Nursing Elites

1. When planning task assignments for five clients on the skilled nursing unit in a long-term care facility, which task should a licensed practical nurse (LPN) assign to another LPN?

• A. Bathing a client who is confused and requires assistance with a shower
• B. Administering regular insulin in accordance with a sliding-dosage scale every 4 hours to a client with diabetes mellitus
• C. Assisting a client requiring a bed bath and frequent ambulation with a cane
• D. Transporting a client who must be accompanied to physical therapy twice during the shift

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When assigning tasks, the nurse must consider the skills and educational level of the nursing staff. The nursing assistant may be assigned tasks like caring for a confused client, assisting with a shower or a bed bath, ambulating a client with a cane, and accompanying a client to physical therapy. The LPN is educated to administer medications like regular insulin in accordance with a sliding scale. This task requires a higher level of training and knowledge than the tasks that can be delegated to a nursing assistant. Administering insulin involves assessing blood glucose levels, calculating dosages, and understanding the effects of insulin therapy on the client's condition. Therefore, the correct answer is administering regular insulin to a client with diabetes mellitus. Choices A, C, and D involve tasks that are within the scope of practice of a nursing assistant, not an LPN.

2. Which of the following clients would be most appropriate for an LPN to assign to a nursing assistant?

• A. an 18-year-old client with a femur fracture who is just returning to the floor from the recovery unit
• B. an 84-year-old client 2 days post-op after knee replacement surgery who needs help ambulating
• C. a 35-year-old client who is suffering from an acute asthma attack
• D. a 20-year-old client with Cystic Fibrosis who needs an early morning sputum sample collection

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Collecting sputum samples on stable clients is within the scope of practice for an LPN. This task does not require immediate intervention or assessment by an RN or medical provider. An RN should perform the initial assessment on any client immediately post-op as it requires a higher level of assessment and monitoring. A client suffering from an acute asthma attack should be attended to by an RN or medical provider due to the potential severity and need for prompt intervention. Assigning a medically stable client who needs help ambulating to a nursing assistant is appropriate as it falls within their scope of practice and allows the LPN to focus on tasks that require their expertise.

3. Which hormone in the urine is specifically indicative of pregnancy?

• A. estrogen
• B. progesterone
• C. testosterone
• D. human chorionic gonadotropin

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Human chorionic gonadotropin is the hormone specifically indicative of pregnancy as it is produced by the placenta after implantation. It can be detected in urine and blood samples to confirm pregnancy. Estrogen and progesterone play crucial roles in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy but are not specific indicators of pregnancy on their own. Testosterone is a hormone primarily associated with male reproductive functions and is not directly related to pregnancy, making it an incorrect choice in this context.

4. A client is complaining of difficulty walking secondary to a mass in the foot. The nurse should document this finding as:

• A. Plantar fasciitis.
• B. Hallux valgus.
• C. Hammertoe.
• D. Morton's neuroma.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma is a small mass or tumor in a digital nerve of the foot, causing symptoms such as pain and difficulty walking. Hallux valgus is commonly known as a bunion and involves the deviation of the big toe towards the other toes. Hammertoe is a condition where one or more toes are bent in a claw-like position. Plantar fasciitis is characterized by pain and inflammation in the arch of the foot, not typically associated with a mass causing difficulty walking.

5. Which of the following nursing diagnoses is most appropriate for a client with a new colostomy?

• A. Excess Fluid Volume
• B. Risk for Aspiration
• C. Disturbed Body Image
• D. Urinary Retention

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Disturbed Body Image is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis for a client with a new colostomy. A new colostomy can significantly impact a person's body image and self-esteem due to the physical changes it brings. This can lead to emotional distress, adjustment issues, and concerns about body image. Excess Fluid Volume, Risk for Aspiration, and Urinary Retention are not directly related to the psychosocial impact of a new colostomy and are therefore not as relevant in this context. While Excess Fluid Volume, Risk for Aspiration, and Urinary Retention are important nursing diagnoses, they are not the priority when considering the psychological and emotional effects of a new colostomy.

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