting visitors can help reduce exposure to others, completing the medication course is more critical. Choice D is not relevant to tuberculosis home care instructions.

5. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client with home oxygen therapy. What safety measure should the nurse emphasize?

• A. Allow smoking in designated outdoor areas
• B. Keep oxygen tanks upright and away from heat sources
• C. Store oxygen tanks in a closet when not in use
• D. Keep oxygen equipment at least 10 feet away from open flames

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct safety measure that the nurse should emphasize is to keep oxygen tanks upright and away from heat sources. This is crucial to prevent the risk of fire or explosion. Choice A is incorrect as smoking near oxygen can lead to a fire hazard. Choice C is also incorrect as storing oxygen tanks in enclosed spaces can be dangerous. Choice D, although related to safety, does not address the immediate risk of keeping oxygen tanks away from heat sources.

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