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 school nurse is developing a teaching plan about testicular cancer for a group of clients. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Perform a testicular self-examination weekly.
• B. Do not palpate the epididymis when performing a testicular self-examination.
• C. Expect testicles to be uniform in consistency when performing a testicular self-examination.
• D. Perform a testicular self-examination after a cool shower.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because testicles should be uniform in consistency when performing a self-exam, and any lumps or abnormalities should be reported. Choice A is incorrect as testicular self-examinations should be performed monthly, not weekly. Choice B is incorrect because the epididymis should be included in the examination. Choice D is incorrect because a warm shower helps relax the scrotum, making the exam easier to perform.

3. A nurse is caring for a patient who has just returned from surgery. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Monitor the patient's pain level.
• B. Assess the patient's vital signs.
• C. Assess the surgical incision site.
• D. Position the patient in a high Fowler's position.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess the patient's vital signs. Assessing vital signs is crucial as it helps to detect any early signs of complications such as bleeding, shock, or changes in oxygenation. Monitoring the patient's pain level (Choice A) is important but assessing vital signs takes precedence. While assessing the surgical incision site (Choice C) is essential, ensuring the patient's physiological stability through vital sign assessment is the priority. Positioning the patient in a high Fowler's position (Choice D) may be necessary for comfort but does not address the immediate need to assess the patient's condition post-surgery.

4. A nurse is performing a pain assessment for a client who is alert. The nurse should recognize that which of the following measures is the most reliable indicator of pain?

• A. Self-report of pain
• B. Nonverbal behavior
• C. Severity of the condition
• D. Vital signs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Self-report of pain. Pain is a subjective experience, and the most reliable way to assess it is through the client's self-report. While nonverbal behaviors and vital signs can provide additional information, they are not as reliable as the client's own report of pain. The severity of the condition may influence the experience of pain but is not a direct indicator of the client's pain level.

5. A healthcare provider is assessing a patient with chronic pain. Which finding is most concerning?

• A. The patient reports a pain level of 6 on a scale of 0 to 10.
• B. The patient is lying still and refuses to move.
• C. The patient's pain persists despite medication.
• D. The patient reports feeling anxious and restless.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the context of chronic pain management, the most concerning finding is when the patient's pain persists despite medication. This suggests inadequate pain control or the need for a re-evaluation of the treatment plan. Choices A, B, and D are not as concerning in this scenario. A pain level of 6 on a scale of 0 to 10 is moderate and may be manageable with appropriate interventions. Patients with chronic pain can sometimes lie still due to pain or other reasons, and anxiety and restlessness are common in individuals with pain conditions but may not necessarily indicate a critical issue like uncontrolled pain.

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