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. What are the important considerations when administering blood products to a patient?

• A. Ensuring proper documentation of the transfusion
• B. Verifying the patient's identity before administration
• C. Monitoring for allergic reactions or transfusion reactions
• D. Monitoring the patient's vital signs during transfusion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Verifying the patient's identity before administration is a critical step to ensure that the correct blood product is given to the right patient, thereby preventing transfusion errors. While ensuring proper documentation of the transfusion (choice A) is important for record-keeping, verifying patient identity (choice B) directly addresses the risk of administering blood to the wrong patient. Monitoring for allergic reactions or transfusion reactions (choice C) and monitoring the patient's vital signs during transfusion (choice D) are also essential considerations during blood product administration, but verifying patient identity takes precedence to prevent potentially life-threatening errors.

3. The family member is observing a family member changing a dressing for a patient in the home health environment. Which observation indicates the family member has a correct understanding of how to manage contaminated dressings?

• A. The family member saves part of the dressing because it is clean.
• B. The family member places the used dressings in a plastic bag.
• C. The family member removes gloves and gathers items for disposal.
• D. The family member wraps the used dressing in toilet tissue before placing it in the trash.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct way to manage contaminated dressings is to place them in plastic bags for proper disposal. This helps prevent the spread of infection. Choice A is incorrect because saving part of the dressing is not a recommended practice. Choice C is not directly related to managing contaminated dressings. Choice D is incorrect as wrapping the used dressing in toilet tissue is not the appropriate way to dispose of contaminated dressings.

4. The nurse is caring for a patient in restraints. Which essential information will the nurse document in the patient's medical record to provide safe care?

• A. Straps with quick-release buckles attached to bed side rails.
• B. Attempts to distract the patient with television are unsuccessful.
• C. Bilateral radial pulses present, 2+, hands warm to the touch.
• D. Released from restraints, active range-of-motion exercises completed.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because documenting bilateral radial pulses being present, 2+, and hands warm to the touch is crucial when caring for a patient in restraints. This information helps in monitoring circulation and assessing the patient's well-being. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not provide essential information related to the patient's safety and well-being while in restraints.

5. What is the most appropriate action for a healthcare provider to take when a patient is at risk for falls?

• A. Place the call light within the patient's reach.
• B. Apply a yellow fall risk bracelet to the patient.
• C. Assist the patient when ambulating.
• D. Ensure the patient's room is well-lit.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to apply a yellow fall risk bracelet to the patient. This action helps alert staff to the patient's increased risk of falling, prompting them to implement appropriate safety measures and precautions. Placing the call light within reach (choice A) is generally important but does not specifically address fall risk. Assisting the patient when ambulating (choice C) is important but may not be sufficient alone to prevent falls. Ensuring the patient's room is well-lit (choice D) is also crucial for patient safety but does not directly address the patient's fall risk status.

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