What is the first priority when caring for a client with a gunshot wound to the chest?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Apply an airtight dressing. This is the first priority because it helps prevent air from entering the chest cavity, which can cause a tension pneumothorax. A tension pneumothorax can rapidly lead to respiratory distress and cardiac arrest. Applying an airtight dressing helps stabilize the condition until further medical intervention can be provided. Incorrect choices: A: Performing needle decompression is not the first priority as it is indicated for a tension pneumothorax once it has developed, not as a preventive measure. B: Applying a sterile dressing is important but not the first priority when dealing with a gunshot wound to the chest as sealing the wound to prevent air entry is more critical. D: Monitoring the client's ECG is not the first priority in this situation as addressing the potential tension pneumothorax takes precedence over monitoring the client's heart rhythm.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The nursing process consists of Assessment, Diagnosis, Outcome Identification, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation. Assessment involves gathering data about the patient's health status. Diagnosis is the identification of the patient's health problems. Outcome Identification sets goals for resolving these problems. Planning involves developing a care plan. Implementation is the execution of the care plan. Evaluation assesses the effectiveness of the care provided. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect: A: Treatment and client outcome are not individual phases in the nursing process. B: Admission and discharge planning are not standalone phases in the nursing process. C: Expected outcome is not a phase, and assessment is missing from the sequence.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer anticoagulants. This is crucial for preventing blood clots post-surgery as they help thin the blood and reduce clot formation. Monitoring for arrhythmias (B) is important but not the priority in this case. While encouraging deep breathing (C) and fluid intake (D) are beneficial for post-surgical recovery, they do not directly address the risk of blood clot formation. Administering anticoagulants is the most effective intervention to prevent blood clots in high-risk surgical patients.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Drinking caffeinated beverages can potentially increase blood pressure due to their stimulant effect. Limiting caffeine intake is recommended for patients with hypertension. Statement A is correct as reducing sodium and increasing potassium intake can help lower blood pressure. Statement B is correct as processed foods and fast food are typically high in sodium and unhealthy fats, which can worsen hypertension. Statement D is correct as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are part of a heart-healthy diet for managing hypertension.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Nursing process. The nursing process consists of systematic steps (assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, evaluation) used by nurses to provide individualized care. Assessment helps identify community needs, diagnosis guides problem identification, planning involves setting goals, implementation is about carrying out interventions, and evaluation assesses outcomes. Diagnostic reasoning (B) refers to the process of analyzing data to make clinical decisions, not for planning community care. Critical thinking (C) is a general cognitive process that aids decision-making but is not specific to planning community care. Community care map (D) may be a tool used within the nursing process but is not the overarching framework for planning individualized care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Eggs. Eggs are considered a complete protein because they contain all nine essential amino acids required by the body. These amino acids are necessary for various bodily functions, such as muscle growth and repair. Corn (A), peanuts (C), and sunflower seeds (D) are incomplete proteins as they lack one or more essential amino acids. Therefore, eggs are the best choice for a complete protein source compared to the other options provided.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Respect and compassion are essential in end-of-life care to support patients emotionally. Step 2: Nurses need to show empathy and understanding towards patients and their families. Step 3: Providing comfort and dignity in the final stages of life is crucial. Step 4: Assessing and intervening (Choice B) is important but not the primary competency in end-of-life care. Step 5: Setting goals and dynamic changes to care (Choice C) may be relevant but not as fundamental as respect and compassion. Step 6: Keeping sad news away (Choice D) goes against transparency and trust-building in end-of-life care.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct first action for a nurse when caring for a client with acute shortness of breath is to administer oxygen (Choice A). Oxygen is essential to support the client's respiratory function and improve oxygenation. Administering corticosteroids (Choice B) may be considered later for certain underlying conditions, but oxygen takes precedence. Administering pain relief (Choice C) is not the priority in this situation. Placing the client in a supine position (Choice D) can potentially worsen respiratory distress in some cases, making it an incorrect choice.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct intervention for hyperkalemia is to administer insulin (Choice C). Insulin drives potassium into cells, lowering serum potassium levels. This is effective in acutely reducing high potassium levels. Administering calcium gluconate (Choice A) is used for stabilizing cardiac membranes in hyperkalemia but does not lower potassium levels. Sodium bicarbonate (Choice B) is used for metabolic acidosis, not hyperkalemia. Furosemide (Choice D) is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium loss but is not the primary intervention for hyperkalemia.