Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a postoperative patient for signs of infection. Which finding is most concerning?

• A. Mild redness at the incision site.
• B. Increased drainage from the surgical site.
• C. Fever of 101°F.
• D. Normal white blood cell count.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A fever of 101°F is the most concerning finding when assessing a postoperative patient for signs of infection. Fever can indicate an inflammatory response to an infection, and in a postoperative patient, it can signal a surgical site infection or a systemic infection. Prompt attention is necessary to prevent complications such as sepsis. Mild redness at the incision site and increased drainage can be expected in the early postoperative period due to the normal healing process. A normal white blood cell count does not rule out infection as it can be influenced by various factors, and some infections may not initially cause a rise in white blood cells.

2. A client who had a stroke is complaining of left-side weakness. What should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Initiate physical therapy immediately.
• B. Contact the physical therapy team.
• C. Reassess the client after administering pain medication.
• D. Start treatment immediately without consulting anyone.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to contact the physical therapy team. When a client who had a stroke presents with left-side weakness, the nurse should prioritize coordinating with the physical therapy team rather than immediately initiating physical therapy. The initial step should involve assessing the client's condition and involving the appropriate healthcare team for a comprehensive care plan. Administering pain medication or starting treatment without consulting others can delay or hinder the appropriate care needed for the client's recovery.

3. The nurse asks a client who is about to have a cardiac catheterization about any allergies. The client states, 'I always get a rash when I eat shellfish.' Which of the following is the priority nursing action?

• A. Attach a wristband indicating the client's allergy
• B. Ask the client if any other foods cause such a reaction
• C. Notify the dietary department of the client's allergy
• D. Notify the provider of the client's allergy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Notifying the provider of the client's shellfish allergy is crucial to prevent a potential reaction from the contrast dye. While attaching a wristband indicating the allergy may be necessary, the priority is to inform the provider. Asking the client about other foods causing a similar reaction or notifying the dietary department, although important, are not the priority in this situation.

4. A patient is being taught to use TD nitroglycerin patches to treat angina pectoris. What instructions should be included?

• A. Apply a patch every 12 hours
• B. Apply a new patch every morning
• C. Use it only when symptoms appear
• D. Rotate the application site weekly

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to apply a new patch every morning. Nitroglycerin patches should be applied in the morning and removed at bedtime to provide a 14-hour nitrate-free interval, preventing tolerance development. Choice A is incorrect because applying a patch every 12 hours may lead to tolerance. Choice C is incorrect because nitroglycerin patches are used prophylactically, not just when symptoms appear. Choice D is incorrect because rotating the application site weekly is not necessary; the same site can be used as long as there is no skin irritation.

5. A client with a urinary tract infection is prescribed ciprofloxacin. Which instruction should the nurse provide?

• A. Continue taking this medication until you feel better
• B. Take this medication with milk or food
• C. Take the medication with an antacid
• D. Avoid caffeine while taking this medication

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to provide to a client taking ciprofloxacin for a urinary tract infection is to avoid caffeine. Ciprofloxacin can interact with caffeine, potentially leading to increased side effects or reduced effectiveness. Choice A is incorrect because antibiotics should be taken for the full prescribed course, even if the client starts feeling better. Choice B is incorrect as ciprofloxacin should not be taken with dairy products or antacids as they can interfere with the absorption of the medication.

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