Nursing Elites

1. A 22-year-old patient in a mental health lock-down unit under suicide watch appears happy about being discharged. Which of the following is probably happening?

• A. The patient is excited about being around family again.
• B. The patient's suicide plan has probably progressed.
• C. The patient's plans for the future have been clarified.
• D. The patient's mood is improving.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, it is concerning that a patient under suicide watch is happy about being discharged as it may indicate that the patient's suicide plan has advanced. This change in behavior should be taken seriously as it can signal an increased risk of self-harm. Choices A, C, and D are less likely as the patient's happiness about discharge in this context is more indicative of a worsening situation rather than positive outcomes like being around family, clarifying future plans, or improving mood.

2. When choosing a needle gauge for an intramuscular injection in a 12-year-old boy, which of the following gauges would you choose?

• A. 27 gauge
• B. 25 gauge
• C. 22 gauge
• D. 20 gauge

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 22 gauge. A 22-gauge needle is recommended for school-age children, toddlers, and adolescents due to their muscle mass and tolerance. In infants, a smaller gauge (23-25) is preferred as their muscles are less developed and more sensitive. Choice A, 27 gauge, is too thin for an intramuscular injection in a 12-year-old boy. Choice B, 25 gauge, is more suitable for infants than for a 12-year-old. Choice D, 20 gauge, is too thick and not typically used for intramuscular injections in children.

3. While assessing a patient who has undergone a recent CABG, the nurse notices a mole with irregular edges and a bluish color. What should the nurse do next?

• A. Recommend a dermatological consult to the physician.
• B. Note the location of the mole and contact the physician via telephone.
• C. Note the location of the mole and follow-up with the attending physician through the medical record and a phone call.
• D. Remove the mole with a sharp debridement technique, following approval from the charge nurse.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should note the location of the mole and follow up with the attending physician through the medical record and a phone call. This action is appropriate because a mole with irregular edges and a bluish color raises concern for melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Recommending a dermatological consult (Choice A) might delay the evaluation and management of the mole. Contacting the physician via telephone (Choice B) may not provide a documented record of the observation. Removing the mole without proper evaluation (Choice D) could be dangerous and is not within the nurse's scope of practice.

4. When dressing a severe burn to the right hand, it is important for the nurse to:

• A. Apply a wet-to-dry dressing for debridement
• B. Wrap each digit individually to prevent webbing
• C. Open blisters to allow drainage prior to dressing
• D. Allow the client to do as much of the dressing change as possible

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When dressing a severe burn to the hand, it is crucial to wrap each digit individually to prevent webbing, which can lead to contractures and impaired function. Applying a wet-to-dry dressing for debridement is not recommended for burn wounds as it can cause trauma to the wound bed during removal. Opening blisters can increase the risk of infection and delay healing. Allowing the client to perform the dressing change may not ensure proper care and can lead to complications.

5. A client with sleep apnea has been ordered a CPAP machine. Which action could the RN delegate to a nursing assistant?

• A. Reminding the client to apply the CPAP at bedtime
• B. Obtaining every three-hour oxygen saturation levels
• C. Teaching the client how to turn on the CPAP machine
• D. Assessing for fatigue or depression caused by poor sleep

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is reminding the client to apply the CPAP at bedtime. This task can be safely delegated to a nursing assistant as it involves a simple and routine reminder. Option B, obtaining oxygen saturation levels, requires a higher level of training and interpretation of results, making it more appropriate for an RN. Option C, teaching the client how to turn on the CPAP machine, involves educating the client and ensuring proper use of medical equipment, which is within the RN's scope of practice. Option D, assessing for fatigue or depression, requires a comprehensive evaluation that involves interpreting symptoms and identifying underlying causes, making it more suitable for an RN to address.

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