A client with a history of asthma presents to the emergency department with difficulty breathing and wheezing. Which of the following is the priority nursing action?
- A. Administer a bronchodilator
- B. Obtain a peak flow reading
- C. Provide supplemental oxygen
- D. Assess the client's respiratory rate
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In a client with a history of asthma experiencing difficulty breathing and wheezing, the priority nursing action is to administer a bronchodilator. This intervention helps relieve bronchospasm and improve the client's breathing. Obtaining a peak flow reading can provide additional information but is not the immediate priority in this situation. Providing supplemental oxygen may be needed but addressing the bronchospasm with a bronchodilator takes precedence. Assessing the client's respiratory rate is important but not as urgent as administering a bronchodilator to address the breathing difficulty.
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A client is talking with an older adult who is contemplating retirement. The client states, 'I keep thinking about how much I enjoy my job. I'm not sure I want to retire.' Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
- A. Let's talk about how the change in your job status will affect you.
- B. You should consider how retirement will affect your financial situation.
- C. Retirement is a big change, take your time to decide.
- D. Have you thought about what you will do after you retire?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct response is to discuss how the change in job status will affect the client. This helps the client consider the emotional and psychological impact of retirement. Choice B focuses solely on the financial aspect of retirement, which may not address the client's current concerns about enjoying their job. Choice C acknowledges the decision-making process but does not actively engage the client in exploring their feelings. Choice D shifts the focus to post-retirement plans without addressing the client's current hesitation about retiring.
A nursing assistive personnel (AP) is providing AM care to patients. Which action by the NAP will require the nurse to intervene?
- A. Not offering a backrub to a patient with fractured ribs
- B. Not offering to wash the hair of a patient with neck trauma
- C. Turning off the television while giving a backrub to the patient
- D. Turning the patient's head with neck injury to the side when giving oral care
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Turning a patient's head with a neck injury to the side when giving oral care can lead to harm or further injury. The neck should be kept in a neutral position to prevent exacerbation of the injury. Choices A, B, and C are not actions that require immediate nurse intervention. Not offering a backrub, not washing a patient's hair, or turning off the television are not critical issues that pose harm to the patient's well-being or safety.
A nurse is caring for a client postoperatively. When the nurse prepares to change the dressing, the client says it hurts. Which intervention is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Administer pain medication 45 minutes prior to dressing change.
- B. Change the dressing quickly to minimize pain.
- C. Provide reassurance to the client that the pain will pass.
- D. Use a less painful dressing technique.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Administering pain medication before the dressing change is the priority action to help manage the client's pain effectively. This intervention ensures that the client is comfortable during the procedure. Changing the dressing quickly may cause more discomfort to the client. Providing reassurance is important but does not address the immediate pain concern. Using a less painful dressing technique may be helpful, but administering pain medication first is the priority to address the client's pain promptly.
A nurse is providing teaching to a newly licensed nurse about the care of a client who has MRSA. Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of teaching?
- A. I will place the client in a private room
- B. I will tell the client's visitors to wear a mask when they are within 3 feet of the client
- C. I will remove my gown after leaving the client's room
- D. I will wear an N95 respirator mask when caring for the client
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'I will place the client in a private room.' Placing the client in a private room helps prevent the spread of MRSA, a contact precaution. Choice B is incorrect because visitors should be following standard precautions for MRSA, not just wearing a mask within a specific distance. Choice C is incorrect as the gown should be removed before exiting the client's room to prevent the spread of MRSA. Choice D is incorrect as an N95 respirator mask is not typically required for the care of a client with MRSA; standard precautions are usually sufficient.
An adult client is found to be unresponsive on morning rounds. After checking for responsiveness and calling for help, the next action that should be taken by the nurse is to:
- A. Check the carotid pulse
- B. Deliver 5 abdominal thrusts
- C. Give 2 rescue breaths
- D. Open the client's airway
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the priority is to ensure the client has a clear airway to facilitate breathing. After verifying unresponsiveness and calling for help, the nurse should open the client's airway to aid in maintaining ventilation. Checking the carotid pulse (Choice A) may be important but comes after ensuring a clear airway. Delivering abdominal thrusts (Choice B) is indicated for choking, not for an unresponsive client. Giving rescue breaths (Choice C) is also important but only after the airway has been established.