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. 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.

3. Which intervention will best help a patient with chronic pain maintain mobility?

• A. Provide the patient with opioids to control pain.
• B. Encourage stretching exercises to improve flexibility.
• C. Teach the patient to use assistive devices like a cane.
• D. Recommend complete bed rest until the pain subsides.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Encouraging stretching exercises is the most appropriate nursing intervention to help a patient with chronic pain maintain mobility. Stretching exercises can improve flexibility, prevent stiffness, and promote better range of motion in patients with chronic pain. Providing opioids (Choice A) may help control pain but does not directly address mobility. Teaching the patient to use assistive devices (Choice C) may be beneficial but does not focus on improving mobility directly. Recommending complete bed rest (Choice D) can lead to deconditioning and further loss of mobility, which is not recommended for chronic pain management.

4. A client with hyperthyroidism is prescribed propranolol. Which finding indicates that the propranolol is effective?

• A. The client reports an increase in weight
• B. The client has a decrease in blood pressure
• C. The client reports an increase in energy
• D. The client's respiratory rate has increased

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because a decrease in blood pressure is an expected outcome when propranolol, a beta-blocker, is effectively managing hyperthyroidism. Propranolol helps control symptoms such as tachycardia and hypertension associated with hyperthyroidism. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because weight gain, increased energy, and an increased respiratory rate are not direct indicators of propranolol's effectiveness in treating hyperthyroidism.

5. What are the nursing priorities when caring for a patient with a newly placed peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)?

• A. Performing sterile dressing changes
• B. Educating the patient on PICC line care
• C. Flushing the PICC line as prescribed
• D. Inspecting the insertion site for signs of infection

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Performing sterile dressing changes. When caring for a patient with a newly placed PICC line, one of the nursing priorities is to ensure proper care of the insertion site by performing sterile dressing changes. This helps prevent infections and maintain the integrity of the line. While educating the patient on PICC line care, flushing the PICC line as prescribed, and inspecting the insertion site for signs of infection are important aspects of care, the priority immediately after insertion is to maintain the sterility of the site through proper dressing changes.

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