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 planning care for a client who is receiving hemodialysis via an AV fistula. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Avoid taking blood pressures on the arm with the AV fistula.
• B. Check the fistula site daily for pallor.
• C. Place a warm compress over the fistula site every 4 hours.
• D. Keep the client's arm elevated on two pillows.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct intervention is to avoid taking blood pressures on the arm with the AV fistula. This is crucial to prevent complications such as damage to the fistula. Checking the fistula site for pallor is not as important as avoiding blood pressures on the affected arm. Placing warm compresses over the fistula site is not recommended as it can increase the risk of infection. Keeping the client's arm elevated on two pillows is not necessary for the care of an AV fistula.

3. A healthcare provider is providing discharge instructions to a client with home oxygen. What is the most important safety consideration?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to ensure oxygen tanks are kept upright and away from heat sources. This is crucial to prevent any potential fire hazard, as oxygen supports combustion. Restricting fluid intake while using oxygen (choice A) is not necessary for oxygen safety. Allowing family members to smoke in designated areas (choice C) poses a significant fire risk. Storing oxygen tanks in a closet when not in use (choice D) is unsafe because proper ventilation is needed to prevent oxygen accumulation.

4. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate for a client with left-leg weakness who is learning to use a cane?

• A. Maintain two points of support on the floor at all times
• B. Use the cane on the weak side of the body
• C. Advance the cane and the strong leg simultaneously
• D. Advance the cane 30 to 45 cm (12-18 in) with each step

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most appropriate intervention for a client with left-leg weakness learning to use a cane is to maintain two points of support on the floor at all times. This ensures stability and helps distribute weight evenly between the legs, reducing the risk of falls. Using the cane on the weak side of the body (Choice B) may not provide adequate support. Advancing the cane and the strong leg simultaneously (Choice C) can lead to imbalance and increases the risk of falls. Advancing the cane too far with each step (Choice D) can also compromise balance and stability.

5. A client who decides not to have surgery despite significant blockages in his coronary arteries is an example of what principle?

• A. Fidelity
• B. Autonomy
• C. Justice
• D. Non-maleficence

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Autonomy. Autonomy in healthcare refers to respecting a patient's right to make decisions about their own care, even if those decisions may not align with healthcare providers' recommendations. In this scenario, the client's decision not to have surgery despite significant blockages in his coronary arteries demonstrates his autonomy in making choices about his own health. Choice A, Fidelity, refers to the concept of keeping promises and being faithful to commitments, which is not applicable in this situation. Choice C, Justice, involves fairness and equal treatment in healthcare, which is not the primary principle at play when a patient exercises autonomy. Choice D, Non-maleficence, relates to the principle of doing no harm, which is important but not directly relevant to the client's decision to refuse surgery.

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