Nursing Elites

1. A client with a history of peptic ulcer disease reports black, tarry stools. What is the most appropriate action for the LPN/LVN to take?

• A. Reassure the client that this is not a normal finding.
• B. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
• C. Document the finding in the client’s chart.
• D. Encourage the client to seek medical attention.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Notify the healthcare provider immediately. Black, tarry stools can be indicative of gastrointestinal bleeding, a serious complication that requires urgent medical evaluation and intervention. This finding should not be dismissed or considered normal without further assessment. Option A is incorrect because black, tarry stools are not a normal finding and may signify a significant health issue. Option C is incorrect as immediate action is needed rather than just documenting the finding. Option D is not the best choice as it simply suggests seeking medical attention without emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Prompt notification of the healthcare provider is crucial to ensure timely intervention and management of potential gastrointestinal bleeding.

2. When changing the client's dressing, which observation should the nurse report to the client's surgeon for a client recovering from an appendectomy for a ruptured appendix with a surgical wound healing by secondary intention?

• A. A halo of erythema on the surrounding skin
• B. Presence of serous drainage
• C. Edema around the wound
• D. Absence of granulation tissue

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A halo of erythema on the surrounding skin may indicate an infection or inflammation of the wound site, which is critical to report to the surgeon. Erythema, redness, and warmth are signs of inflammation that could potentially be a sign of an infected wound. Serous drainage is a common and expected finding in healing wounds, indicating a normal healing process. Edema around the wound might be expected due to the body's response to tissue injury. The absence of granulation tissue in a wound healing by secondary intention may not be an immediate concern as it forms during the later stages of wound healing.

3. A client with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed prednisone. What information should the LPN/LVN include when teaching the client about this medication?

• A. Take the medication with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
• B. Avoid exposure to sunlight while taking this medication.
• C. Do not discontinue the medication abruptly.
• D. Increase fluid intake while taking this medication.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Do not discontinue the medication abruptly.' It is crucial for clients prescribed prednisone to not stop the medication suddenly to prevent adrenal insufficiency, as this medication suppresses the body's natural production of cortisol. Choice A is incorrect because prednisone should be taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects, not necessarily to prevent stomach upset. Choice B is incorrect as there is no specific need to avoid sunlight while taking prednisone. Choice D is not directly related to prednisone use; while adequate fluid intake is generally beneficial, it is not a specific instruction for prednisone administration.

4. A charge nurse is explaining the various stages of the lifespan to a group of newly licensed nurses. Which of the following examples should the charge nurse include as a developmental task for a young adult?

• A. Becoming actively involved in providing guidance to the next generation.
• B. Adjusting to major changes in roles and relationships due to losses.
• C. Devoting time to establishing an occupation.
• D. Finding oneself 'sandwiched' between and being responsible for two generations.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Devoting time to establishing an occupation. Young adults typically focus on building their careers and personal identities, making establishing an occupation a crucial developmental task for this age group. Choices A, B, and D do not align with the typical developmental tasks of young adults. Choice A relates more to middle adulthood where individuals take on mentoring roles, choice B is more characteristic of the tasks associated with adjusting to late adulthood, and choice D is more relevant to middle adulthood when individuals may find themselves caring for both their own children and aging parents.

5. While measuring a client’s oral temperature using an electronic thermometer, what action should the nurse take?

• A. Assist the client with oral hygiene before taking the temperature.
• B. Inquire whether the client has smoked in the last 30 minutes.
• C. Connect the red tip probe to the thermometer unit.
• D. Position the probe tip against the client’s buccal mucosa.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when measuring a client’s oral temperature using an electronic thermometer is to inquire whether the client has smoked in the last 30 minutes. Smoking can affect the accuracy of oral temperature readings. Providing oral hygiene (Choice A) is not directly related to ensuring accurate temperature measurement. Connecting the red tip probe (Choice C) is not specific to oral temperature measurement accuracy. Positioning the probe tip against the buccal mucosa (Choice D) is incorrect as oral temperature is typically measured under the tongue, not against the cheek.

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