Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare provider is assessing a patient with dehydration. Which finding indicates the patient's condition is worsening?

• A. Dry mucous membranes.
• B. Tachycardia and low blood pressure.
• C. Bradycardia and shallow respirations.
• D. Clear lung sounds.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Tachycardia and low blood pressure are indicative of worsening dehydration in a patient. Tachycardia is the body's compensatory mechanism to maintain cardiac output in response to decreased intravascular volume, while low blood pressure reflects inadequate perfusion due to decreased fluid levels. Bradycardia and shallow respirations are not typical findings in worsening dehydration, and clear lung sounds do not directly correlate with the severity of dehydration.

2. A nursing instructor is observing a nursing student practicing standard precautions. Which observation by the instructor indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. The nursing student wears a gown to change the bed of an incontinent client.
• B. The nursing student washes hands before making contact with the client.
• C. The nursing student washes her hands before glove removal after emptying a Foley bag.
• D. The nursing student changes gloves between tasks and procedures.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The nursing student washing her hands before glove removal after emptying a Foley bag indicates a need for further teaching. Hands should be washed after glove removal to maintain proper infection control. Choice A is correct as wearing a gown when changing the bed of an incontinent client is a standard precaution. Choice B is correct as washing hands before making contact with the client is a good practice. Choice D is correct as changing gloves between tasks and procedures is a standard precaution to prevent the spread of infection.

3. A charge nurse is discussing HIPAA with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following actions should the charge nurse include in the teaching as an example of a HIPAA violation?

• A. Posting the name of the nurse providing care on a client's communication board
• B. Discussing the client's new medication with a hospital pharmacist
• C. Faxing requested medical information for a client who is transferring to another facility
• D. Emailing the client's positive hepatitis results from an unencrypted server

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Emailing client information through an unencrypted server is a HIPAA violation because it can lead to data breaches. Choices A, B, and C do not violate HIPAA. Posting the name of the nurse providing care on a client's communication board does not disclose sensitive health information. Discussing the client's new medication with a hospital pharmacist is a routine healthcare practice. Faxing requested medical information for a client who is transferring to another facility is a secure way to transmit healthcare data.

4. A patient on mechanical ventilation experiences a sudden drop in oxygen saturation. What should the nurse check first?

• A. Check the ventilator tubing for disconnection.
• B. Increase the patient's oxygen flow.
• C. Perform a full physical assessment.
• D. Reassess the patient's oxygen levels after 5 minutes.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to check the ventilator tubing for disconnection first when a patient on mechanical ventilation experiences a sudden drop in oxygen saturation. This is crucial because equipment malfunction, such as tubing disconnection, can lead to decreased oxygen delivery, resulting in a drop in oxygen saturation. Checking the tubing ensures that the ventilation system is functioning properly and that the patient is receiving the necessary oxygen. Option B is incorrect because increasing oxygen flow without checking for equipment issues may not address the root cause of the drop in saturation. Option C is not the priority in this situation as the immediate focus should be on assessing and ensuring the functioning of the ventilation equipment. Option D delays addressing the potential equipment malfunction, which could worsen the patient's condition if not promptly resolved.

5. A nurse manager is asked to select clients for early discharge from the unit following a mass casualty event. Which of the following clients should the nurse manager recommend?

• A. A client awaiting a screening colonoscopy later that day
• B. A client whose discharge was cancelled the prior day because they developed respiratory distress
• C. A client who is 6 hr postoperative following an open cholecystectomy
• D. A client who is prescribed gastric lavage treatments to treat acute aspirin toxicity

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse manager should recommend the client awaiting a screening colonoscopy later that day for early discharge following a mass casualty event. This client is stable and not in immediate need of hospital care. Choices B, C, and D involve clients who require ongoing monitoring and care due to recent developments or treatments, making them unsuitable for early discharge during a mass casualty event.

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