Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional in a provider's office is reviewing the laboratory findings of a client who reports chills and aching joints. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional identify as an indication that the client has an infection?

• A. WBC 15,000/mm³
• B. Hemoglobin 12 g/dL
• C. Platelet count 300,000/mm³
• D. Sodium 140 mEq/L

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An elevated white blood cell count (WBC 15,000/mm³) is a common indicator of infection as the body increases WBC production to fight off pathogens. In conditions like infections, inflammation, or stress, the WBC count can rise. The other options, hemoglobin, platelet count, and sodium levels, are not typically specific indicators of infection. Hemoglobin measures the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells, platelet count assesses clotting ability, and sodium levels indicate electrolyte balance.

2. Following major abdominal surgery, a client postoperative refuses to use the incentive spirometer. What is the nurse's priority?

• A. Determine the reason why the client is refusing to use the incentive spirometer.
• B. Insist that the client use the incentive spirometer.
• C. Administer pain medication to help the client use the spirometer.
• D. Document the refusal in the client’s medical record.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse's priority in this situation is to determine the reason why the client is refusing to use the incentive spirometer. By understanding the client's concerns or barriers, the nurse can address them effectively and encourage the client to use the spirometer for optimal postoperative recovery. Insisting that the client use the spirometer without understanding the underlying reason may lead to further resistance. Administering pain medication as a solution does not address the root cause of refusal and may not be necessary if pain is not the primary reason for refusal. Documenting the refusal is important but should come after understanding the client's perspective to provide appropriate care and follow-up.

3. A PN is assigned to care for a newborn with a neural tube defect. Which dressing, if applied by the PN, would need no further intervention by the charge nurse?

• A. Telfa dressing with antibiotic ointment
• B. Moist sterile non-adherent dressing
• C. Dry sterile dressing that is occlusive
• D. Sterile occlusive pressure dressing

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Moist sterile non-adherent dressing. A moist sterile non-adherent dressing is suitable for covering a neural tube defect and would not require further intervention. This type of dressing helps prevent the dressing from sticking to the wound, minimizing trauma during dressing changes. Choice A, Telfa dressing with antibiotic ointment, is not ideal for a neural tube defect as the ointment may not be necessary and can complicate wound care. Choice C, dry sterile dressing that is occlusive, is not recommended for a neural tube defect as it may not provide the necessary environment for proper wound healing. Choice D, sterile occlusive pressure dressing, is excessive for a neural tube defect and may cause unnecessary pressure on the wound site.

4. A client is drawing up and mixing insulin under the observation of a nurse. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication that psychomotor learning has taken place?

• A. The client is able to discuss the appropriate technique.
• B. The client is able to demonstrate the appropriate technique.
• C. The client states an understanding of the process.
• D. The client is able to write the steps on a piece of paper.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the ability to demonstrate the appropriate technique shows that the client has acquired the psychomotor skills needed for insulin preparation. Merely discussing, stating an understanding, or writing the steps does not confirm that the client can physically perform the task correctly. Being able to demonstrate indicates practical application and mastery of the skill. Choice A is incorrect because discussing the technique does not necessarily mean the client can physically perform it. Choice C is incorrect as stating an understanding does not guarantee the client's ability to perform the task. Choice D is incorrect because writing the steps does not assess the client's physical execution of the technique.

5. What is the most important action for the nurse to take to prevent infection in a client who has just returned from surgery with an indwelling urinary catheter in place?

• A. Change the catheter every 72 hours.
• B. Ensure the catheter tubing is free of kinks.
• C. Clean the perineal area with antiseptic solution daily.
• D. Irrigate the catheter with normal saline every shift.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important action to prevent infection in a client with an indwelling urinary catheter is to ensure the catheter tubing is free of kinks. This action helps prevent obstruction, ensures proper drainage, and reduces the risk of infection. Changing the catheter every 72 hours is not necessary unless clinically indicated and may introduce unnecessary risk. Cleaning the perineal area with antiseptic solution daily is important for general hygiene but not the most critical action for catheter-related infection prevention. Irrigating the catheter with normal saline every shift is not a routine nursing intervention for catheter care and may increase the risk of introducing pathogens.

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