Nursing Elites

1. What is the priority nursing action for a patient with shortness of breath?

• A. Administer oxygen
• B. Reposition the patient
• C. Check oxygen saturation
• D. Elevate the head of the bed

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering oxygen is the priority nursing action for a patient experiencing shortness of breath. Oxygen therapy aims to improve oxygenation levels quickly, addressing the underlying cause of the symptom. Repositioning the patient, checking oxygen saturation, and elevating the head of the bed are important interventions but administering oxygen takes precedence in this scenario to ensure adequate oxygen supply to the body.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who wears glasses. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Store the glasses in a labeled case.
• B. Clean the glasses with hot water.
• C. Clean the glasses with a paper towel.
• D. Store the glasses on the bedside table.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to store the glasses in a labeled case. This helps prevent damage and loss of the glasses, ensuring they are kept safe when not in use. Cleaning the glasses with hot water (choice B) can damage the lenses or frames, while cleaning with a paper towel (choice C) might lead to scratches. Storing the glasses on the bedside table (choice D) increases the risk of misplacement or damage.

3. What is the best method to manage fluid overload in a patient with heart failure?

• A. Administer diuretics
• B. Provide oral fluids
• C. Increase fluid intake
• D. Provide chest physiotherapy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering diuretics is the best method to manage fluid overload in a patient with heart failure. Diuretics help to remove excess fluid from the body by increasing urine output, thus reducing the fluid volume in the bloodstream and tissues. Providing oral fluids (choice B) or increasing fluid intake (choice C) would exacerbate the fluid overload rather than managing it. Chest physiotherapy (choice D) is not indicated for managing fluid overload in heart failure; it is more commonly used for conditions affecting the lungs or airways.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who is 12 hours postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Serosanguineous drainage on the surgical dressing.
• B. Respiratory rate of 16/min.
• C. Heart rate of 90/min.
• D. WBC count of 15,000/mm3.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A WBC count of 15,000/mm3 is elevated, which may indicate infection, a common concern postoperatively. An elevated WBC count suggests the body is fighting an infection, and prompt reporting to the provider is essential for further evaluation and treatment. Serosanguineous drainage on the surgical dressing is expected in the immediate postoperative period, respiratory rate of 16/min is within the normal range, and a heart rate of 90/min is also within an acceptable range postoperatively. Therefore, these findings do not raise immediate concerns that necessitate reporting to the provider.

5. A nurse is preparing to insert an IV catheter for a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Apply a tourniquet above the insertion site
• B. Shave the area around the insertion site
• C. Insert the catheter at a 15-degree angle
• D. Use an 18-gauge needle for insertion

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to insert the catheter at a 15-degree angle. This angle allows for easier venous access by ensuring proper catheter placement into the vein. Applying a tourniquet above the insertion site can help distend the vein for better visualization but is not the immediate action required for the insertion process. Shaving the area around the insertion site is not necessary unless there is excessive hair that may interfere with the insertion. Using an 18-gauge needle for insertion is a specific detail related to the equipment rather than the technique of insertion.

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