Nursing Elites

1. The nurse in the pediatric clinic performs a physical assessment of a 13-year-old boy. Which of the following findings by the nurse requires immediate intervention?

• A. The adolescent complains of his scrotum aching after exercise. The nurse palpates a worm-like mass above the testes.
• B. The nurse noted unilateral breast enlargement.
• C. The child’s scrotum appears swollen, and a soft mass is palpated. The nurse is unable to insert a finger above the mass.
• D. The child’s scrotum appears enlarged and red. The nurse palpated a thickened and swollen spermatic cord.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Choice D is the correct answer because a swollen and thickened spermatic cord could indicate testicular torsion, which is a surgical emergency. Testicular torsion occurs when the spermatic cord twists, cutting off the blood supply to the testicle. This condition requires immediate intervention to prevent testicular damage. Choices A, B, and C do not present findings that suggest a surgical emergency requiring immediate intervention.

2. During a physical assessment of a newborn, which of the following findings should the nurse prioritize reporting?

• A. Head circumference of 40 cm
• B. Chest circumference of 32 cm
• C. Acrocyanosis and edema of the scalp
• D. Heart rate of 160 bpm and respirations of 40/min

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A head circumference of 40 cm is abnormally large for a newborn and could indicate conditions like hydrocephalus or other abnormalities, making it a crucial finding to report. Choices B, C, and D are within normal parameters for a newborn and do not pose immediate concerns. Chest circumference of 32 cm is a normal finding. Acrocyanosis and edema of the scalp are common in newborns due to physiological adaptations. A heart rate of 160 bpm and respirations of 40/min may be within the normal range for a newborn.

3. The nurse prepares to administer digoxin (Lanoxin) to a newborn with a diagnosis of heart failure and notes that the apical rate is 140 beats per minute. Which nursing action is appropriate?

• A. Hold the medication
• B. Administer the digoxin
• C. Notify the healthcare provider
• D. Recheck the apical rate in 1 hour

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An apical rate of 140 bpm is within the normal range for a newborn. Digoxin is commonly used to treat heart failure by increasing the strength and efficiency of the heart's contractions. Since the heart rate is within the normal range, there is no need to hold the medication or notify the healthcare provider. Rechecking the apical rate in an hour is unnecessary as the heart rate is not alarming. Therefore, the appropriate nursing action is to administer the digoxin.

4. The HCP orders cultures of the urethral urine, bladder urine, and prostatic fluid. Which instructions would the nurse teach to achieve the first two (2) specimens?

• A. Collect the first 15 mL in one jar and then the next 50 mL in another
• B. Collect three (3) early morning, clean voided urine specimens
• C. Collect the specimens after the HCP massages the prostate
• D. Collect a routine urine specimen for analysis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To obtain accurate cultures of urethral and bladder urine, the nurse should instruct the patient to collect the first 15 mL of urine in one container and the subsequent 50 mL in another. This method ensures that the specimens are separated appropriately for analysis. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because collecting three early morning urine specimens, massaging the prostate, or collecting a routine urine specimen would not provide the specific separation of urethral and bladder urine required for this particular test.

5. The nurse is caring for the client one (1) day postoperative sigmoid colostomy operation. Which independent nursing intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Change the infusion rate of the intravenous fluid
• B. Encourage the client to discuss his or her feelings
• C. Administer opioid narcotic medications for pain management
• D. Assist the client out of bed to sit in the chair twice daily

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Assisting the client to sit in a chair is a crucial nursing intervention postoperatively. It helps prevent complications such as thrombosis, pneumonia, and pressure ulcers by promoting circulation and aiding in recovery. Changing the infusion rate of the intravenous fluid would require a physician's order and is not within the nurse's independent scope of practice. Encouraging the client to discuss feelings and administering medications for pain management are important interventions but may not be as immediately necessary as assisting the client in mobilizing early postoperatively.

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