Nursing Elites

1. A 4-month-old child is at the clinic for a well-baby checkup and immunizations. Which of these actions is most appropriate when the nurse is assessing an infant's vital signs?

• A. The infant's radial pulse should be palpated, and the nurse should notice any fluctuations resulting from activity or exercise.
• B. The nurse should auscultate an apical rate for 1 minute and then assess for any normal irregularities, such as sinus dysrhythmia.
• C. The infant's blood pressure should be assessed by using a stethoscope with a large diaphragm piece to hear the soft muffled Korotkoff sounds.
• D. The infant's chest should be observed and the respiratory rate counted for 1 minute; the respiratory pattern may vary significantly.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse auscultates an apical rate, not a radial pulse, with infants and toddlers. The pulse should be counted by listening to the heart for 1 full minute to account for normal irregularities, such as sinus dysrhythmia. Children younger than 3 years of age have such small arm vessels; consequently, hearing Korotkoff sounds with a stethoscope is difficult. The nurse should use either an electronic blood pressure device that uses oscillometry or a Doppler ultrasound device to amplify the sounds. An infant's respiratory rate should be assessed by observing the infant's abdomen, not chest, because an infant's respirations are normally more diaphragmatic than thoracic. The nurse should auscultate an apical heart rate, not palpate a radial pulse, with infants and toddlers.

2. A client on the nursing unit is terminally ill but remains alert and oriented. Three days after admission, the nurse observes signs of depression. The client states, 'I'm tired of being sick. I wish I could end it all.' What is the most accurate and informative way to record this data in a nursing progress note?

• A. Client appears to be depressed, possibly suicidal
• B. Client reports being tired of being ill and wants to die
• C. Client does not want to live any longer and is tired of being ill
• D. Client states, 'I'm tired of being sick. I wish I could end it all.'

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Subjective data includes thoughts, beliefs, feelings, perceptions, and sensations that are apparent only to the person affected and cannot be measured, seen, or felt by the nurse. This information should be documented using the client's exact words in quotes. The other options indicate that the nurse has drawn the conclusion that the client no longer wishes to live. From the data provided, the cues do not support this assumption. A more complete assessment should be conducted to determine if the client is suicidal.

3. A client is being transferred from a bed to a wheelchair. Which action is essential to maintain client safety in this situation?

• A. Position the wheelchair at the foot of the bed
• B. Maintain a space of at least 12 inches between the wheelchair and the bed
• C. Place the footplates in the lowest position before transferring the client
• D. Lock both wheels on the wheelchair before moving the client

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When transferring a client from a bed to a wheelchair, it is crucial to prioritize client safety. Locking both wheels on the wheelchair before moving the client is essential as it adds stability and prevents the wheelchair from moving unexpectedly during the transfer process. Placing the wheelchair at the foot of the bed allows for easier transfer, but ensuring the wheels are locked is more critical for safety. Maintaining a 12-inch space between the wheelchair and the bed is not as essential as ensuring wheel locks are engaged. While placing the footplates in the lowest position can enhance client comfort, it is not a safety measure that is as critical as securing the wheelchair by locking its wheels before the transfer.

4. A client's intake and output are being calculated by a nurse. During the last shift, the client consumed � cup of gelatin, a skinless chicken breast, 1 cup of green beans, and 300 cc of water. The client also urinated 250 cc and had 2 bowel movements. What is this client's intake and output for this shift?

• A. 420 cc intake, 250 cc output
• B. 300 cc intake, 250 cc output
• C. 550 cc intake, 550 cc output
• D. 300 cc intake, 550 cc output

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 420 cc intake and 250 cc output for this shift. To calculate the intake, � cup of gelatin (approximately 120 cc) and 300 cc of water should be added together, resulting in 420 cc. Food intake like the chicken breast and green beans is not converted to cc's but may be documented for hospital protocol. Output includes urine (250 cc in this case) and other forms like vomit, diarrhea, or gastric suction. Bowel movements are not converted to cc's, but the nurse may need to document the number of stools passed. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the intake and output calculations based on the information provided.

5. The client often sighs and says in a monotone voice, 'I'm never going to get over this.' When encouraged to participate in care, the client says, 'I don't have the energy.' These cues are suggestive of which nursing diagnoses? Select all that apply.

• A. Hopelessness
• B. Power
• C. Interrupted sleep pattern
• D. Disturbed self-esteem

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A nursing diagnosis involves clinical judgment about a response to a health problem. In this scenario, the client's expressions of feeling overwhelmed and lacking energy indicate feelings of hopelessness and powerlessness. While fatigue is mentioned, there is no direct evidence to support an interrupted sleep pattern, making option C incorrect. Similarly, disturbed self-esteem and self-care deficit are not evident from the given cues, making options D and E incorrect.

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