Nursing Elites

1. A nurse at an outpatient clinic is returning phone calls that have been made to the clinic. Which of the following calls should have the highest priority for medical intervention?

• A. A home health patient reports, "I am starting to have a breakdown of my heels."?
• B. A patient that received an upper extremity cast yesterday reports, "I can't feel my fingers in my right hand today."?
• C. A young female reports, 'I think I sprained my ankle about 2 weeks ago.'
• D. A middle-aged patient reports, 'My knee is still hurting from the TKR.'

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the patient who received an upper extremity cast yesterday and reports not being able to feel their fingers in the right hand. This situation indicates a potential neurovascular issue that requires immediate attention to prevent complications. The other options are of lesser priority: A - Breakdown of the heels, while concerning, is not an acute issue that necessitates immediate intervention. C - An ankle sprain that occurred two weeks ago is now subacute and unlikely to be an urgent medical concern. D - Pain in the knee following a total knee replacement (TKR) is common in the early postoperative period and is not unexpected.

2. Why must the nurse be careful not to cut through or disrupt any tears, holes, bloodstains, or dirt present on the clothing of a client who has experienced trauma?

• A. The clothing may be potential evidence with legal implications.
• B. Such care facilitates the preservation of potential evidence.
• C. The clothing of a trauma victim can be used for further investigation.
• D. Such care maintains the integrity of the clothing for forensic analysis.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In cases of trauma, the clothing of a client can hold crucial evidence that may have legal implications. It is essential for the nurse to avoid cutting through or disrupting any tears, holes, bloodstains, or dirt present on the clothing to preserve this potential evidence. The correct answer highlights the legal importance of preserving the clothing for potential legal implications. Choice B is related but does not emphasize the legal aspect explicitly. Choice C is vague in mentioning further investigation without specifying the legal significance. Choice D focuses more on forensic analysis rather than the legal implications of preserving the clothing.

3. A young female teenager describes a brutal assault and rape to the nurse on duty. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Check with the case manager on duty about possible police intervention.
• B. Provide an environment of concern and emotional stabilization.
• C. Clean the patient's wounds with normal saline and gauze.
• D. Refer the patient to a counselor specializing in trauma.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a situation where a patient describes a brutal assault and rape, the first priority should be to provide emotional support and create a safe and supportive environment. This helps the patient feel secure and cared for, which is crucial for their well-being at that moment. Checking with the case manager about police intervention should come after ensuring the patient's immediate emotional needs are addressed. Cleaning the patient's wounds, though important, can be secondary to providing emotional stabilization. Referring the patient to a counselor specializing in trauma is also crucial for long-term support, but the immediate focus should be on providing emotional support and stability.

4. How can light therapy be effective?

• A. Improving weight problems.
• B. Assisting with allergies.
• C. Using in alternative medical treatments.
• D. Working with sleep patterns.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Light therapy can be effective in treating problems associated with sleep patterns, stress, moods, jaundice in newborns, and seasonal affective disorders. While light therapy may have other potential benefits, such as improving mood or helping with seasonal affective disorders, the main focus and effectiveness of light therapy are commonly linked to regulating sleep patterns. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Working with sleep patterns.' Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as light therapy is not primarily used for overcoming weight problems, helping with allergies, or solely as an alternative medical treatment.

5. How can the nurse promote relief of muscle pain, spasms, and tension?

• A. Encouraging the client to continue their activities as usual.
• B. Immobilizing the client.
• C. Applying heat, cold, pressure, or vibration to the painful area.
• D. Administering pain medication as needed to ease the muscle.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To promote relief of muscle pain, spasms, and tension, the nurse should consider applying heat, cold, pressure, or vibration to the painful area. These interventions can help alleviate pain associated with muscle tension, pain, or spasms. Choice A is incorrect because encouraging the client to continue their activities as usual may exacerbate the pain. Choice B is incorrect as immobilizing the client may not address the underlying issue and could potentially lead to further complications. Choice D is also incorrect because while pain medication can be used, it is not the first-line treatment for muscle pain, spasms, and tension.

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