Nursing Elites

1. What is the priority nursing action for a patient with confusion post-surgery?

• A. Administer oxygen
• B. Reposition the patient
• C. Check oxygen saturation
• D. Perform a neurological exam

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer oxygen. Post-surgery, confusion in a patient could be due to hypoxia, a condition where the body is deprived of an adequate oxygen supply. Administering oxygen helps address hypoxia promptly, improving oxygen levels in the body and potentially resolving the confusion. Repositioning the patient, checking oxygen saturation, and performing a neurological exam may be important interventions but addressing hypoxia with oxygen administration takes precedence as the priority action.

2. A client with asthma is prescribed a corticosteroid inhaler. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Use the inhaler as needed for acute symptoms.
• B. Rinse the mouth after each use.
• C. Take the medication only during asthma attacks.
• D. Administer a bronchodilator after using the corticosteroid.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction is to rinse the mouth after each use of a corticosteroid inhaler to prevent oral candidiasis (thrush). Choice A is incorrect because corticosteroid inhalers are usually used on a regular schedule to control asthma symptoms, not just for acute symptoms. Choice C is incorrect as corticosteroid inhalers are typically used for long-term management, not just during asthma attacks. Choice D is incorrect as administering a bronchodilator after using a corticosteroid is not a standard practice and is not necessary for the effectiveness of the corticosteroid inhaler.

3. A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative following a hip arthroplasty. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Heart rate of 90/min
• B. Redness and warmth in the calf
• C. Oxygen saturation of 95%
• D. Temperature of 37.3°C (99.1°F)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Redness and warmth in the calf can indicate a blood clot, specifically deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a serious complication post hip arthroplasty. The warmth and redness are signs of inflammation due to the clot formation. DVT can lead to a pulmonary embolism if not addressed promptly. Monitoring for this complication is crucial in postoperative care. Elevated heart rate, oxygen saturation within normal limits, and a slightly elevated temperature are common findings postoperatively and may not be alarming in the absence of other concerning symptoms.

4. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new prescription for digoxin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take this medication at bedtime.
• B. Take your pulse before taking this medication.
• C. Avoid eating foods high in potassium.
• D. Take this medication with an antacid.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to include is to advise the client to take their pulse before taking digoxin. This is important to monitor for bradycardia, a potential side effect of the medication. Option A is incorrect because digoxin is usually taken in the morning. Option C is unrelated to digoxin therapy, as high potassium foods are usually restricted in clients taking potassium-sparing diuretics. Option D is incorrect because digoxin should not be taken with antacids as they can affect its absorption.

5. A client has a new prescription for spironolactone. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take this medication with a potassium supplement.
• B. Avoid foods that contain potassium.
• C. Limit your fluid intake while taking this medication.
• D. Take this medication on an empty stomach.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, which means it helps the body retain potassium. Instructing the client to avoid foods high in potassium helps prevent hyperkalemia, a potential side effect of spironolactone. Choice A is incorrect because taking spironolactone with a potassium supplement can increase the risk of hyperkalemia. Choice C is not directly related to spironolactone use. Choice D is also incorrect as spironolactone does not need to be taken on an empty stomach.

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