Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is in labor and has an external fetal monitor in place. The nurse observes late decelerations in the fetal heart rate. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Decrease the client's IV fluids
• B. Reposition the client
• C. Administer oxygen by face mask
• D. Document the findings

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Administering oxygen by face mask is the priority intervention when late decelerations are observed in the fetal heart rate. Late decelerations indicate uteroplacental insufficiency, and administering oxygen helps to improve fetal oxygenation. Repositioning the client may also be necessary to relieve pressure on the umbilical cord, but providing oxygen takes precedence to enhance fetal oxygenation. Decreasing IV fluids may not directly address the underlying issue leading to late decelerations. Documenting the findings is important but should not be the first action taken when managing late decelerations.

2. A health care provider asks the nurse to administer a medication with a dosage significantly higher than usual. What is the nurse's first action?

• A. Administer the medication as ordered.
• B. Question the provider and verify the dose.
• C. Administer half the dosage as a precaution.
• D. Refuse to administer the medication without clarification.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a health care provider orders a medication with a dosage significantly higher than usual, the nurse's initial action should be to question the provider and verify the dose. This is crucial to ensure patient safety and prevent medication errors. Administering the medication as ordered (Choice A) without clarification could potentially harm the patient if there was an error in the prescription. Administering half the dosage as a precaution (Choice C) is not a safe practice as it deviates from the prescribed order. Refusing to administer the medication without clarification (Choice D) is important, but the first step should be to seek clarification from the provider to prevent any unnecessary delays in patient care.

3. A client requires suctioning every 2 hours. To whom should the nurse delegate this task?

• A. Delegate to a licensed practical nurse (LPN)
• B. Delegate to a registered nurse (RN)
• C. Delegate to a nursing assistant (NA)
• D. Perform the task independently

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to delegate the task to a licensed practical nurse (LPN). LPNs can typically perform suctioning, but it is essential to consider the state's practice guidelines and hospital policy. Option B, delegating to a registered nurse (RN), is not necessary for this task as LPNs are usually competent to handle suctioning. Option C, delegating to a nursing assistant (NA), may not be appropriate as suctioning may require a higher level of training and expertise. Option D, performing the task independently, is not the best choice as delegation is a key aspect of nursing practice to ensure tasks are appropriately assigned based on competency levels.

4. A nurse sees another nurse administering medication without using alcohol swabs. What is the first action the nurse should take?

• A. Ignore the situation to maintain a good working relationship.
• B. Report the behavior to the nurse manager.
• C. Ask the colleague to be more careful next time.
• D. Report the issue after speaking to other colleagues.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when witnessing unsafe medication administration practices, such as not using alcohol swabs, is to report the behavior to the nurse manager immediately. Patient safety is the top priority, and any actions that compromise it must be addressed promptly. Ignoring the situation (Choice A) is not appropriate as it puts patients at risk. Asking the colleague to be more careful (Choice C) may not be effective in ensuring immediate correction of the unsafe practice. Reporting the issue after speaking to other colleagues (Choice D) delays necessary action and may compromise patient safety further.

5. Which intervention is most effective for managing a patient with constipation?

• A. Increase the patient's fluid intake.
• B. Administer a stool softener as prescribed.
• C. Provide the patient with a high-fiber diet.
• D. Teach the patient to perform Valsalva maneuvers.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most effective intervention for managing constipation in a patient is to administer a stool softener as prescribed. Stool softeners help relieve constipation by making the stool easier to pass, especially in postoperative patients. Increasing fluid intake can be beneficial but may not address the underlying cause of constipation. While a high-fiber diet is important for bowel health, it may not provide immediate relief for constipation. Teaching a patient to perform Valsalva maneuvers is not recommended for managing constipation as it can lead to adverse effects like increasing intra-abdominal pressure.

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