Nursing Elites

1. When initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), what assessment finding must the healthcare provider confirm before beginning chest compressions?

• A. Absence of a pulse
• B. Presence of a pulse
• C. Respiratory rate
• D. Blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Absence of a pulse. Prior to initiating chest compressions during CPR, it is essential to confirm the absence of a pulse. Chest compressions are indicated when there is no detectable pulse as it signifies cardiac arrest. Checking for a pulse is a critical step to ensure that CPR is performed on individuals who truly require it. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because focusing on the presence of a pulse, respiratory rate, or blood pressure before starting chest compressions can delay life-saving interventions in a person experiencing cardiac arrest.

2. After inserting an NG tube for a client, which of the following assessment findings should the nurse expect to confirm correct tube placement?

• A. An x-ray shows the end of the tube above the pylorus.
• B. The tube is aspirated and contains clear gastric fluid.
• C. The tube is flushed with sterile water without resistance.
• D. The client does not cough or choke during tube insertion.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Correct placement of an NG tube is confirmed by aspirating gastric fluid, which indicates that the tube is in the stomach. An x-ray can help visualize tube placement, but it alone does not confirm correct placement. Flushing the tube with sterile water without resistance indicates patency but not necessarily correct placement. The absence of coughing or choking does not confirm tube placement and is more related to the client's comfort during the procedure.

3. During auscultation of the anterior chest wall of a client newly admitted to a medical-surgical unit, what type of breath sounds should a nurse expect to hear?

• A. Normal breath sounds
• B. Adventitious breath sounds
• C. Absent breath sounds
• D. Diminished breath sounds

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During auscultation of the chest, normal breath sounds are the expected findings in a client who is newly admitted without respiratory complaints. Normal breath sounds indicate proper airflow through the airways without any abnormalities. Adventitious breath sounds (Choice B) refer to abnormal lung sounds such as crackles or wheezes, which are indicative of underlying respiratory issues. Absent breath sounds (Choice C) suggest a lack of airflow to a particular lung area, which could be due to conditions like pneumothorax. Diminished breath sounds (Choice D) indicate reduced airflow or consolidation in a specific lung region, often seen in conditions like pleural effusion or pneumonia. Therefore, in a newly admitted client without respiratory complaints, the nurse should expect to hear normal breath sounds during auscultation.

4. A nurse is caring for a group of clients on a medical-surgical unit. In which of the following situations does the nurse demonstrate the ethical principle of veracity?

• A. A client unaware of her recent cancer diagnosis asks the nurse if she has cancer, and the nurse responds affirmatively.
• B. The nurse avoids discussing the client's diagnosis to prevent emotional distress.
• C. The nurse provides a vague answer about the client's condition.
• D. The nurse promises to provide information only if it is requested by the client.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Veracity involves telling the truth, a fundamental ethical principle in healthcare. In this scenario, the nurse demonstrates veracity by responding honestly when the client directly asks about her cancer diagnosis. Choice B is incorrect as avoiding discussing the diagnosis to prevent emotional distress does not align with veracity and transparency. Choice C is incorrect as providing a vague answer does not uphold the principle of truthfulness. Choice D is incorrect because promising to provide information only upon client request does not address the immediate question about the cancer diagnosis and lacks transparency.

5. A client has a sodium level of 125 mEq/L. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Abdominal cramping
• B. Increased thirst
• C. Elevated blood pressure
• D. Elevated heart rate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Abdominal cramping is a common manifestation of hyponatremia (low sodium levels). When sodium levels drop, it can lead to changes in the body's water balance, affecting cell function and causing symptoms like abdominal cramping. Increased thirst (choice B) is more commonly associated with hypernatremia (high sodium levels) due to the body's attempt to dilute the excess sodium. Elevated blood pressure (choice C) and elevated heart rate (choice D) are not typically direct manifestations of low sodium levels and are more commonly seen in conditions like dehydration or shock.

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