Nursing Elites

1. A client who has just had a mastectomy has a closed wound suction device (hemovac) in place. Which nursing action will ensure proper operation of the device?

• A. Collapsing the device whenever it is 1/2 to 2/3 full of air.
• B. Emptying the device every 4 hours.
• C. Replacing the device every 24 hours.
• D. Keeping the device above the level of the surgical site.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Collapsing the device when it is 1/2 to 2/3 full of air is the correct nursing action to ensure proper operation of a closed wound suction device (hemovac). This action maintains negative pressure, which is essential for proper suction and drainage of the wound. Emptying the device every 4 hours (Choice B) is not necessary as the focus should be on collapsing it appropriately. Replacing the device every 24 hours (Choice C) is not a standard practice unless indicated by the healthcare provider. Keeping the device above the level of the surgical site (Choice D) is not necessary for the device's proper operation; collapsing it to maintain negative pressure is the key action.

2. An older adult client appears agitated when the nurse requests that the client’s dentures be removed prior to surgery and states, “I never go anywhere without my teeth.” Which of the following is an appropriate nursing response?

• A. You should comply with the request
• B. You seem worried. Are you concerned someone may see you without your teeth?
• C. I will call your family to discuss this
• D. It’s not a big deal; just remove them

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The appropriate nursing response in this situation is to acknowledge and address the client's concerns empathetically. By expressing understanding and asking if the client is worried about being seen without their teeth, the nurse shows empathy and attempts to alleviate the client's anxiety. Choice A is incorrect as it dismisses the client's feelings. Choice C is inappropriate as it does not directly address the client's agitation. Choice D is not the best response as it minimizes the client's feelings and does not provide emotional support.

3. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of septicemia. Which assessment finding should the LPN/LVN report to the healthcare provider immediately?

• A. Increased urine output
• B. Decreased blood pressure
• C. Increased heart rate
• D. Increased respiratory rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a client with septicemia, decreased blood pressure is a critical finding that suggests potential septic shock, a life-threatening condition. Septic shock requires immediate medical intervention to prevent further deterioration and organ dysfunction. Increased urine output (Choice A) may indicate adequate fluid resuscitation, which is a positive response. Increased heart rate (Choice C) and increased respiratory rate (Choice D) are common physiological responses to sepsis and do not necessarily indicate immediate life-threatening complications like decreased blood pressure does in septic shock.

4. A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is dividing care for four clients. The nurse should identify which of the following situations as an ethical dilemma?

• A. A client who has a new colostomy refuses to take instructions from the ostomy therapist because she 'doesn't like him.'
• B. A surgeon who removed the wrong kidney during a surgical procedure refuses to take responsibility for her actions.
• C. The family of a client who has a terminal illness asks the provider not to tell the client the diagnosis.
• D. A client who has Crohn's disease reports that his prescription drug plan will not pay for his medications.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because an ethical dilemma involves conflicting moral principles. In this scenario, the family's request not to disclose the terminal diagnosis to the client raises the moral question of truth-telling and patient autonomy. Choice A does not present an ethical dilemma but rather a challenge in client compliance. Choice B involves professional responsibility and accountability, not an ethical dilemma. Choice D relates to financial concerns and insurance coverage, which do not constitute an ethical dilemma but rather a financial issue.

5. A healthcare provider is preparing to insert an IV catheter into a client's arm before starting IV fluid therapy. Which of the following interventions should the provider implement to prevent infection?

• A. Thread the IV catheter so that the hub rests at the insertion site
• B. Shave excess hair from around the insertion site
• C. Cleanse the site with hydrogen peroxide before IV catheter insertion
• D. Palpate the site carefully just before inserting the IV catheter

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Inserting the IV catheter so that the hub rests at the insertion site reduces the risk of contamination along the length of the catheter. This technique helps prevent introducing microbes into the bloodstream during the catheter insertion process. Shaving excess hair is unnecessary and can increase the risk of skin irritation and infection. Cleansing the site with hydrogen peroxide is outdated as it can cause tissue damage and delay wound healing. Palpating the site just before insertion can introduce bacteria from the skin surface into the insertion site, increasing the risk of infection.

Similar Questions