Nursing Elites

1. A client receiving chemotherapy has developed stomatitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Provide lemon-glycerin swabs
• B. Encourage the client to eat soft foods
• C. Avoid using toothpaste
• D. Instruct the client to use a mouthwash containing alcohol

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when caring for a client with stomatitis due to chemotherapy is to encourage the client to eat soft foods. Soft foods help prevent further irritation to the already inflamed and sore oral mucosa. Providing lemon-glycerin swabs may further irritate the mucosa due to the acidic nature of lemon. Avoiding toothpaste is advisable as many toothpaste products contain ingredients that can aggravate stomatitis. Instructing the client to use a mouthwash containing alcohol is contraindicated as alcohol-based mouthwashes can be too harsh and drying for the already sensitive oral tissues.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 hr postoperative following rhinoplasty. Which of the following manifestations requires immediate action by the nurse?

• A. Increase in frequency of swallowing.
• B. Moderate sanguineous drainage on the drip pad.
• C. Bruising to the face.
• D. Absent gag reflex.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increase in frequency of swallowing. After rhinoplasty, an increase in frequency of swallowing may indicate possible bleeding, which requires immediate action by the nurse. The client could be experiencing postoperative bleeding, and prompt intervention is necessary to prevent complications. Choice B, moderate sanguineous drainage on the drip pad, is expected in the immediate postoperative period and does not require immediate action unless it becomes excessive. Choice C, bruising to the face, is a common postoperative finding and does not require immediate action unless it is excessive or affects the airway. Choice D, absent gag reflex, would not be expected immediately following rhinoplasty and would require intervention, but the manifestation of increased swallowing frequency is a higher priority due to its association with potential bleeding.

3. What are the key signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) that a nurse should monitor for?

• A. Monitor for changes in level of consciousness
• B. Check for pupil dilation
• C. Assess for bradycardia
• D. Monitor for vomiting

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Monitor for changes in the level of consciousness.' Key signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) include changes in the level of consciousness and pupil dilation. Assessing for bradycardia and monitoring for vomiting are not typically considered primary signs of increased ICP. While bradycardia and vomiting can occur with increased ICP, they are not as specific or sensitive as changes in consciousness and pupil dilation.

4. A nurse manager of a med surge unit is assigning care responsibilities for the oncoming shift. A client is waiting transfer back to the unit from the PACU following thoracic surgery. To which staff member should the nurse assign the client?

• A. Charge nurse
• B. RN
• C. LVN
• D. AP

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: RN. An RN is required for managing post-surgical care in the immediate postoperative period, especially for a client following thoracic surgery. The RN is equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to assess the client's condition, provide complex care, and recognize and respond to any complications that may arise. Assigning the client to the Charge nurse (A) may not be appropriate as the Charge nurse focuses more on administrative and managerial tasks rather than direct patient care. LVNs (C) and APs (D) may have limitations in their scope of practice when it comes to managing post-surgical care following thoracic surgery, which requires a higher level of assessment and intervention that an RN can provide.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has dementia. Which of the following interventions should the nurse take to minimize the risk of injury for this client?

• A. Use a bed exit alarm system
• B. Raise all four side rails while the client is in bed
• C. Apply one soft wrist restraint
• D. Dim the lights in the client's room

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Using a bed exit alarm system is crucial in minimizing the risk of injury for a client with dementia. This intervention helps alert staff when the client is attempting to leave the bed, reducing the chances of falls. Raising all four side rails while the client is in bed (Choice B) can lead to restraint-related issues and is not recommended unless necessary for safety reasons. Applying a soft wrist restraint (Choice C) is generally not the first choice in managing clients with dementia due to the risk of complications and loss of mobility. Dimming the lights in the client's room (Choice D) may not directly address the risk of injury associated with dementia and may even increase the risk of falls due to poor visibility.

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