Nursing Elites

1. What is the first step in managing a patient with a suspected pneumothorax?

• A. Insert a chest tube
• B. Monitor respiratory status
• C. Administer oxygen
• D. Call for assistance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to insert a chest tube. In managing a patient with a suspected pneumothorax, the priority is to relieve the pressure from the pneumothorax by inserting a chest tube. Monitoring respiratory status (choice B) is important but comes after ensuring proper management of the pneumothorax. Administering oxygen (choice C) can help support oxygenation but does not address the underlying issue of pressure in the thoracic cavity. Calling for assistance (choice D) can be done concurrently with managing the pneumothorax, but the immediate intervention to address the pneumothorax itself is chest tube insertion.

2. A home health nurse is caring for an older adult client who just returned home following a total knee arthroplasty. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Assess mobility
• B. Monitor vital signs
• C. Provide pain relief
• D. Reinforce discharge teaching

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Assessing mobility should be the nurse's priority as it ensures the client's safety and helps in developing an appropriate care plan. By evaluating the client's ability to move after the knee arthroplasty, the nurse can identify any immediate issues or complications that need to be addressed promptly. Monitoring vital signs, providing pain relief, and reinforcing discharge teaching are important aspects of care but assessing mobility takes precedence in ensuring the client's immediate well-being and identifying any potential risks.

3. A nurse is reviewing the medical history of a client with dementia. Which of the following findings should the nurse address first?

• A. Restlessness and agitation
• B. Decreased respiratory rate
• C. Wandering during the night
• D. Incontinence

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a client with dementia, addressing restlessness and agitation is a priority because these symptoms can exacerbate dementia and lead to further complications. Restlessness and agitation can indicate underlying issues such as pain, discomfort, or unmet needs, which should be promptly assessed and managed to improve the client's quality of life. Decreased respiratory rate, wandering during the night, and incontinence are important to address but do not pose immediate risks to the client's well-being compared to the potential effects of unmanaged restlessness and agitation in dementia.

4. A nurse is preparing to administer an IM injection to a client who is obese. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Use the Z-track method to administer the medication.
• B. Use a 1.5-inch needle to administer the medication.
• C. Use the deltoid muscle for the injection.
• D. Administer the injection at a 90° angle.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The Z-track method should be used to administer IM injections in obese clients to prevent medication from leaking into subcutaneous tissue. Using a longer needle (1.5 inches) ensures that the medication reaches the muscle mass adequately. Choice C is incorrect because the deltoid muscle is not ideal for IM injections in obese clients due to inadequate muscle mass. Administering the injection at a 90° angle (perpendicular to the skin) is recommended for IM injections to ensure proper delivery into the muscle.

5. A nurse is observing an assistive personnel (AP) caring for a client. For which of the following actions by the AP should the nurse intervene?

• A. Providing care in the hallway
• B. Reporting client information in the hallway
• C. Helping another client use the restroom
• D. Feeding the client too quickly

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because reporting client information in the hallway violates privacy regulations, compromising patient confidentiality. Providing care in the hallway (choice A) may not be ideal but is not a direct violation. Helping another client use the restroom (choice C) shows the AP's willingness to assist but is not a concern unless it compromises the current client's safety. Feeding the client too quickly (choice D) is a potential concern for aspiration but may not require immediate intervention as addressing hydration and swallowing strategies can help prevent complications.

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