Nursing Elites

1. What is the first priority for a patient in respiratory distress?

• A. Administer oxygen
• B. Assess airway patency
• C. Monitor oxygen saturation
• D. Call for assistance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer oxygen. In a patient experiencing respiratory distress, the primary concern is ensuring an adequate oxygen supply to the body. By administering oxygen, you can help improve oxygenation, which is crucial for the patient's overall well-being. Assessing airway patency is important but administering oxygen takes precedence as it directly addresses the oxygenation concern. Monitoring oxygen saturation is also essential, but the immediate action should be to provide oxygen. Calling for assistance can be important but is not the first priority when dealing with a patient in respiratory distress.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to promote wound healing?

• A. Apply heat to the surgical site
• B. Ensure the client consumes adequate protein
• C. Encourage the client to ambulate frequently
• D. Instruct the client to drink 4 liters of water daily

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to ensure the client consumes adequate protein. Protein is essential for wound healing as it supports tissue repair. Applying heat to the surgical site (choice A) is not recommended as it can increase inflammation. Although ambulation (choice C) is beneficial for circulation and preventing complications, it is not directly related to promoting wound healing. Instructing the client to drink 4 liters of water daily (choice D) is excessive and not specifically related to wound healing in this context.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who has a chest tube following a thoracotomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Drainage of 75 mL in the first hour after surgery.
• B. Constant bubbling in the water seal chamber.
• C. Tidaling in the water seal chamber.
• D. Client report of pain at the chest tube insertion site.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Constant bubbling in the water seal chamber indicates an air leak, which should be reported to the provider. This finding suggests that the chest tube system is not functioning properly, leading to potential complications such as pneumothorax. Drainage of 75 mL in the first hour after surgery is within the expected range for a chest tube. Tidaling in the water seal chamber is a normal fluctuation and indicates proper functioning of the system. Client report of pain at the chest tube insertion site is expected after surgery and can be managed with appropriate pain management measures.

4. When teaching a client with left-leg weakness how to use a cane, which instruction should the nurse include?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for the client with left-leg weakness using a cane is to maintain two points of support on the floor. This ensures stability and balance while walking. Choice A is incorrect because the cane should be used on the strong side of the body to provide additional support. Choice B is incorrect as the cane and the weak leg should move together for support. Choice D is incorrect as advancing the cane too far with each step may compromise balance and stability.

5. What is the main symptom of left-sided heart failure?

• A. Shortness of breath
• B. Edema
• C. Increased heart rate
• D. Decreased urine output

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Shortness of breath is the main symptom of left-sided heart failure because it results from pulmonary congestion due to fluid buildup in the lungs. Edema, increased heart rate, and decreased urine output are associated with right-sided heart failure rather than left-sided heart failure.

Similar Questions