Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare provider orders a medication dose three times higher than usual. What is the nurse's first step?

• A. Administer the medication but monitor the patient closely.
• B. Verify the dosage with the prescribing provider.
• C. Administer a lower dose to minimize the risk.
• D. Hold the medication and wait for further clarification.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Verify the dosage with the prescribing provider. When faced with an unusual medication dose, the nurse's initial action should be to confirm the order with the healthcare provider who prescribed it. This step is crucial to prevent medication errors and ensure patient safety. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because administering the medication without clarification, administering a lower dose without approval, or holding the medication without consulting the provider can all pose risks to the patient's well-being.

2. A nurse is assessing the skin of an immobilized patient. What will the nurse do?

• A. Use a standardized tool such as the Braden Scale.
• B. Limit the amount of fluid intake.
• C. Have special times for inspection so as not to interrupt routine care.
• D. Assess the skin every 4 hours.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. When assessing the skin of an immobilized patient, it is essential to use a standardized tool such as the Braden Scale to identify patients at high risk for impaired skin integrity. This tool helps in early identification and appropriate intervention. Choice B, limiting fluid intake, is not directly related to skin assessment. Choice C, having special times for inspection, may not ensure timely identification of skin issues. Choice D, assessing the skin every 4 hours, lacks specificity regarding the use of a validated tool for risk assessment.

3. A client with a history of seizures is admitted for monitoring. What should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Ensure the client is on seizure precautions.
• B. Educate the client about seizure triggers.
• C. Monitor for signs of an impending seizure.
• D. Initiate IV access for anti-seizure medication.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to ensure the client is on seizure precautions. This is crucial in preventing injury during a seizure episode. While educating the client about seizure triggers (choice B) is important for long-term management, it is not the priority when the client is admitted for monitoring. Monitoring for signs of an impending seizure (choice C) is essential but does not address immediate safety concerns. Initiating IV access for anti-seizure medication (choice D) is not the priority unless a seizure occurs and medical intervention is needed.

4. A nurse is monitoring a client following a thoracentesis. The nurse should identify which of the following manifestations as a complication and contact the provider immediately?

• A. Increased heart rate
• B. Decreased temperature
• C. Serosanguineous drainage from the puncture site
• D. Discomfort at the puncture site

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: A nurse should identify an increased heart rate as a complication following a thoracentesis and contact the provider immediately. An increased heart rate may indicate a pneumothorax or other serious complications. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because decreased temperature, serosanguineous drainage, and discomfort at the puncture site are expected findings following a thoracentesis and do not indicate a significant complication requiring immediate provider notification.

5. A healthcare provider is assessing a client who has carpal tunnel syndrome. The provider should expect which of the following findings?

• A. Positive Chvostek's sign
• B. Cool extremities
• C. Positive Phalen's sign
• D. Decreased radial pulse

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Phalen's sign is often positive in clients with carpal tunnel syndrome due to nerve compression. Chvostek's sign (Choice A) is related to hypocalcemia, cool extremities (Choice B) are not typically associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, and decreased radial pulse (Choice D) is not a common finding in carpal tunnel syndrome.

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