Nursing Elites

1. An older adult patient brought to the emergency department by a family member is wandering outside, saying, "I can't find my way home."? The patient is confused and unable to answer questions. What is the nurse's best action?

• A. Document the patient's mental status and obtain other assessment data from the family member.
• B. Record the patient's answers to questions on the nursing assessment form.
• C. Ask an advanced practice nurse to perform the assessment interview.
• D. Call for a mental health advocate to maintain the patient's rights.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the patient is confused and unable to answer questions. When the patient is unable to provide information, it is important to use secondary sources such as family members. The nurse's best action is to document the patient's mental status and obtain additional assessment data from the family member. This approach will help gather relevant information about the patient's condition. Asking an advanced practice nurse to perform the assessment interview is not necessary as it is within the staff nurse's scope of practice. Calling for a mental health advocate is also unnecessary at this point as the priority is to assess the patient's condition and gather information from the family member.

2. Which of the following bony landmarks is described as a large, blunt, irregularly shaped process found on the lateral aspect of the proximal femur?

• A. Tubercle
• B. Tuberosity
• C. Condyle
• D. Trochanter

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Trochanter. The Greater Trochanter is located on the lateral aspect of the proximal femur and is a large, blunt, irregularly shaped bony process. It serves as an important attachment site for many muscles of the legs, providing leverage and movement. Choice A, Tubercle, is a small rounded projection, usually for the attachment of a ligament or tendon. Choice B, Tuberosity, is a large rounded projection, also typically for muscle attachment. Choice C, Condyle, refers to a rounded articular surface at the end of a bone, usually involved in joints.

3. A nurse is preparing to irrigate a client's indwelling catheter through a closed, intermittent system. Which of the following steps must the nurse take as part of this process?

• A. Use sterile solution at room temperature
• B. Position the client in a comfortable position
• C. Clamp the catheter at the level above the injection port
• D. Inject sterile solution through the injection port into the catheter

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When performing closed intermittent system catheter irrigation, the nurse should use sterile solution at room temperature with sterile technique. It is important to position the client comfortably for easy access to the catheter site and to assess the abdomen during the procedure. Clamping the catheter should be done below the level of the injection port, not above. The correct step is to inject sterile solution through the injection port into the catheter, allowing the fluid to travel up the catheter to irrigate the tubing and the bladder.

4. To accurately assess a patient's respiration rate, which of the following methods would be BEST?

• A. Tell the patient, 'Please remain silent while I count your number of breaths.'
• B. Count respirations at the same time you are counting the pulse rate
• C. Count the pulse rate for one minute, then, while keeping your index fingers on the patient's radial artery, count the respirations for an additional minute.
• D. Count the patient's respiration rate, then take the patient's temperature, and then take the pulse rate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most accurate method to assess a patient's respiration rate is to count the breaths simultaneously while counting the pulse rate. This approach ensures that the patient is unaware of the specific focus on their breathing, preventing any conscious alteration in breathing patterns. Choice A is incorrect because informing the patient may lead to altered breathing as the patient may consciously change their breathing pattern. Choice C involves counting the pulse rate first, which is not necessary for assessing respiration rate. Choice D is incorrect as it includes unnecessary steps such as taking the patient's temperature before counting respiration rate, which adds no value to accurately assessing the respiration rate.

5. Match the abbreviation with the correct definition:

• A. bid: twice a day
• B. tid: three times a day
• C. ac: before meals
• D. pc: after meals

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The abbreviation 'ac' stands for 'ante cibum,' which means 'before meals.' 'Bid' means twice a day. 'Tid' means three times a day, and 'pc' means after meals. When interpreting medical abbreviations, it is crucial to understand their precise meanings to ensure accurate communication and patient care.

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