Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a patient who has a right-sided chest tube after a right lower lobectomy. Which nursing action can the nurse delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

• A. Document the amount of drainage every eight hours
• B. Obtain samples of drainage for culture from the system
• C. Assess patient pain level associated with the chest tube
• D. Check the water-seal chamber for the correct fluid level

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to document the amount of drainage every eight hours. UAP education typically includes tasks related to documentation of intake and output. Obtaining samples of drainage for culture and assessing patient pain level are nursing responsibilities that require licensed nursing personnel's education and scope of practice. Checking the water-seal chamber for the correct fluid level also falls under the nursing role, as it involves monitoring and maintaining the chest tube system, which requires nursing knowledge and training.

2. During an examination, a nurse notices a draining ulceration on a patient's lower leg. What is the most appropriate action in this situation?

• A. Wash hands and then contact the physician.
• B. Continue to examine the ulceration and then wash hands.
• C. Wash hands, put on gloves, and continue with the examination of the ulceration.
• D. Wash hands, proceed with the rest of the physical examination, and perform the examination of the leg ulceration last.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the most appropriate action is to wash hands, put on gloves, and then continue examining the ulceration. Wearing gloves is crucial when there is a possibility of contact with body fluids, as in the case of a draining ulceration. Contacting the physician is not necessary at this point; the immediate focus should be on proper infection control by washing hands and wearing gloves. Changing the order of the examination is not recommended as it is important to follow a systematic approach to avoid missing any crucial assessments.

3. While percussing over the liver of a patient, the nurse notices a dull sound. What should the nurse do?

• A. Consider this a normal finding
• B. Palpate this area for an underlying mass
• C. Reposition the hands and attempt to percuss in this area again
• D. Consider this finding as abnormal and refer the patient for additional treatment

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When percussing over relatively dense organs, such as the liver or spleen, a dull sound is a normal finding due to the organ's density. This occurs because the sound waves produced by tapping on the organ travel through the dense tissue, resulting in a dull sound. Therefore, the correct action for the nurse in this scenario is to consider a dull sound over the liver as a normal finding. Palpating for an underlying mass (Choice B) is not indicated based on the percussion finding alone. Repositioning the hands and repeating the percussion (Choice C) may not change the dull sound over the liver. Referring the patient for additional treatment (Choice D) without understanding the normal percussion findings over the liver would be premature. Thus, the most appropriate action is to interpret the dull sound as a normal finding.

4. The healthcare provider is reviewing theories of illness. The germ theory, which states that microscopic organisms such as bacteria and viruses are responsible for specific disease conditions, is a basic belief of which theory of illness?

• A. Holistic
• B. Biomedical
• C. Naturalistic
• D. Magicoreligious

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Biomedical. Among the biomedical explanations for disease is the germ theory, which states that microscopic organisms such as bacteria and viruses are responsible for specific disease conditions. The naturalistic or holistic perspective holds that the forces of nature must be kept in natural balance. The magicoreligious perspective holds that supernatural forces dominate and cause illness or health. Therefore, options A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the germ theory explanation provided in the question.

5. A client is suspected of having carbon monoxide poisoning. Which of the following symptoms are associated with this condition?

• A. Red rash across the trunk and extremities
• B. Nausea, vomiting, seizures
• C. Flushing of the face and neck
• D. Abdominal pain radiating to the back

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Nausea, vomiting, seizures.' Carbon monoxide poisoning can present with symptoms such as headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and confusion. Severe cases can progress to seizures, coma, and even death. It is crucial for healthcare providers to recognize these symptoms promptly to initiate appropriate treatment. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because a red rash, flushing of the face and neck, and abdominal pain radiating to the back are not typically associated with carbon monoxide poisoning. It is essential to be aware of the common manifestations of carbon monoxide poisoning to ensure timely intervention and prevent adverse outcomes.

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