Nursing Elites

1. A client complains of pain in their leg, and the nurse notes swelling and pallor. What is the priority nursing action?

• A. Administer pain medication.
• B. Elevate the limb and monitor closely.
• C. Encourage movement to reduce swelling.
• D. Notify the provider immediately about the symptoms.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Notify the provider immediately about the symptoms. Swelling and pallor in a limb can be indicative of serious circulatory issues or compartment syndrome. It is crucial to inform the healthcare provider promptly to assess and address the situation. Administering pain medication (choice A) may temporarily alleviate the symptoms but does not address the underlying cause. Elevating the limb and monitoring closely (choice B) can be beneficial but does not replace the need for immediate professional evaluation. Encouraging movement to reduce swelling (choice C) is contraindicated in this scenario as it may worsen the condition if a circulatory issue or compartment syndrome is present.

2. Which of the following is a correct method of safely using a sterile dressing?

• A. Reuse a dressing that appears clean.
• B. Discard a dressing after 24 hours of use.
• C. Change a dressing only if there is visible drainage.
• D. Change a dressing every 4 hours regardless of condition.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct method of safely using a sterile dressing is to discard it after 24 hours of use. This is important to prevent contamination and promote proper wound healing. Choice A is incorrect because reusing a dressing, even if it appears clean, can introduce contaminants. Choice C is incorrect as dressing changes should not be based solely on visible drainage; they should be done within the recommended time frame. Choice D is incorrect because changing a dressing every 4 hours, regardless of its condition, can lead to unnecessary wastage and disturbance to the wound healing process.

3. A nurse is observing a patient's use of a walker. Which observation indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. The patient advances the walker too far ahead.
• B. The patient uses the walker to assist in standing.
• C. The patient maintains their balance while using the walker.
• D. The patient walks with their back hunched over.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because advancing the walker too far ahead increases the risk of falls, indicating a need for further teaching. Choice B is correct as using the walker to assist in standing is a proper use. Choice C is correct as maintaining balance while using the walker shows proper technique. Choice D is incorrect as walking with the back hunched over is a posture issue, not directly related to walker use.

4. A county public health nurse is developing a list of interventions to address the three core functions of public health. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include as part of the assurance function?

• A. Use surveillance to investigate outbreaks of foodborne illness
• B. Monitor the incidence rates of varicella every 2 months
• C. Organize an immunization clinic for at-risk members of the community
• D. Educate the community about the health risks of alcohol use

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Organize an immunization clinic for at-risk members of the community.' This intervention is part of the assurance function in public health, as it ensures that the community has access to preventive health services. Choice A is related to the assessment function as it involves surveillance to investigate outbreaks. Choice B is also related to the assessment function since it involves monitoring incidence rates. Choice D is associated with the policy development function as it involves educating the community about health risks.

5. How can dehydration be assessed in an elderly patient?

• A. Checking skin turgor on the forearm
• B. Assessing for dry mucous membranes
• C. Checking for orthostatic hypotension
• D. Measuring daily weights

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Assessing skin turgor by gently pinching the skin on the forearm is a reliable method to check for dehydration in elderly patients. When the skin is slow to return to its original position, it indicates dehydration. While assessing for dry mucous membranes is also important, checking skin turgor is a more direct method for dehydration assessment. Checking for orthostatic hypotension is more related to circulation status than dehydration. Measuring daily weights is helpful to monitor fluid balance but may not be as immediate or direct in detecting dehydration in elderly patients.

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