Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is assessing a client who has pulmonary edema. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Pink, frothy sputum
Pink, frothy sputum is a characteristic finding of pulmonary edema, which is caused by fluid accumulation in the alveoli and interstitial spaces of the lungs. This impairs gas exchange and leads to hypoxia and respiratory distress.
B. Bradycardia
Bradycardia is not expected in pulmonary edema. The client is more likely to have tachycardia due to increased sympathetic stimulation and decreased cardiac output.
C. Flushed, dry skin
Flushed, dry skin is not expected in pulmonary edema. The client is more likely to have pale, cool, and clammy skin due to peripheral vasoconstriction and decreased perfusion.
D. Wheezing
Wheezing is not a specific finding of pulmonary edema. It may indicate bronchospasm or asthma, which are different conditions that affect the airways rather than the alveoli.
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Full Explanation
- A. Pink, frothy sputum is a characteristic finding of pulmonary edema, which is caused by fluid accumulation in the alveoli and interstitial spaces of the lungs. This impairs gas exchange and leads to hypoxia and respiratory distress.
- B. Bradycardia is not expected in pulmonary edema. The client is more likely to have tachycardia due to increased sympathetic stimulation and decreased cardiac output.
- C. Flushed, dry skin is not expected in pulmonary edema. The client is more likely to have pale, cool, and clammy skin due to peripheral vasoconstriction and decreased perfusion.
- D. Wheezing is not a specific finding of pulmonary edema. It may indicate bronchospasm or asthma, which are different conditions that affect the airways rather than the alveoli.
Similar Questions
A nurse on an inpatient mental health unit is monitoring a visit between a client who has a history of aggressive behavior and the client's partner. Which of the following observations should the nurse identify as an indication for potential violence?
A. The client is taking numerous deep, measured breaths
This is not an indication of potential violence, but rather a coping strategy to calm down and regulate emotions.
B. The client is calmly telling their partner that "the staff here is so controlling
This is not an indication of potential violence, but rather a expression of frustration or dissatisfaction with the treatment setting.
C. The client is sitting with their head in their hands and appears to be crying
This is not an indication of potential violence, but rather a sign of sadness or distress.
D. The client is pacing around the chair in which their partner is sitting
This is an indication of potential violence, as it shows restlessness, agitation, and possible intimidation of the partner.
Full Explanation
The client is pacing around the chair in which their partner is sitting.
Rationale:
- A. The client is taking numerous deep, measured breaths. This is not an indication of potential violence, but rather a coping strategy to calm down and regulate emotions.
- B. The client is calmly telling their partner that "the staff here is so controlling." This is not an indication of potential violence, but rather a expression of frustration or dissatisfaction with the treatment setting.
- C. The client is sitting with their head in their hands and appears to be crying. This is not an indication of potential violence, but rather a sign of sadness or distress.
- D. The client is pacing around the chair in which their partner is sitting. This is an indication of potential violence, as it shows restlessness, agitation, and possible intimidation of the partner.
A nurse is caring for a client who had abdominal surgery 24 hr ago. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?
A. Assess fluid intake every 24 hr.
Assessing fluid intake every 24 hr is important for a postoperative client, but it is not the priority action. The nurse should monitor fluid intake and output more frequently, such as every 8 hr or every shift, to detect any imbalances or complications.
B. Ambulate three times a day.
Ambulating three times a day is beneficial for a postoperative client, but it is not the priority action. The nurse should encourage early and frequent ambulation to promote circulation, prevent thromboembolism, and enhance bowel function, but only after ensuring that the client is stable and has adequate pain control.
C. Assist with deep breathing and coughing.
Assisting with deep breathing and coughing is the priority action for a postoperative client who had abdominal surgery. The nurse should help the client perform these exercises every 1 to 2 hr to prevent atelectasis, pneumonia, and respiratory failure, which are common and serious complications after abdominal surgery.
D. Monitor the incision site for findings of infection.
Monitoring the incision site for findings of infection is important for a postoperative client, but it is not the priority action. The nurse should inspect the wound for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, drainage, or odor, but this can be done during routine dressing changes or as needed.
Full Explanation
- A. Assessing fluid intake every 24 hr is important for a postoperative client, but it is not the priority action. The nurse should monitor fluid intake and output more frequently, such as every 8 hr or every shift, to detect any imbalances or complications.
- B. Ambulating three times a day is beneficial for a postoperative client, but it is not the priority action. The nurse should encourage early and frequent ambulation to promote circulation, prevent thromboembolism, and enhance bowel function, but only after ensuring that the client is stable and has adequate pain control.
- C. Assisting with deep breathing and coughing is the priority action for a postoperative client who had abdominal surgery. The nurse should help the client perform these exercises every 1 to 2 hr to prevent atelectasis, pneumonia, and respiratory failure, which are common and serious complications after abdominal surgery.
- D. Monitoring the incision site for findings of infection is important for a postoperative client, but it is not the priority action. The nurse should inspect the wound for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, drainage, or odor, but this can be done during routine dressing changes or as needed.
A nurse is caring for a client who has signed an informed consent form to receive electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The client states to the nurse, "I'm not sure about this now. I'm afraid it's too risky." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
A. "Perhaps you think the ECT is dangerous, but I've seen it have good results."
This response is dismissive of the client's concerns and implies that the nurse knows better than the client.
B. "You have the right to change your mind about this procedure at any time."
This response respects the client's autonomy and informs them of their rights.
C. "Everyone gets a little nervous about this procedure as the time for it approaches."
This response minimizes the client's feelings and assumes that they are experiencing normal anxiety.
D. "Your doctor wouldn't have suggested ECT if they didn't think it would help you."
Your doctor wouldn't have suggested ECT if they didn't think it would help you." This response shifts the responsibility to the doctor and does not address the client's fears.
Full Explanation
You have the right to change your mind about this procedure at any time.
Rationale:
- A. "Perhaps you think the ECT is dangerous, but I've seen it have good results." This response is dismissive of the client's concerns and implies that the nurse knows better than the client.
- B. "You have the right to change your mind about this procedure at any time." This response respects the client's autonomy and informs them of their rights.
- C. "Everyone gets a little nervous about this procedure as the time for it approaches." This response minimizes the client's feelings and assumes that they are experiencing normal anxiety.
- D. "Your doctor wouldn't have suggested ECT if they didn't think it would help you." This response shifts the responsibility to the doctor and does not address the client's fears.