Nursing Elites

1. After a lumbar puncture, a client reports a severe headache. What is the nurse's priority intervention?

• A. Administer a dose of acetaminophen.
• B. Elevate the head of the bed.
• C. Encourage the client to rest in a dark room.
• D. Administer caffeine to relieve the headache.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: After a lumbar puncture, a severe headache is often caused by cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Elevating the head of the bed or having the client lie flat can reduce cerebrospinal fluid pressure and alleviate the headache. These positions help prevent further fluid loss and relieve discomfort. While acetaminophen or caffeine may help in relieving the headache, changing the client's position is the priority to address the underlying cause. Resting in a dark room may be beneficial for headache relief but is not the priority intervention compared to adjusting the position to manage cerebrospinal fluid pressure.

2. A client with end-stage pulmonary disease requests 'no heroic measures' if she stops breathing. What should the nurse do next?

• A. Document the client's request in the medical record.
• B. Ask the client to discuss a DNR order with her healthcare provider.
• C. Consult the ethics committee for guidance.
• D. Discharge the client with no further discussion.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct next step for the nurse is to ask the client to discuss a 'do not resuscitate' (DNR) order with her healthcare provider. While the client's wishes should be respected, it is essential to ensure proper documentation and legal protection by involving the healthcare provider in this decision-making process. Documenting the request in the medical record (Choice A) is important but should follow the discussion with the healthcare provider. Consulting the ethics committee (Choice C) may not be necessary at this stage and could delay the necessary actions. Discharging the client (Choice D) without further discussion is not appropriate and disregards the importance of addressing the client's wishes in a respectful and professional manner.

3. A client with multiple sclerosis is experiencing fatigue. What is the nurse's priority intervention?

• A. Encourage the client to increase physical activity.
• B. Encourage the client to take rest breaks during activities.
• C. Administer a stimulant medication to reduce fatigue.
• D. Advise the client to use energy conservation techniques.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Advise the client to use energy conservation techniques. Energy conservation techniques are crucial in managing fatigue in multiple sclerosis. These techniques involve prioritizing activities, pacing oneself, and taking rest breaks to prevent overexertion, which can exacerbate fatigue. Encouraging the client to increase physical activity (choice A) may worsen fatigue if not done with proper energy conservation. Taking rest breaks during activities (choice B) is important but falls secondary to teaching energy conservation techniques. Administering a stimulant medication to reduce fatigue (choice C) should not be the priority as non-pharmacological interventions like energy conservation should be attempted first.

4. A client with a fractured femur is placed in skeletal traction. What action should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Ensure that the weights are freely hanging.
• B. Place pillows under the client's knees.
• C. Adjust the weights to alleviate discomfort.
• D. Ensure that the traction ropes are free of knots.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action the nurse should prioritize when a client is placed in skeletal traction for a fractured femur is to ensure that the weights are freely hanging. This is crucial to maintain proper alignment of the bone and prevent complications. Placing pillows under the client's knees (Choice B) is not a priority in skeletal traction. Adjusting the weights to alleviate discomfort (Choice C) should not be done without proper orders from the healthcare provider. Ensuring that the traction ropes are free of knots (Choice D) is important but ensuring the weights hang freely is the priority to maintain traction effectiveness.

5. Which task could be safely delegated by the nurse to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

• A. Accompanying a client who self-administers insulin
• B. Cleansing and dressing a small decubitus ulcer
• C. Monitoring a client's response to passive range of motion exercises
• D. Applying and caring for a client's rectal pouch

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because tasks like applying and caring for a client's rectal pouch are within the UAP's scope of practice, as they do not require clinical judgment. Choices A, B, and C involve more complex assessments or interventions that require clinical judgment and should be performed by licensed nursing staff.

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