Nursing Elites

1. A child is postoperative following a tonsillectomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Administer analgesics to the child on a routine schedule throughout the day and night.
• B. Offer fluids to the child immediately after surgery.
• C. Allow the child to return to solid foods gradually.
• D. Avoid administering any medication until the child is fully awake.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering analgesics to the child on a routine schedule throughout the day and night is crucial for managing postoperative pain effectively and ensuring the child's comfort. Pain management is a priority in the postoperative period to promote healing and prevent complications. Offering fluids to the child immediately after surgery (Choice B) is essential to prevent dehydration, but pain control takes precedence. Allowing the child to return to solid foods gradually (Choice C) is important, but initially, the child may need to start with clear liquids and progress to soft foods post-tonsillectomy. Avoiding administering any medication until the child is fully awake (Choice D) is not advisable because timely pain relief is essential for the child's comfort and recovery.

2. To use proper body mechanics while making an occupied bed for a client on bed rest, the nurse should:

• A. Place the bed in a high horizontal position
• B. Use a low bed position
• C. Bend at the waist
• D. Keep the bed flat and at a comfortable working height

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When making an occupied bed for a client on bed rest, the nurse should place the bed in a high horizontal position to promote better body mechanics. This positioning helps reduce strain on the nurse's back and promotes proper alignment while working. Using a low bed position can lead to awkward bending and increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Bending at the waist is discouraged as it can strain the back. Keeping the bed flat and at a comfortable working height may not provide the optimal ergonomic setup needed to prevent injury.

3. An assistive personnel (AP) is assisting a nurse with the care of a female client who has an indwelling urinary catheter. Which of the following actions by the AP indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. The AP hangs the collection bag below the level of the bladder.
• B. The AP performs hand hygiene before handling the catheter.
• C. The AP secures the catheter to the client’s leg with tape.
• D. The AP empties the collection bag when it is full.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hanging the collection bag below the level of the bladder is the correct technique for maintaining proper drainage and preventing backflow in a client with an indwelling urinary catheter. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer as it indicates a need for further teaching. Choices B, C, and D demonstrate appropriate actions in catheter care. Performing hand hygiene before handling the catheter helps prevent infection, securing the catheter to the client’s leg with tape prevents accidental dislodgement, and emptying the collection bag when it is full ensures that the catheter functions effectively.

4. The healthcare provider is assessing a client with suspected tuberculosis. Which symptom would be most concerning?

• A. Night sweats
• B. Weight loss
• C. Cough with bloody sputum
• D. Fatigue

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Cough with bloody sputum is a hallmark symptom of tuberculosis and is highly concerning as it indicates active disease. Hemoptysis (coughing up blood) is associated with tuberculosis infection in the lungs. While night sweats and weight loss are common symptoms of tuberculosis, they are less specific than coughing with bloody sputum. Fatigue is a nonspecific symptom that can be present in various conditions and is not specific to tuberculosis.

5. A client is 24 hours postoperative following an inguinal hernia repair. The client is tolerating clear liquids well, has active bowel sounds, and is expressing a desire for “real food.” The nurse tells the client, “I will call the surgeon and ask for a change in diet.” The surgeon hears the nurse’s report and prescribes a full liquid diet. The nurse used which of the following levels of critical thinking?

• A. Basic
• B. Commitment
• C. Complex
• D. Integrity

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse demonstrated complex critical thinking by assessing the client's condition, evaluating the need for a change, and making a recommendation to the surgeon. In this scenario, the nurse went beyond simply following instructions or making routine decisions (basic critical thinking). There was a depth of analysis and decision-making involved, showing a higher level of critical thinking than basic or commitment levels. Integrity is about adherence to ethical principles and honesty, not directly related to the critical thinking process.

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