Nursing Elites

1. When measuring vital signs, the healthcare provider observes that a client is using accessory neck muscles during respirations. What follow-up action should the healthcare provider take first?

• A. Determine pulse pressure
• B. Auscultate heart sounds
• C. Measure oxygen saturation
• D. Check for neck vein distention

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Observing a client using accessory neck muscles during respiration indicates respiratory distress. The priority action should be to measure oxygen saturation to assess the adequacy of oxygenation. This intervention provides crucial information about the client's respiratory status and helps guide further assessment and interventions.

2. A client who has been on bed rest for several days is at risk for developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which intervention should the nurse include in the client's plan of care?

• A. Encourage the client to ambulate as tolerated.
• B. Apply antiembolism stockings as prescribed.
• C. Elevate the client's legs on a pillow.
• D. Perform passive range-of-motion exercises daily.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Applying antiembolism stockings as prescribed (B) is an effective intervention to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in a client on bed rest. While encouraging ambulation (A), elevating the legs (C), and performing passive range-of-motion exercises (D) are also beneficial, compression stockings are particularly effective in reducing the risk of DVT by promoting venous return and reducing stasis in the lower extremities.

3. When assisting an older adult client in preparing to take a tub bath, which nursing action is most important?

• A. Check the bath water temperature.
• B. Shut the bathroom door.
• C. Ensure that the client has voided.
• D. Provide extra towels.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most crucial nursing action when assisting an older adult client with a tub bath is to check the bath water temperature. This step is essential to prevent burns from hot water or chilling from water that is too cold. Ensuring the water temperature is safe is a critical aspect of promoting the client's safety and comfort during the bathing process.

4. When assessing a client with a nursing diagnosis of fluid volume deficit, the nurse notes that the client's skin over the sternum 'tents' when gently pinched. Which action should the nurse implement?

• A. Confirm the finding by further assessing the client for jugular vein distention.
• B. Offer the client high-protein snacks between regularly scheduled mealtimes.
• C. Continue the planned nursing interventions to restore the client's fluid volume.
• D. Change the plan of care to include interventions for impaired skin integrity.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When the nurse observes that the client's skin over the sternum 'tents' when gently pinched, it is a classic sign of fluid volume deficit. This finding indicates dehydration and the need to restore the client's fluid volume. Therefore, the appropriate action for the nurse is to continue the planned nursing interventions aimed at addressing the fluid deficit. Choice A is incorrect as jugular vein distention is associated with fluid overload, not deficit. Choice B is incorrect as offering high-protein snacks does not directly address the fluid volume deficit. Choice D is incorrect as the priority is to address the fluid deficit before addressing skin integrity issues.

5. One week after being told that she has terminal cancer with a life expectancy of 3 weeks, a female client tells the nurse, 'I think I will plan a big party for all my friends.' How should the nurse respond?

• A. You may not have enough energy before long to hold a big party.
• B. Do you mean to say that you want to plan your funeral and wake?
• C. Planning a party and thinking about all your friends sounds like fun.
• D. You should be thinking about spending your last days with your family.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Setting goals that bring pleasure is appropriate and should be encouraged by the nurse. Choice A is discouraging and focuses on limitations. Choice B jumps to a conclusion and is not in line with the client's statement. Choice D dictates what the client should be doing, which is not respectful of the client's autonomy. Therefore, the most appropriate response is C, as it acknowledges the client's wishes and provides positive reinforcement without perpetuating denial.

Similar Questions