Nursing Elites

1. What is an early sign that suctioning is needed for a client with a tracheostomy?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Irritability
• C. Hypotension
• D. Decreased oxygen saturation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Irritability is an early sign that suctioning is needed for a client with a tracheostomy. When secretions accumulate in the airway, it can lead to discomfort and irritability in the client. Bradycardia, hypotension, and decreased oxygen saturation are usually later signs of inadequate airway clearance and oxygenation. Bradycardia may indicate severe hypoxia, while hypotension and decreased oxygen saturation are consequences of prolonged airway obstruction.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who has multiple fractures following a motor-vehicle crash. For which of the following client statements should the nurse recommend a referral to an occupational therapist?

• A. I can't brush my teeth properly
• B. I am so frustrated I can't open my milk carton
• C. I can't hold a pencil
• D. I can't write anymore

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The client's frustration with opening a milk carton indicates difficulty with activities of daily living, which is a common concern addressed by occupational therapists. Choices A, C, and D are related to fine motor skills, which may also be addressed by an occupational therapist but are not as directly linked to activities of daily living as struggling with tasks like opening containers.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 hours postoperative following an appendectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Urine output of 20 mL/hr.
• B. Temperature of 36.5°C (97.7°F).
• C. Sanguineous drainage on the surgical dressing.
• D. WBC count of 9,000/mm3.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Urine output of 20 mL/hr. A urine output less than 30 mL/hr can indicate decreased renal perfusion, potentially due to hypovolemia or other issues, and should be reported to the provider. B: A temperature of 36.5°C (97.7°F) falls within the normal range and does not require immediate reporting. C: Sanguineous drainage on the surgical dressing is expected in the early postoperative period and should be monitored but does not need immediate reporting unless excessive. D: A WBC count of 9,000/mm3 is within the normal range and does not indicate an immediate concern.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who has dementia and frequently gets out of bed unsupervised. What is the best intervention to prevent falls?

• A. Place a bed exit alarm
• B. Use restraints to prevent the client from getting out of bed
• C. Ask the client's family to stay at the bedside
• D. Encourage frequent ambulation with assistance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best intervention to prevent falls in a client with dementia who gets out of bed unsupervised is to place a bed exit alarm. This device alerts staff when the client attempts to leave the bed, allowing timely intervention to reduce the risk of falls. Using restraints (choice B) can lead to physical and psychological harm and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Asking the client's family to stay at the bedside (choice C) may not be feasible at all times and does not provide a continuous monitoring solution. Encouraging frequent ambulation with assistance (choice D) is beneficial for mobility but may not address the immediate risk of falls associated with unsupervised bed exits.

5. How should a healthcare professional manage a patient with suspected myocardial infarction (MI)?

• A. Administer oxygen and call for emergency help
• B. Monitor vital signs and provide pain relief
• C. Provide nitroglycerin and thrombolytics
• D. Administer diuretics and provide a high-protein diet

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering oxygen and seeking emergency help are crucial initial steps in managing a patient with suspected myocardial infarction (MI). Oxygen helps to improve oxygenation to the heart muscle, reducing its workload and preventing further damage. Calling for emergency help ensures timely access to advanced medical care, including interventions like thrombolytics. Monitoring vital signs and providing pain relief are important but secondary to the immediate need for oxygen and emergency assistance. Providing nitroglycerin and thrombolytics should be done under medical supervision and following appropriate protocols, not as the first step. Administering diuretics and altering the patient's diet are not indicated in the acute management of MI.

Similar Questions