What is the priority when managing a client with a chest tube postoperatively?
- A. Clamp the chest tube for 30 minutes every 4 hours
- B. Check for air leaks and proper functioning of the chest tube
- C. Encourage deep breathing and coughing every 2 hours
- D. Encourage frequent coughing to clear secretions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The priority when managing a client with a chest tube postoperatively is to check for air leaks and ensure the proper functioning of the chest tube. This is crucial to prevent complications such as pneumothorax or hemothorax. Clamping the chest tube intermittently can lead to a buildup of pressure in the pleural space and should not be done without a specific medical indication. Encouraging deep breathing and coughing helps with lung expansion but is not the priority over ensuring the chest tube's proper function. Encouraging frequent coughing may increase the risk of dislodging the chest tube or causing complications.
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What is the proper technique for measuring a patient's blood pressure?
- A. Place the cuff at heart level and listen for Korotkoff sounds
- B. Ensure the patient is in a seated position and inflate the cuff to 180 mmHg
- C. Use a manual sphygmomanometer and measure blood pressure on both arms
- D. Monitor pulse rate and apply pressure to the brachial artery
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct technique for measuring blood pressure involves placing the cuff at heart level to ensure accurate readings. Listening for Korotkoff sounds helps determine the systolic and diastolic pressures. Choice B is incorrect as inflating the cuff to 180 mmHg is excessive and can lead to inaccurate readings. Choice C is incorrect as it is unnecessary to measure blood pressure on both arms unless there is a specific medical reason to do so. Choice D is incorrect as monitoring pulse rate and applying pressure to the brachial artery are not part of the standard blood pressure measurement technique.
Which nursing action is a priority when caring for a client with heart failure?
- A. Encourage the client to drink fluids frequently
- B. Weigh the client daily to monitor fluid balance
- C. Increase fluid intake to prevent dehydration
- D. Limit the client's sodium intake
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Weighing the client daily is a priority action when caring for a client with heart failure because it helps monitor fluid balance. This monitoring is essential in managing heart failure as it allows healthcare providers to assess for signs of fluid retention or depletion, which are crucial in adjusting treatment plans. Encouraging the client to drink fluids frequently (Choice A) may worsen fluid overload in heart failure patients. Increasing fluid intake (Choice C) can exacerbate fluid retention. While limiting sodium intake (Choice D) is important in heart failure management, monitoring fluid balance through daily weighing takes precedence as a priority nursing action.
A nurse is caring for a client with a chest tube post-surgery. What is the most important assessment?
- A. Ensure the chest tube is clamped periodically
- B. Check for air leaks and ensure proper chest tube function
- C. Encourage deep breathing and coughing every 2 hours
- D. Ensure the client is positioned in a high Fowler's position
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Check for air leaks and ensure proper chest tube function.' This is the most important assessment for a client with a chest tube post-surgery because it ensures that the chest tube is functioning properly. Checking for air leaks helps prevent complications such as pneumothorax or hemothorax. Choice A is incorrect because clamping the chest tube periodically can lead to serious complications and should not be done unless specifically ordered by a healthcare provider. Choice C is important for promoting lung expansion but is not the most critical assessment related to the chest tube. Choice D is also important for respiratory function but is not the priority when assessing a chest tube post-surgery.
A nurse is preparing to administer a client's morning medications. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to verify the client's identity?
- A. Ask the client's full name
- B. Scan the client's facility identification band
- C. Call the client's name
- D. Verify with a second nurse
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct action to verify a client's identity when administering medications is to scan the client's facility identification band. This method ensures accuracy and helps prevent medication errors. Asking the client's full name (Choice A) may not be reliable as names can be similar, leading to confusion. Calling the client's name (Choice C) may not be effective if there are multiple clients with the same name in the facility. Verifying with a second nurse (Choice D) is an important safety measure for certain tasks but is not specifically for verifying a client's identity.
Which is the correct method for teaching a client to use a cane when they have left-leg weakness?
- A. Use the cane on the weaker side of the body
- B. Advance the cane and the strong leg together
- C. Maintain two points of support on the floor at all times
- D. Advance the cane 30 to 45 cm (12-18 in) with each step
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct method for teaching a client to use a cane when they have left-leg weakness is to maintain two points of support on the floor at all times. This approach ensures stability and helps the client maintain balance while using the cane. Choice A is incorrect because the cane should be used on the stronger side of the body to provide additional support. Choice B is incorrect as advancing the cane and the strong leg together may compromise stability. Choice D is incorrect as advancing the cane too far with each step can lead to imbalance and falls.