Nursing Elites

1. In an emergency department, a provider is assessing a client with an acute head injury following a motor-vehicle crash. Which of the following findings should be prioritized?

• A. A Glasgow Coma Scale score of 13
• B. Clear fluid leaking from the nose
• C. Nausea and vomiting
• D. Anisocoria

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority finding is the clear fluid leaking from the nose, which could indicate a cerebrospinal fluid leak and potential brain injury. This requires immediate attention to assess for possible cerebrospinal fluid leak, which is a serious complication of head trauma and needs prompt intervention to prevent further complications. While a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 13 may indicate a mild alteration in consciousness, it is not as urgent as assessing for a cerebrospinal fluid leak. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms after head injuries but do not take precedence over assessing for a potential cerebrospinal fluid leak. Anisocoria (unequal pupils) is also important to note but is not as urgent as identifying a possible cerebrospinal fluid leak in this scenario.

2. A client is being assessed for dehydration. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Elevated blood pressure
• B. Increased skin turgor
• C. Dark-colored urine
• D. Bradypnea

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Dark-colored urine is a common sign of dehydration as the urine becomes concentrated. Dehydration leads to reduced fluid intake or excessive fluid loss, causing the urine to be darker in color due to increased urine concentration. Elevated blood pressure (Choice A) is not typically associated with dehydration; instead, dehydration often leads to low blood pressure. Increased skin turgor (Choice B) is actually a sign of good hydration, not dehydration. Bradypnea (Choice D), which refers to abnormally slow breathing, is not a common finding in dehydration.

3. A client has tuberculosis, and the nurse is planning care. Which of the following isolation precautions should the nurse implement?

• A. Protective environment
• B. Contact
• C. Airborne
• D. Droplet

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Airborne. Tuberculosis is transmitted through the air, making it an airborne disease. Airborne precautions are crucial to prevent the spread of tuberculosis to others. These precautions include placing the client in a negative pressure room, wearing an N95 respirator mask, and ensuring proper ventilation to minimize the risk of transmission to healthcare workers and other clients. Choice A, Protective environment, is used for clients with compromised immune systems. Choice B, Contact precautions, are used for diseases spread by direct or indirect contact. Choice D, Droplet precautions, are for diseases transmitted through respiratory droplets, like influenza or pertussis.

4. A client has major fecal incontinence and reports irritation in the perianal area. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Apply a fecal collection system
• B. Apply a barrier cream
• C. Cleanse and dry the area
• D. Check the client's perineum

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a client with major fecal incontinence reports irritation in the perianal area, the nurse's initial action should be to assess the client's perineum to gather more information. By checking the perineum, the nurse can identify the extent and nature of the irritation, allowing for appropriate interventions to be initiated. This assessment is crucial in developing a comprehensive care plan and addressing the client's immediate needs effectively. Applying the nursing process priority-setting framework helps in planning care and prioritizing nursing actions, making assessment the initial step in this scenario. Applying a fecal collection system (choice A) would be premature without assessing the perineal area first. Similarly, applying a barrier cream (choice B) or cleansing and drying the area (choice C) should follow the assessment to ensure appropriate interventions are chosen based on the assessment findings.

5. Which of the following techniques should be used to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a female client?

• A. Use sterile technique.
• B. Insert the catheter 2-3 inches into the urethra.
• C. Inflate the balloon after insertion.
• D. Lubricate the catheter tip before insertion.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Lubricating the catheter tip before insertion is crucial for female urinary catheterization. This step helps reduce discomfort for the patient and facilitates smooth catheter insertion into the urethra. Using sterile technique maintains asepsis during the procedure, inserting the catheter 2-3 inches ensures proper placement, and inflating the balloon after insertion secures the catheter in place without causing trauma. Proper technique is fundamental for patient comfort, preventing infection, and ensuring the success of the catheterization procedure.

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