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. How should a healthcare provider respond to a patient who is exhibiting signs of acute myocardial infarction (AMI)?

• A. Calling for emergency assistance immediately
• B. Administering nitroglycerin as prescribed
• C. Monitoring the patient's cardiac rhythm
• D. Administering oxygen and preparing for ECG

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a patient is exhibiting signs of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the priority action is to call for emergency assistance immediately. This ensures that the patient receives prompt and appropriate care, including interventions such as administering oxygen, nitroglycerin, and monitoring cardiac rhythm. Administering nitroglycerin should only be done if prescribed by a healthcare provider after assessment and confirmation of AMI. Monitoring the patient's cardiac rhythm is important but not the initial action needed in this critical situation. Administering oxygen and preparing for an ECG are important interventions but should follow the immediate step of calling for emergency assistance.

3. A nurse is caring for a newborn in the nursery following a circumcision. The newborn's grandparent, who does not have an identification bracelet, requests to take the newborn to his parents' room. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Check the newborn's identification bracelet against the chart
• B. Obtain permission from the newborn's parents
• C. Respectfully deny the grandparent's request
• D. Review the newborn's footprints record

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, where the grandparent lacks proper identification, the nurse should respectfully deny the request to take the newborn. It is crucial to prioritize the newborn's safety and security by following hospital policies and procedures. Checking the newborn's identification bracelet against the chart (Choice A) may not be sufficient to address the situation at hand, as the grandparent's lack of identification is the primary concern. While obtaining permission from the newborn's parents (Choice B) is important, the lack of proper identification from the grandparent takes precedence. Reviewing the newborn's footprints record (Choice D) is not necessary in this situation, as the immediate concern is ensuring proper identification and security before allowing the newborn to leave the nursery.

4. A client has hypertension and a potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Suggest that the client use a salt substitute
• B. Obtain a 12-lead ECG
• C. Obtain a blood sample for a serum sodium level
• D. Advise the client to add citrus juices and bananas to their diet

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Obtaining a 12-lead ECG is crucial in this situation to assess cardiac function due to the elevated potassium level. High potassium levels can lead to dangerous arrhythmias, and an ECG helps in detecting any cardiac abnormalities. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Suggesting a salt substitute can further elevate the client's potassium levels. Checking serum sodium levels is not the priority when dealing with high potassium levels. Advising the client to add citrus juices and bananas, which are high in potassium, would worsen the situation.

5. A client is preparing for surgery wearing a necklace. What is the appropriate action?

• A. Remove the necklace and place it in a drawer
• B. Tape the necklace to the patient's skin
• C. Ask the patient for permission to lock it in a safe
• D. Ask the family to hold onto the necklace

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The appropriate action when a client is wearing a necklace before surgery is to ask the patient for permission to lock it in a safe. This is in line with hospital policy to secure valuables before entering surgery. Choice A is incorrect because simply placing the necklace in a drawer may not be secure. Choice B is incorrect as taping the necklace to the patient's skin can cause skin irritation and is not a standard practice. Choice D is incorrect because the responsibility for securing valuables typically lies with the healthcare team, not the patient's family.

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