Nursing Elites

1. While working the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift at the long-term care unit, the nurse gathers the nursing staff to listen to the 3 to 11 p.m. intershift report. The nurse notes that a staff member has an odor of alcohol on her breath, slurred speech, and an unsteady gait, suspecting alcohol intoxication. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?

• A. Contact the nursing supervisor.
• B. Tell the staff member that she is not allowed to administer medications.
• C. Ask the staff member how much alcohol she has consumed.
• D. Ask the staff member to rest in the nurses' lounge until the effects of the alcohol wear off.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a staff member reports to work showing signs of alcohol intoxication, the nurse should objectively note the symptoms and ask a second person to confirm these observations. It is crucial to contact the nursing supervisor immediately. An odor of alcohol, slurred speech, unsteady gait, and errors in judgment are indicators of intoxication, posing a risk to client safety. The staff member should be removed from the client care area. Detailed documentation of the incident is essential, including observations, actions taken, future plans, and the staff member's signature and date on the recorded incident memo. If the staff member refuses to sign, this should be noted by the nurse and a witness. Asking the staff member to rest in the nurses' lounge or restricting medication administration does not ensure client safety, as the staff member could still jeopardize it. Inquiring about the amount of alcohol consumed is confrontational and not relevant to the immediate need of ensuring safety.

2. Which of the following indicates a hazard for a client on oxygen therapy?

• A. A 'No Smoking' sign is on the door.
• B. The client is wearing a synthetic gown.
• C. Electrical equipment is grounded.
• D. Matches are removed.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is that the client is wearing a synthetic gown. A synthetic gown might generate sparks of static electricity, which can be a fire hazard, especially in the presence of oxygen. Clients on oxygen therapy should wear cotton gowns to minimize the risk of fire. The other options are not hazards for a client on oxygen therapy: having a 'No Smoking' sign on the door promotes safety by preventing smoking, ensuring electrical equipment is grounded reduces the risk of electrical hazards, and removing matches decreases the risk of fire hazards.

3. In a disaster situation, the nurse assessing a diabetic client on insulin assesses for all of the following except:

• A. diabetic signs and symptoms.
• B. nutritional status.
• C. bleeding problems.
• D. availability of insulin.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a disaster situation, when assessing a diabetic client on insulin, the nurse needs to consider various factors. Diabetic signs and symptoms, nutritional status, and availability of insulin are crucial aspects to assess for appropriate management during a crisis. However, bleeding problems are not directly related to diabetes or insulin therapy. Therefore, assessing for bleeding problems is not a priority in this context. Choice C, bleeding problems, is the correct answer as it is not typically associated with diabetes, unlike the other options provided.

4. Which of the following foods might a client with hypercholesterolemia need to decrease intake of?

• A. broiled catfish
• B. hamburgers
• C. wheat bread
• D. fresh apples

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A client with hypercholesterolemia needs to decrease intake of foods that are high in cholesterol. Red meats like hamburgers are high in cholesterol, so their consumption should be reduced. Broiled catfish, wheat bread, and fresh apples are not high in cholesterol and do not need to be decreased in the client's diet. Therefore, the correct answer is hamburgers, as they are more likely to contribute to elevated cholesterol levels compared to the other options provided.

5. The LPN is caring for a 32-year-old female client who is 8 hours post-op after a tonsillectomy. Which of these actions would be appropriate for the nurse to take?

• A. Inform the client that ear pain may occur and is normal.
• B. Provide ice water and a straw to promote easy fluid consumption.
• C. Provide hot tea to soothe the throat.
• D. Monitor vitals every 15 minutes.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The appropriate action for the nurse to take is to inform the client that ear pain may occur and is normal after a tonsillectomy. Referred pain in the ear is common due to related nerve pathways. It is essential to educate the client about this to alleviate concerns. Providing ice water and a straw is not recommended as they may irritate the throat and disturb the healing process. Hot beverages like tea should also be avoided for the same reason. While monitoring vitals every 15 minutes is crucial in the immediate postoperative period for early identification of any complications, it is not the most appropriate action in this scenario where addressing the client's concerns and providing education is key.

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