Nursing Elites

1. A charge nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about the care of a client who has methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Which of the following statements should the charge nurse identify as an indication that the newly licensed nurse understands the teaching?

• A. I should obtain a specimen for culture and sensitivity after the first dose of an antimicrobial.
• B. MRSA is usually resistant to vancomycin, so another antimicrobial will be prescribed.
• C. I will protect others from exposure when I transport the client outside the room.
• D. To decrease resistance, antimicrobial therapy is discontinued when the client is no longer febrile.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Protecting others from exposure when transporting a client with MRSA is crucial in preventing the spread of infection. This statement demonstrates understanding of infection control measures. Stating that MRSA is usually resistant to vancomycin (choice B) is incorrect; vancomycin is often effective against MRSA. Obtaining a specimen for culture and sensitivity after the first dose of an antimicrobial (choice A) is unnecessary and not indicated. Discontinuing antimicrobial therapy when the client is no longer febrile (choice D) is incorrect because antimicrobial therapy should be completed as prescribed to prevent the development of resistant strains.

2. While measuring a client’s oral temperature using an electronic thermometer, what action should the nurse take?

• A. Assist the client with oral hygiene before taking the temperature.
• B. Inquire whether the client has smoked in the last 30 minutes.
• C. Connect the red tip probe to the thermometer unit.
• D. Position the probe tip against the client’s buccal mucosa.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when measuring a client’s oral temperature using an electronic thermometer is to inquire whether the client has smoked in the last 30 minutes. Smoking can affect the accuracy of oral temperature readings. Providing oral hygiene (Choice A) is not directly related to ensuring accurate temperature measurement. Connecting the red tip probe (Choice C) is not specific to oral temperature measurement accuracy. Positioning the probe tip against the buccal mucosa (Choice D) is incorrect as oral temperature is typically measured under the tongue, not against the cheek.

3. A client who has just had a mastectomy has a closed wound suction device (hemovac) in place. Which nursing action will ensure proper operation of the device?

• A. Collapsing the device whenever it is 1/2 to 2/3 full of air.
• B. Emptying the device every 4 hours.
• C. Replacing the device every 24 hours.
• D. Keeping the device above the level of the surgical site.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Collapsing the device when it is 1/2 to 2/3 full of air is the correct nursing action to ensure proper operation of a closed wound suction device (hemovac). This action maintains negative pressure, which is essential for proper suction and drainage of the wound. Emptying the device every 4 hours (Choice B) is not necessary as the focus should be on collapsing it appropriately. Replacing the device every 24 hours (Choice C) is not a standard practice unless indicated by the healthcare provider. Keeping the device above the level of the surgical site (Choice D) is not necessary for the device's proper operation; collapsing it to maintain negative pressure is the key action.

4. Which assessment data reflects the need for nurses to include the problem, “Risk for falls,” in a client’s plan of care?

• A. Recent serum hemoglobin level of 16 g/dL
• B. Opioid analgesic received one hour ago
• C. Stooped posture with an unsteady gait
• D. Expressed feelings of depression

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The recent administration of opioid analgesics increases the risk for falls due to potential side effects such as sedation and dizziness. Choice A, a recent serum hemoglobin level of 16 g/dL, is not directly related to the risk for falls. Choice C, stooped posture with an unsteady gait, may indicate an existing risk but does not directly reflect the need to include 'Risk for falls' in the care plan. Choice D, expressed feelings of depression, is important to address but is not directly associated with the risk for falls.

5. A healthcare provider is preparing to insert an IV catheter into a client's arm before starting IV fluid therapy. Which of the following interventions should the provider implement to prevent infection?

• A. Thread the IV catheter so that the hub rests at the insertion site
• B. Shave excess hair from around the insertion site
• C. Cleanse the site with hydrogen peroxide before IV catheter insertion
• D. Palpate the site carefully just before inserting the IV catheter

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Inserting the IV catheter so that the hub rests at the insertion site reduces the risk of contamination along the length of the catheter. This technique helps prevent introducing microbes into the bloodstream during the catheter insertion process. Shaving excess hair is unnecessary and can increase the risk of skin irritation and infection. Cleansing the site with hydrogen peroxide is outdated as it can cause tissue damage and delay wound healing. Palpating the site just before insertion can introduce bacteria from the skin surface into the insertion site, increasing the risk of infection.

Similar Questions