Nursing Elites

1. A client reports severe pain unrelieved by pain medication in a limb with traction. What is the nurse's priority?

• A. Increase the dosage of pain medication.
• B. Assess for compartment syndrome.
• C. Wait for the healthcare provider to address the issue.
• D. Reposition the client to alleviate the pain.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess for compartment syndrome. Severe unrelieved pain in a limb with traction can be a sign of compartment syndrome, a surgical emergency. Prompt assessment is crucial to prevent potential complications. Increasing pain medication dosage without addressing the underlying cause may delay necessary interventions. Waiting for the healthcare provider may lead to a critical delay in treatment. Repositioning the client may not alleviate the pain if it is due to compartment syndrome, and it is crucial to assess for this condition first.

2. A patient is prescribed a diuretic for hypertension. What is the most important assessment the nurse should perform?

• A. Monitor the patient's respiratory rate.
• B. Check the patient's blood pressure regularly.
• C. Monitor the patient's potassium levels.
• D. Monitor the patient's sodium levels.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: When a patient is prescribed a diuretic for hypertension, monitoring the patient's sodium levels is crucial. Diuretics can lead to alterations in sodium levels, potentially causing complications like hyponatremia. While monitoring other parameters like respiratory rate, blood pressure, and potassium levels may also be important, the primary concern with diuretic therapy is the risk of sodium imbalance, making the monitoring of sodium levels the most critical assessment.

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. What is the most appropriate action for a healthcare professional to take when a medication error occurs?

• A. Document the error in the patient's medical record.
• B. Report the error to the healthcare provider immediately.
• C. Apologize to the patient and explain what happened.
• D. Continue administering the medication and monitor the patient closely.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a medication error occurs, the most appropriate action for a healthcare professional is to report the error to the healthcare provider immediately. This is crucial for ensuring prompt corrective action to mitigate any potential harm to the patient. Documenting the error is important but should come after reporting it to the relevant authorities. Apologizing to the patient is important for maintaining trust and communication but should not take precedence over reporting and addressing the error. Continuing to administer the medication without addressing the error is unsafe and goes against patient safety protocols.

5. A parent of a child who is terminally ill tells a nurse that she wants to take her child home. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

• A. Your provider will be here later today.
• B. I can give you information on what that would involve.
• C. I understand how you feel. I felt the same way when my sister was terminally ill.
• D. I think you should speak with social services about your request.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should offer to explain the process of taking the child home and provide resources for the parent's decision. Choice B is the best response as it shows willingness to support the parent by offering information on what taking the child home would involve. Choices A, C, and D do not directly address the parent's request or provide the necessary information and support needed in this situation.

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