Nursing Elites

1. When caring for a client with a chest tube, which intervention is most important?

• A. Keep the drainage system at chest level.
• B. Ensure that the chest tube is clamped at all times.
• C. Strip the chest tube every shift.
• D. Ensure that the chest tube is connected to a water-seal drainage system.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most crucial intervention when caring for a client with a chest tube is to ensure that the chest tube is connected to a water-seal drainage system (D). This system helps maintain proper lung expansion and prevents complications. Keeping the drainage system at chest level (A) is important to facilitate drainage, but not as critical as ensuring the connection to the drainage system. Clamping the chest tube (B) is unnecessary and can lead to serious issues. Stripping the chest tube (C) is an outdated practice and can cause harm rather than benefit.

2. A client with rheumatoid arthritis is experiencing chronic pain in both hands and wrists. Which information about the client is most important for the nurse to obtain when planning care?

• A. Amount of support provided by family members
• B. Measurement of pain using a scale of 0 to 10
• C. The ability to perform ADLs
• D. Nonverbal behaviors exhibited when pain occurs

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Assessing the client's ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) is crucial in planning care for someone with chronic pain. Understanding the client's functional status helps the nurse tailor interventions to promote independence and enhance quality of life. It provides valuable insight into the impact of pain on daily activities and guides the development of a comprehensive care plan to address the client's specific needs. While family support, pain measurement, and nonverbal behaviors are important aspects to consider in caring for a client with chronic pain, the ability to perform ADLs directly reflects the client's independence and quality of life, making it the most crucial information to obtain.

3. When emptying 350 mL of pale yellow urine from a client's urinal, the nurse notes that this is the first time the client has voided in 4 hours. Which action should the nurse take next?

• A. Record the amount on the client's fluid output record.
• B. Encourage the client to increase oral fluid intake.
• C. Notify the healthcare provider of the findings.
• D. Palpate the client's bladder for distention.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should record the amount on the client's fluid output record because the 350 mL of pale yellow urine is a normal finding. This indicates appropriate urine output, so encouraging increased fluid intake or notifying the healthcare provider is not necessary at this time. Additionally, palpating the client's bladder for distention is not indicated based on the normal urine output observed.

4. During the digital removal of a fecal impaction, the nurse should stop the procedure and take corrective action if which client reaction is noted?

• A. Temperature increases from 98.8° to 99.0° F.
• B. Pulse rate decreases from 78 to 52 beats/min.
• C. Respiratory rate increases from 16 to 24 breaths/min.
• D. Blood pressure increases from 110/84 to 118/88 mmHg.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During digital removal of a fecal impaction, a vagal response can occur due to stimulation of the anal sphincter. If the client experiences bradycardia (pulse rate decreases), the nurse should stop the procedure immediately and take corrective action to prevent any complications. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not indicate a vagal response, which is the expected adverse reaction during this procedure.

5. The healthcare professional is monitoring a client receiving IV potassium chloride. Which assessment finding should prompt the healthcare professional to immediately stop the infusion?

• A. The client reports pain at the IV site
• B. The client’s heart rate is irregular
• C. The client has swelling at the IV site
• D. The client’s blood pressure is elevated

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An irregular heart rate is a critical sign of hyperkalemia, a serious condition that can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Stopping the infusion promptly is crucial to prevent further complications. The healthcare professional should inform the healthcare provider immediately for further evaluation and management. Choice A is incorrect because pain at the IV site is common and may not necessitate stopping the infusion. Choice C is incorrect as swelling at the IV site may indicate a local reaction but is not a reason to stop the infusion. Choice D is incorrect as an elevated blood pressure alone is not a direct indication to stop the infusion of IV potassium chloride.

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