What is an escharotomy and why is it performed?
- A. A surgical incision made to improve circulation in burn injuries
- B. A procedure to remove dead tissue from a wound
- C. A procedure to remove excess fluid from the lungs
- D. A procedure to relieve pain from burns
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: An escharotomy is a surgical procedure involving an incision through the eschar (dead tissue) to relieve pressure in burn injuries. It is performed to improve circulation to the affected area, prevent further damage, and restore blood flow. Choice B is incorrect because an escharotomy is not primarily focused on removing dead tissue but rather on relieving pressure. Choice C is incorrect as it describes a procedure related to pulmonary issues, not burn injuries. Choice D is incorrect because while pain relief may be a result of an escharotomy, it is not the primary purpose of the procedure.
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What should be done when continuous bubbling is observed in the chest tube water seal chamber?
- A. Tighten the connections of the chest tube system
- B. Replace the chest tube system
- C. Clamp the chest tube
- D. Continue to monitor the chest tube
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When continuous bubbling is observed in the chest tube water seal chamber, the appropriate action is to tighten the connections of the chest tube system. This may resolve an air leak that is causing the continuous bubbling. Option B, replacing the chest tube system, is not the initial step to take and is considered more invasive. Clamping the chest tube (option C) can lead to complications and should not be done unless instructed by a healthcare provider. Continuing to monitor the chest tube (option D) without taking any corrective action may delay necessary interventions.
A nurse misreads a glucose level and administers insulin for a blood glucose of 210 mg/dL instead of 120 mg/dL. What is the priority intervention?
- A. Monitor for hypoglycemia
- B. Monitor for hyperkalemia
- C. Administer glucose IV
- D. Document the incident
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor for hypoglycemia. In this scenario, the nurse administered insulin based on a misread glucose level, which could lead to hypoglycemia due to excessive insulin action lowering blood glucose levels. Monitoring for hypoglycemia allows for prompt recognition and intervention if blood glucose levels drop significantly. Choice B, monitoring for hyperkalemia, is incorrect as administering insulin would not cause hyperkalemia. Choice C, administering glucose IV, is not appropriate at this time since the patient's blood glucose level is already elevated. Choice D, documenting the incident, is important but not the priority at this moment when patient safety is at risk due to potential hypoglycemia.
A patient is admitted with chest pain, possible acute coronary syndrome. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin
- B. Get IV access
- C. Obtain cardiac enzymes
- D. Auscultate heart sounds
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In a patient with chest pain, possible acute coronary syndrome, the nurse should administer sublingual nitroglycerin first. Nitroglycerin helps to vasodilate coronary arteries, improving blood flow to the heart, and reducing cardiac workload. This can alleviate chest pain and decrease cardiac tissue damage in acute coronary syndrome. Getting IV access, obtaining cardiac enzymes, and auscultating heart sounds are important steps in the assessment and management of acute coronary syndrome, but administering nitroglycerin to relieve chest pain and improve blood flow takes precedence as it directly addresses the patient's symptoms and aims to prevent further cardiac damage.
What is the preferred electrical intervention for a patient with ventricular tachycardia and a pulse?
- A. Synchronized cardioversion
- B. Defibrillation
- C. Medication administration
- D. Pacing
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In a patient with ventricular tachycardia and a pulse, synchronized cardioversion is the preferred electrical intervention. Synchronized cardioversion is used to treat unstable tachyarrhythmias like ventricular tachycardia with a pulse. Choice B, defibrillation, is used for pulseless ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. Choice C, medication administration, may not provide immediate correction for unstable ventricular tachycardia. Choice D, pacing, is not the first-line treatment for ventricular tachycardia with a pulse.
What should be taught to a patient following cataract surgery?
- A. Avoid NSAIDs
- B. Wear dark glasses when outdoors
- C. Report green or yellow drainage immediately
- D. Itching is normal unless accompanied by pain and nausea
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to avoid NSAIDs after cataract surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding. Choice B, wearing dark glasses when outdoors, is generally recommended after cataract surgery to protect the eyes from bright sunlight, but it is not the most critical instruction. Choice C, reporting green or yellow drainage immediately, is important to monitor for signs of infection, but it is not specific to cataract surgery. Choice D, itching is normal unless accompanied by pain and nausea, is not the most crucial advice post-cataract surgery. Therefore, the key instruction is to avoid NSAIDs to minimize bleeding risk.