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. 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. After signing an informed consent form, a client states, 'I have changed my mind and do not want to have the procedure.' Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Suggest that family members discuss the importance of the surgery with the client
• B. Notify the surgeon that the client wishes to withdraw informed consent for the procedure
• C. Document the risks of refusing the procedure in the client's medical record
• D. Discuss the benefits of the procedure with the client

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to notify the surgeon that the client wishes to withdraw informed consent for the procedure. This ensures that the client's right to refuse treatment is respected. Choice A is incorrect because involving family members in this decision could violate the client's autonomy. Choice C is incorrect as it does not address the immediate need to respect the client's decision. Choice D is also incorrect as the client has clearly stated their refusal of the procedure.

4. 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.

5. When is removal of the restraints by the nurse appropriate?

• A. When medication that has been administered has taken effect
• B. When no acts of aggression are observed in the hour following the release of two extremity restraints
• C. When the nurse explores with the client the reasons for the angry and aggressive behavior
• D. When the client apologizes and tells the nurse that it will never happen again

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The nurse can safely remove restraints once no aggressive behavior is observed after releasing two extremity restraints for an hour. Choice A is incorrect because the removal of restraints should be based on the client's behavior rather than just the effect of medication. Choice C is incorrect as exploring reasons for aggressive behavior should be done before or during the intervention, not as a condition for removing restraints. Choice D is incorrect since an apology from the client does not guarantee a change in behavior or indicate that it is safe to remove the restraints.

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