Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a 60-year-old man who is scheduled to have coronary bypass surgery in the morning. He tells the nurse that he is afraid that he will die and he is scared of the surgery. What is the best reply for this nurse to give him?

• A. There is no reason to be scared. My father had this surgery, and now he’s playing tennis with his friends almost every day.
• B. I would be scared too. It’s a natural thing to feel. Don’t worry. Everything will be alright.
• C. You’re scared?
• D. The doctor has performed hundreds of successful bypass surgeries. I have a lot of faith in him.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The best reply for the nurse to give the patient is option C: 'You’re scared?' This response reflects empathy and understanding, acknowledging the patient's feelings of fear. By directly addressing the patient's emotions, the nurse encourages further expression of concerns, which is crucial in providing emotional support. Choices A and D may come off as dismissive of the patient's feelings by downplaying his fear or shifting the focus to others' experiences. Choice B, although acknowledging the patient's fear, does not actively engage with the patient's emotions or encourage further discussion.

2. The mother of a 9-month-old child diagnosed with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) yesterday calls the clinic to inquire if it will be all right to take her infant to a friend's child's first birthday party the following day. Which response should the nurse provide?

• A. Do not expose other children as the virus is very contagious even without direct contact
• B. The child will no longer be contagious, no need to take any further precautions
• C. The child can be around other children but should wear a mask
• D. Make sure there are no children under the age of 5 months around the infected child

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct response is A: 'Do not expose other children as the virus is very contagious even without direct contact.' RSV is highly contagious, especially in young children. Allowing the infected child to attend a birthday party can put other children at risk of contracting the virus. Choice B is incorrect as RSV can remain contagious for a period of time. Choice C is not sufficient, as wearing a mask may not entirely prevent the spread of the virus. Choice D is inaccurate, as children under 5 months are not the only ones susceptible to RSV; all young children are at risk.

3. A nurse is reviewing the basal body temperature method with a couple. Which of the following statements would indicate that the teaching has been successful?

• A. I don't need to buy a special type of thermometer.
• B. I need to wait 5 minutes after smoking a cigarette before I take my temperature.
• C. I need to take my temperature before I get out of bed in the morning.
• D. I need to take my temperature at least once every day.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Basal body temperature must be taken before getting out of bed in the morning to get an accurate reading, as even slight activity can raise body temperature and affect the results. Choice A is incorrect because a special type of thermometer is not required for basal body temperature measurement. Choice B is incorrect because smoking can affect body temperature, but the timing mentioned is not relevant to basal body temperature measurement. Choice D is incorrect because while it is essential to take the temperature consistently each day, the duration of temperature measurement is not specified, making this choice less specific compared to the correct answer.

4. The PN reviews a client's medication history and learns that the client takes an anticoagulant and has recently started taking phenytoin. Which instruction should the PN provide when assigning the client's morning care to a UAP?

• A. Measure the temperature every 4 hours
• B. Elevate both feet on two pillows
• C. Initiate hourly turning schedule
• D. Protect skin from injury and bruising

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Protect skin from injury and bruising. Phenytoin and anticoagulants both increase the risk of bleeding. Protecting the skin from injury and bruising is critical to prevent complications, making it important to instruct the UAP accordingly. Measuring the temperature every 4 hours (Choice A) may not be directly related to the client's medications. Elevating both feet on two pillows (Choice B) is more relevant for issues like edema. Initiating an hourly turning schedule (Choice C) is important for preventing pressure ulcers, but in this case, the priority is to prevent bleeding due to the medications.

5. While caring for a client with a new tracheostomy, the nurse notices that the client is attempting to speak but is unable to. What should the nurse explain to the client regarding their inability to speak?

• A. Speaking is not possible because the tracheostomy tube blocks the vocal cords.
• B. The tracheostomy tube prevents air from reaching the vocal cords, making speech difficult.
• C. The client will regain the ability to speak once the tracheostomy tube is removed.
• D. The tracheostomy tube must be replaced with a speaking valve for the client to speak.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The tracheostomy tube bypasses the vocal cords, preventing air from reaching them, which is necessary for speech. This makes speaking difficult but not impossible. Removing the tracheostomy tube does not automatically restore the ability to speak (choice C). While a speaking valve can be added later to allow speech, initially, the tracheostomy tube itself hinders air from reaching the vocal cords, making speech difficult (choice D is incorrect). Choice A is incorrect as the tracheostomy tube does not block the vocal cords directly; instead, it prevents air from reaching them.

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