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 is teaching a client who has peptic ulcer disease about preventing exacerbations. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Use antacids containing magnesium frequently
• B. Limit alcohol consumption
• C. Eat smaller, frequent meals
• D. Increase caffeine intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption can aggravate peptic ulcer disease by increasing gastric acid secretion, potentially leading to exacerbations. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A is not recommended because antacids containing magnesium can interfere with other medications or conditions the client may have. Choice C is a good recommendation; however, it is not the priority instruction for preventing exacerbations. Choice D is also incorrect as caffeine can stimulate gastric acid secretion, which can worsen peptic ulcer disease.

3. A home health nurse is preparing for an initial visit with an older adult client who lives alone. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Educate the client about their current medical diagnosis.
• B. Refer the client to a meal delivery program.
• C. Identify environmental hazards in the home.
• D. Arrange transportation for the client to follow-up appointments.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Identifying environmental hazards in the client's home is the priority during the initial visit with an older adult living alone. This action is crucial to prevent accidents, falls, and ensure the client's safety. While educating the client about their medical diagnosis, referring them to a meal delivery program, and arranging transportation for follow-up appointments are essential, addressing environmental hazards takes precedence as it directly impacts the client's immediate safety and well-being.

4. A nurse in a provider's office is collecting data from a preschooler. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Heart rate 80/min
• B. Heart rate 90/min
• C. Respiratory rate 28/min
• D. Heart rate 146/min

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A heart rate of 146/min is abnormal for a preschooler and indicates tachycardia, which should be reported to the provider. Choices A, B, and C fall within normal ranges for a preschooler's heart rate (80-120/min) and respiratory rate (22-34/min), so they do not require immediate reporting. Option D is the correct answer as it deviates significantly from the normal range and may indicate an underlying health issue that needs attention.

5. 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.

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