Nokea
A client with a tracheostomy is exhibiting difficulty breathing, and respirations are increasingly noisy. Secretions are very thick. Which of the following initial interventions is most indicated?
- A. Increase humidification, and suction the tracheostomy tube.
- B. Notify the physician.
- C. Sit the client upright, and encourage the client to breathe deeply and cough.
- D. Gently irrigate and suction the tracheostomy tube.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Thick secretions causing noisy respirations and breathing difficulty indicate the need for increased humidification to thin secretions and suctioning to clear the tracheostomy tube (A). Notifying the physician (B) or encouraging coughing (C) is secondary, and irrigation (D) is not typically the initial step.
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The nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative day 2 following a total knee replacement. The client reports pain at the surgical site and has a temperature of 100.8°F (38.2°C). Which of the following actions should the nurse take FIRST?
- A. Administer an analgesic as ordered.
- B. Notify the physician.
- C. Apply a cold pack to the surgical site.
- D. Assess the surgical site for signs of infection.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: assessing the surgical site for signs of infection is the first step to determine the cause of the fever and pain
The nurse is caring for an obstetrical client in early labor. After the rupture of membranes, the nurse should give priority to:
- A. Applying an internal monitor
- B. Assessing fetal heart tones
- C. Assisting with epidural anesthesia
- D. Inserting a Foley catheter
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Assessing fetal heart tones is critical after rupture of membranes to detect fetal distress, such as cord compression.
A client is receiving oxygen per nasal cannula at 3 L/minute. Which of the following is the approximate inspired oxygen concentration (FiO2)?
- A. 60%
- B. 50%
- C. 40-42%
- D. 28-32%
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Nasal cannula at 3 L/min delivers approximately 28-32% FiO2 (D), as each liter adds about 4% above room air (21%).
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted to the respiratory unit. Which physician prescription should the nurse question?
- A. Oâ‚‚ at 5 L/min by nasal cannula
- B. Solu Medrol 125 mg IV push every 6 hours
- C. Ceftriaxone (Rocephin) 1gram IVPB daily
- D. Darvocet N 100 po prn pain
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: High-flow oxygen (5 L/min) can suppress the hypoxic drive in COPD clients, risking CO2 retention. Low-flow oxygen (1-2 L/min) is safer and should be questioned.
Which of the following is the best indicator of the diagnosis of HIV?
- A. White blood cell count
- B. ELISA
- C. Western Blot
- D. Complete blood count
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Western Blot is the most specific test for confirming HIV diagnosis after a positive ELISA.