Nursing Elites

1. While changing a client’s chest tube dressing, the nurse notes a crackling sensation when gentle pressure is applied to the skin at the insertion site. What is the best action for the nurse to take?

• A. Apply a pressure dressing around the chest tube insertion site
• B. Assess the client for allergies to topical cleaning agents
• C. Measure the area of swelling and crackling
• D. Administer an oral antihistamine per PRN protocol

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A crackling sensation indicates subcutaneous emphysema, caused by air trapped under the skin. Applying a pressure dressing around the chest tube insertion site can help manage the issue by preventing further air leakage into the tissues. Choice B is incorrect because the crackling sensation is not related to allergies. Choice C is incorrect as measuring the area does not address the underlying cause. Choice D is incorrect as administering an oral antihistamine is not indicated for subcutaneous emphysema.

2. A male client admitted three days ago with respiratory failure is intubated and receiving 40% oxygen per facemask. Currently, his temperature is 99°F, capillary refill is less than 4 seconds, and respiratory effort is within normal limits. What outcome should the nurse evaluate to measure for successful extubation?

• A. Exhibits adequate tissue perfusion
• B. Remains free of injury
• C. Remains free of infection
• D. Maintains effective breathing pattern

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Successful extubation is primarily measured by the client's ability to maintain an effective breathing pattern. This indicates that the client can adequately oxygenate and ventilate without the need for artificial airway support. Choices A, B, and C are important aspects of patient care but are not the primary outcomes to evaluate for successful extubation. Adequate tissue perfusion, freedom from injury, and prevention of infection are ongoing goals during the client's hospitalization but are not the immediate focus when considering extubation.

3. The mother of a school-age child calls the school to ask when her daughter can return to school after treatment for Pediculosis capitis. What is the nurse’s best response?

• A. When all live lice are eliminated by the treatment
• B. Two weeks after the last treatment
• C. As soon as the itching stops
• D. After the treatment kills all the live lice

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'After the treatment kills all the live lice.' The child can return to school once all live lice are eliminated to prevent the spread of Pediculosis capitis. This is essential as live lice are highly contagious. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Waiting for the itching to stop or for an epidemic to subside does not ensure that all live lice are eradicated, which is crucial to prevent reinfestation and transmission.

4. A nurse who works in the nursery is attending the vaginal delivery of a term infant. What action should the nurse complete before leaving the delivery room?

• A. Obtain the infant's vital signs.
• B. Observe the infant latching onto the breast.
• C. Administer a vitamin K injection.
• D. Place the ID bands on the infant and mother.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Placing ID bands on the infant and mother is crucial to ensure correct identification and prevent mix-ups. This step is essential for maintaining proper identification of the newborn and the mother, facilitating safe care delivery. Before leaving the delivery room, ensuring proper identification is a priority to prevent any errors. Obtaining the infant's vital signs may be important but does not take precedence over ensuring correct identification. Observing the infant latching onto the breast is crucial for breastfeeding initiation but can be done after proper identification. Administering a vitamin K injection is also important but should not delay the immediate identification process.

5. Parents who have one male child with sickle cell anemia are concerned about having more children with the disease. What client teaching should the nurse provide?

• A. All future children will be carriers, but will not necessarily have the disease
• B. There is a chance that each future child will have the disease
• C. Only male children cannot inherit the sickle cell disease trait
• D. Only one out of four of their children will definitely manifest the disease

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Each child has a 25% chance of having sickle cell anemia if both parents are carriers of the trait. Choice A is incorrect because not all future children will be carriers; some may have the disease. Choice C is incorrect as both male and female children can inherit the sickle cell disease trait. Choice D is incorrect as the chance is not fixed at one out of four; each child has an independent 25% chance of having the disease.

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