Nursing Elites

1. What is the priority intervention for a patient presenting with chest pain?

• A. Administer aspirin
• B. Administer nitroglycerin
• C. Reposition the patient
• D. Prepare for surgery

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer aspirin. Administering aspirin is a priority intervention for a patient presenting with chest pain because it helps reduce the risk of further clot formation and improves oxygenation. Aspirin is commonly used in the initial management of suspected cardiac chest pain. Administering nitroglycerin can follow aspirin administration to help with vasodilation. Repositioning the patient or preparing for surgery are not the primary interventions for chest pain presentation.

2. A nurse is teaching a client who has a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a manifestation of hypoglycemia?

• A. Abdominal cramps
• B. Irritability
• C. Increased thirst
• D. Blurred vision

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Irritability is a common early manifestation of hypoglycemia. When blood glucose levels drop, the brain perceives this as a stressor, leading to irritability. Abdominal cramps (choice A) are not typically associated with hypoglycemia but can occur with other gastrointestinal issues. Increased thirst (choice C) is more indicative of hyperglycemia rather than hypoglycemia. Blurred vision (choice D) is a symptom more commonly associated with hyperglycemia rather than hypoglycemia.

3. What is the most appropriate method to assess a patient's level of consciousness?

• A. Use the Glasgow Coma Scale
• B. Assess the patient's orientation
• C. Check pupillary response
• D. Monitor vital signs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Using the Glasgow Coma Scale. The Glasgow Coma Scale is a standardized tool used to assess a patient's level of consciousness by evaluating their eye response, verbal response, and motor response. This scale provides a numeric value that helps in determining the severity of brain injury or altered mental status. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while assessing the patient's orientation, checking pupillary response, and monitoring vital signs are important components of a comprehensive patient assessment, they do not specifically target the assessment of consciousness level, which is best done using the Glasgow Coma Scale.

4. A nurse is assessing a newborn immediately following birth. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Acrocyanosis
• B. Vernix caseosa
• C. A respiratory rate of 50/min
• D. Heart rate of 160/min

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, a heart rate of 160/min. A heart rate of 160/min in a newborn exceeds the normal range and could indicate potential issues that need further evaluation by the provider. Acrocyanosis (choice A) is a common finding in newborns and is not concerning. Vernix caseosa (choice B) is a white, cheesy substance found on newborn skin and is a normal finding. While a respiratory rate of 50/min (choice C) is slightly elevated, it is not as concerning as a high heart rate in a newborn.

5. A nurse is providing care for a client who is in the advanced stage of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Which of the following referrals is the nurse's priority?

• A. Psychologist
• B. Social worker
• C. Occupational therapist
• D. Speech-language pathologist

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the advanced stage of ALS, clients often experience swallowing difficulties, known as dysphagia. A speech-language pathologist specializes in assessing and managing these swallowing problems, making them the nurse's priority referral in this case. A psychologist primarily focuses on mental health and emotional well-being, which may not be the most critical issue at this stage. Social workers assist with social support and resources, while occupational therapists help with activities of daily living and mobility, which are important but not the priority when dysphagia is a concern.

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