Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and has signs of hemorrhagic shock. When the nurse notifies the surgeon, he directs her to continue to measure the client's vitals every 15 minutes and call him back in 1 hour. From a legal perspective, which of the following actions should the nurse take next?

• A. Notify the nursing manager.
• B. Document the client's condition and communication with the surgeon.
• C. Administer additional fluids as per standard procedure.
• D. Call the surgeon back immediately to ensure timely intervention.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should choose option B, which is to document the client's condition and communication with the surgeon. By documenting the client's condition and the communication with the surgeon, the nurse ensures legal protection and maintains continuity of care. This documentation serves as evidence of the actions taken, communication exchanged, and the rationale behind decisions made. Option A, notifying the nursing manager, may not be necessary at this stage unless there are specific institutional protocols requiring it. Administering additional fluids without further clarification may not be appropriate and could worsen the client's condition if not indicated. Calling the surgeon back immediately (option D) may disrupt the agreed-upon plan of action and fail to follow the surgeon's instructions of reassessment after an hour.

2. A client with lower extremity weakness is being taught a four-point crutch gait by a nurse. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Bear weight on both legs.
• B. Move the crutches and the weak leg in unison.
• C. Advance the crutches and the strong leg simultaneously.
• D. Move the crutches forward, then move one leg at a time.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct technique for a four-point crutch gait involves moving the crutches forward, then moving one leg at a time. This method provides stability and support by alternating movement between the crutches and legs. Choice A is incorrect because bearing weight on both legs simultaneously is not the correct method for a four-point gait. Choice B is incorrect as moving the crutches and weak leg together does not provide the required stability. Choice C is incorrect as advancing the crutches and strong leg together does not promote the alternating movement needed for a four-point gait.

3. The healthcare provider is assessing a client who has a chest tube in place following a pneumothorax. Which finding should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately?

• A. Bubbling in the water seal chamber
• B. Drainage greater than 70 ml/hour
• C. Tidaling in the water seal chamber
• D. Absence of breath sounds on the affected side

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The absence of breath sounds on the affected side is a critical finding that may indicate a tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention. This situation can lead to a shift of the mediastinum and impaired ventilation. Bubbling in the water seal chamber is an expected finding in a chest tube drainage system and indicates proper functioning. Drainage greater than 70 ml/hour is a concern but does not require immediate reporting unless it continues at a high rate or is associated with other symptoms. Tidaling in the water seal chamber is a normal fluctuation and indicates the chest tube system is patent and functioning correctly.

4. When parents call the emergency room to report that a toddler has swallowed drain cleaner, the nurse instructs them to call for emergency transport to the hospital. While waiting for an ambulance, what substance should the nurse suggest the parents give the child sips of?

• A. Tea
• B. Water
• C. Milk
• D. Soda

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Water. Giving sips of water can help dilute the drain cleaner while waiting for emergency transport, which may help reduce the potential harm caused by the ingestion. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because tea, milk, and soda can interact with the chemicals in the drain cleaner or increase the risk of vomiting, which is not recommended in this situation.

5. What is the rate of delivery in mL/hr if a total volume of 750 mL is infused over a period of 7 hours?

• A. 107 mL/hr.
• B. 107 mL/hr.
• C. 107 mL/hr.
• D. 107 mL/hr.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct rate of delivery is 107 mL/hr. To find the rate of delivery, divide the total volume by the total time: 750 mL / 7 hours = 107 mL/hr. Choice B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not match the correct calculation based on the total volume and time provided.

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