Nursing Elites

1. A client complains of pain in the leg while in skeletal traction. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Increase the pain medication immediately
• B. Check for signs of infection
• C. Reposition the client's leg for comfort
• D. Notify the physician of the client's complaints

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Check for signs of infection. In skeletal traction, the priority action for the nurse when a client complains of pain in the leg is to first assess for signs of infection. Pain in skeletal traction can be a symptom of infection or other complications, so checking for signs of infection is crucial before considering other interventions. Increasing pain medication immediately (Choice A) may mask the symptoms of an underlying infection. Repositioning the client's leg for comfort (Choice C) may provide temporary relief but does not address the potential underlying issue. Notifying the physician of the client's complaints (Choice D) is important but assessing for infection should come first to ensure timely and appropriate intervention.

2. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client following a myocardial infarction (MI). Which of the following activities should the client avoid?

• A. Swimming in a pool
• B. Driving a car
• C. Light housework
• D. Walking on flat ground

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Driving a car. Driving a car can be physically and emotionally taxing, increasing the risk of complications soon after a myocardial infarction. It requires quick reflexes and decision-making abilities, which may be impaired during the recovery period. Swimming in a pool, light housework, and walking on flat ground are generally safe and beneficial activities for clients following a myocardial infarction as they promote circulation, muscle strength, and overall well-being.

3. What is the most appropriate action for a healthcare provider to take when a patient is at risk for falls?

• A. Place the call light within the patient's reach.
• B. Apply a yellow fall risk bracelet to the patient.
• C. Assist the patient when ambulating.
• D. Ensure the patient's room is well-lit.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to apply a yellow fall risk bracelet to the patient. This action helps alert staff to the patient's increased risk of falling, prompting them to implement appropriate safety measures and precautions. Placing the call light within reach (choice A) is generally important but does not specifically address fall risk. Assisting the patient when ambulating (choice C) is important but may not be sufficient alone to prevent falls. Ensuring the patient's room is well-lit (choice D) is also crucial for patient safety but does not directly address the patient's fall risk status.

4. A nurse is caring for a patient who is postoperative day 1 following abdominal surgery. What is the nurse's priority action to prevent complications?

• A. Encourage the patient to perform incentive spirometry.
• B. Assist the patient in ambulating around the unit.
• C. Reposition the patient every 2 hours.
• D. Administer pain medication as prescribed.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to encourage the patient to perform incentive spirometry. Incentive spirometry helps prevent respiratory complications, such as atelectasis, by promoting deep breathing and optimal lung expansion. Ambulating, repositioning, and administering pain medication are important interventions but do not take precedence over preventing respiratory complications in the immediate postoperative period.

5. A client requires suctioning every 2 hours. To whom should the nurse delegate this task?

• A. Delegate to a licensed practical nurse (LPN)
• B. Delegate to a registered nurse (RN)
• C. Delegate to a nursing assistant (NA)
• D. Perform the task independently

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to delegate the task to a licensed practical nurse (LPN). LPNs can typically perform suctioning, but it is essential to consider the state's practice guidelines and hospital policy. Option B, delegating to a registered nurse (RN), is not necessary for this task as LPNs are usually competent to handle suctioning. Option C, delegating to a nursing assistant (NA), may not be appropriate as suctioning may require a higher level of training and expertise. Option D, performing the task independently, is not the best choice as delegation is a key aspect of nursing practice to ensure tasks are appropriately assigned based on competency levels.

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