Nursing Elites

1. A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who has full-thickness burns of the thorax and upper torso. After securing the client's airway, which of the following is the nurse's priority intervention?

• A. Providing pain management.
• B. Offering emotional support.
• C. Preventing infection.
• D. Initiating IV fluids.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After securing the airway, initiating IV fluids is the priority to prevent hypovolemic shock in clients with severe burns. IV fluids help maintain circulating volume and prevent a drop in blood pressure due to fluid loss. Providing pain management, offering emotional support, and preventing infection are important aspects of care but are secondary to ensuring adequate fluid resuscitation in clients with severe burns.

2. The physician orders risperidone (Risperdal) for a client with Alzheimer's disease. The nurse anticipates administering this medication to help decrease which of the following behaviors?

• A. Sleep disturbances
• B. Concomitant depression
• C. Agitation and assaultiveness
• D. Confusion and withdrawal

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Agitation and assaultiveness. Risperidone is commonly prescribed for clients with Alzheimer's disease to reduce symptoms of agitation and aggressive behavior. This medication helps in managing challenging behaviors often seen in individuals with Alzheimer's. Choice A, sleep disturbances, is incorrect as risperidone is not primarily indicated for treating sleep issues in Alzheimer's patients. Choice B, concomitant depression, is also incorrect as risperidone is not the first-line treatment for depression in Alzheimer's disease. Choice D, confusion and withdrawal, is incorrect as risperidone does not directly target these symptoms in Alzheimer's patients.

3. A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching about car seat safety with the guardian of a newborn. Which of the following statements by the guardian indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will position the car seat in the front seat
• B. I will secure the car seat in the car by using the seatbelt
• C. I will use a rear-facing car seat
• D. I will install the car seat facing forward

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Using a rear-facing car seat is the safest position for a newborn. Newborns should always be placed in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat of the vehicle to provide optimal safety in case of a crash. Choice A is incorrect because placing the car seat in the front seat is not safe due to the presence of airbags. Choice B is incorrect as securing the car seat using the seatbelt is not specific to the correct positioning of the car seat. Choice D is incorrect because installing the car seat facing forward is not recommended for newborns as it does not provide the same level of protection as a rear-facing position.

4. What are the nursing considerations for a patient receiving anticoagulant therapy?

• A. Monitor INR levels and check for bleeding
• B. Educate patient on dietary restrictions
• C. Ensure adequate hydration and nutrition
• D. Ensure that the patient remains immobile

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Monitor INR levels and check for bleeding.' When a patient is receiving anticoagulant therapy, nurses must monitor the patient's INR levels to ensure that the anticoagulants are within the therapeutic range and also watch for signs of bleeding, which is a common side effect of anticoagulants. Option B is incorrect because while patient education is important, dietary restrictions are not a direct nursing consideration when administering anticoagulant therapy. Option C is not a specific nursing consideration related to anticoagulant therapy. Option D is incorrect as keeping the patient immobile is not a standard nursing practice for patients on anticoagulant therapy, as mobility is often encouraged to prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis.

5. Which of the following situations can be identified as an ethical dilemma?

• A. A nurse demonstrates signs of chemical impairment
• B. A family has conflicting feelings about tube feeding for their terminally ill father
• C. A nurse overhears a colleague threatening to restrain a patient if they do not stay in bed
• D. A client with terminal cancer hesitates to name their spouse as power of attorney

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Ethical dilemmas involve conflicting values or feelings. In this situation, the family is conflicted about tube feeding for their terminally ill father, which presents a moral and ethical challenge. Choices A, C, and D do not represent ethical dilemmas. Choice A involves a nurse's impairment, which is a different issue. Choice C involves a nurse's observation of a colleague's threat, which is a patient safety concern. Choice D involves a client's hesitation in naming a spouse as power of attorney, which is a legal and decision-making issue, not necessarily an ethical dilemma.

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