Nursing Elites

1. A charge nurse is making staff assignments on a medical-surgical unit. Which of the following tasks should the nurse plan to delegate to an assistive personnel?

• A. Measuring oxygen saturation for a client who has dyspnea
• B. Inserting a rectal suppository for a client who is vomiting
• C. Performing nasal hygiene for a client who has an NG tube
• D. Pouching a client's ostomy bag for a new colostomy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Pouching a new colostomy is a task that can be safely and appropriately delegated to an assistive personnel as it falls within their scope of practice. Measuring oxygen saturation (Choice A) requires a higher level of training and assessment, making it unsuitable for delegation. Inserting a rectal suppository (Choice B) and performing nasal hygiene (Choice C) involve invasive procedures that are typically performed by licensed nursing staff due to the associated risks and complexities, making them inappropriate for delegation to assistive personnel.

2. A nurse is supervising an assistive personnel (AP) who is feeding a client who has dysphagia. Which of the following actions by the AP should the nurse identify as correct technique?

• A. Elevating the head of the client's bed to 30 degrees during mealtime
• B. Withholding fluids until the end of the meal
• C. Providing a 10-minute rest period prior to meals
• D. Instructing the client to place her chin toward her chest when swallowing

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct technique for a client with dysphagia is to instruct them to place their chin toward their chest when swallowing. This action helps to close off the airway during swallowing, reducing the risk of aspiration. Elevating the head of the client's bed to 30 degrees during mealtime helps prevent aspiration, but this is not the responsibility of the AP. Withholding fluids until the end of the meal can lead to dehydration and is not a recommended practice. Providing a 10-minute rest period prior to meals is not specifically related to improving swallowing safety for clients with dysphagia.

3. A nurse in a clinic is reviewing laboratory reports for a group of clients. Which of the following diseases should the nurse report to the state health department?

• A. Pertussis
• B. Group B streptococcal disease
• C. Respiratory syncytial virus
• D. Rotavirus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Pertussis is the correct answer because it is a reportable disease that healthcare providers are required by law to report to public health authorities. This infectious disease poses a significant public health risk and needs to be monitored closely to prevent outbreaks and implement control measures. Group B streptococcal disease, Respiratory syncytial virus, and Rotavirus are important conditions but are not typically reportable to the state health department. These diseases may require specific precautions in healthcare settings, but they do not fall under mandatory reporting requirements.

4. The wound irrigation process cleanses the wound and:

• A. Reduces the potential pain in the wound region or area.
• B. Stops the spread of infection by creating a 'clean' area.
• C. Pushes extravasated blood from a hematoma into nearby healthy tissue.
• D. Allows for the introduction of medications in solution form.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because wound irrigation allows for the introduction of medications in solution form to the wound site. Choice A is incorrect because while wound irrigation can help with pain management indirectly by promoting healing, its primary purpose is not to reduce pain directly. Choice B is incorrect as wound irrigation primarily aims to cleanse the wound and remove contaminants rather than creating a 'clean' area to stop infection spread. Choice C is incorrect because wound irrigation does not involve pushing extravasated blood from a hematoma into nearby healthy tissue; its main goal is to cleanse the wound and promote healing.

5. Who should document care?

• A. The LPNs should document the care that they provided and the care that was given by unlicensed assistive staff.
• B. The registered nurse must document all of the care that is provided by the nursing assistants because they are accountable for all care.
• C. All staff members should document all of the care that they have provided.
• D. All staff should document all of the care that they have provided but the registered nurse, as the only independent practitioner, signs it.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: All staff members should document the care they provided as part of their accountability and to ensure accurate and comprehensive records. In healthcare settings, it is essential for all staff to document the care they deliver for continuity of care and legal purposes. The registered nurse may sign off on the documentation for oversight purposes, but the responsibility of documenting care extends to all staff involved in patient care. Choices A and B incorrectly limit the responsibility to specific roles, while choice D inaccurately suggests that only the registered nurse signs off on the documentation, overlooking the importance of comprehensive documentation by all staff members involved.

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