Nursing Elites

1. A client is 36 hours post-op a TKR surgery. 270 cc of sero-sanguinous fluid accumulates in the surgical drains. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Notify the doctor
• B. Empty the drain
• C. Do nothing
• D. Remove the drain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to notify the doctor. Significant sero-sanguinous drainage after TKR surgery could indicate a potential issue such as infection or bleeding. The physician needs to be informed promptly to assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action. Emptying the drain, doing nothing, or removing the drain without consulting the physician could lead to complications going unnoticed or untreated. It is crucial to involve the physician in decision-making to ensure the best outcomes for the client.

2. Which physiologic mechanism best describes the function of the sodium-potassium pump?

• A. active transport
• B. diffusion
• C. filtration
• D. osmosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Active transport is the correct answer as it accurately describes the process involved in the sodium-potassium pump. The pump utilizes energy to move ions against their concentration gradient, maintaining cellular concentrations. Diffusion (choice B) is a passive process where substances move from an area of higher concentration to lower concentration. Filtration (choice C) involves the movement of solutes based on pressure gradients. Osmosis (choice D) is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane.

3. If your patient is acutely psychotic, which of the following independent nursing interventions would not be appropriate?

• A. Conveying calmness through one-on-one interaction
• B. Recognizing and managing your own feelings to prevent escalation of the patient's anxiety level
• C. Encouraging client participation in group therapy
• D. Listening and identifying causes of their behavior

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a patient is acutely psychotic, they may not be able to effectively participate in group therapy due to their altered mental state. Group settings can be overwhelming and may exacerbate the patient's symptoms. Choices A, B, and D are appropriate interventions. Choice A is correct as providing calmness through one-on-one interaction can be beneficial in establishing trust and reducing anxiety. Choice B is also important as recognizing and managing the nurse's feelings can prevent further escalation of the patient's symptoms. Choice D is relevant as listening and identifying causes of the patient's behavior can aid in understanding and providing appropriate care tailored to the patient's needs.

4. The charge nurse is observing a student nurse caring for a 4-month-old infant in isolation diagnosed with RSV. Which of the following would indicate to the charge nurse that the student nurse needs further instruction on isolation standards?

• A. Donning clean gloves each time she goes in the room.
• B. Wearing a clean mask each time she goes in the room.
• C. Labeling the door so staff will use Airborne Precautions.
• D. Wearing a gown when she goes in the room to administer medication.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Donning clean gloves each time she goes in the room.' Sterile gloves are not necessary for standard isolation precautions; clean gloves are sufficient. The student nurse should be instructed to use clean gloves to reduce the risk of spreading infections. Wearing a clean mask each time she goes in the room is a good practice to prevent the spread of respiratory infections like RSV. Labeling the door for Airborne Precautions is appropriate for RSV. Wearing a gown when entering the room to administer medication helps prevent the transmission of infectious agents.

5. What is the best lab test to diagnose disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)?

• A. platelet count
• B. prothrombin time (PT)
• C. partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
• D. D-dimer

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The best lab test to diagnose disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is the D-dimer test. In DIC, numerous small clots form throughout the body and are rapidly broken down. D-dimer measures a specific fibrin split product and is the most specific test for DIC. Platelet count (Choice A) is decreased in DIC due to consumption, but it is not specific for diagnosing DIC. Prothrombin time (PT - Choice B) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT - Choice C) are both elevated in DIC because clotting factors have been used up, but they are not specific for DIC as they can be elevated in other conditions as well.

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