Nursing Elites

1. A client is undergoing radiation therapy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent skin irritation?

• A. Apply heat packs to the area
• B. Use perfumed soap to cleanse the area
• C. Keep the area moist with lotion
• D. Avoid sun exposure to the treated area

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Avoiding sun exposure is crucial to prevent skin irritation and burns in clients undergoing radiation therapy. Radiation therapy makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of skin damage. Applying heat packs (choice A) can exacerbate skin irritation as heat can further irritate the skin that is already sensitive due to radiation. Using perfumed soap (choice B) can further irritate the skin due to its harsh chemicals, potentially worsening skin reactions. While keeping the area moist with lotion (choice C) may seem beneficial, some lotions contain ingredients that can worsen skin reactions during radiation therapy. Therefore, avoiding sun exposure to the treated area (choice D) is the most appropriate action to prevent skin irritation and damage during radiation therapy.

2. A nurse is educating a client on how to use a cane due to left-leg weakness. What should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Use the cane on the stronger side
• B. Advance the cane and the weaker leg at the same time
• C. Use the cane on the weaker side
• D. Advance the cane 30 to 45 cm (12-18 in) with each step

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to use the cane on the stronger side. By doing so, the client will have better support and balance. Choice B is incorrect because advancing the cane and the weaker leg at the same time may lead to instability and falls. Choice C is incorrect as using the cane on the weaker side does not provide optimal support. Choice D is incorrect as advancing the cane 30 to 45 cm (12-18 in) with each step is not a standard recommendation for cane use.

3. What is the most appropriate safety measure for a client using home oxygen?

• A. Store oxygen tanks upright when not in use
• B. Ensure oxygen tanks are kept upright at all times
• C. Allow family members to smoke in designated areas
• D. Keep oxygen equipment at least 10 feet away from heat sources

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to ensure oxygen tanks are kept upright at all times. This is important to prevent the tanks from falling over, which can lead to injuries or tank damage. Choice A is incorrect because oxygen tanks should not be stored in a closet when not in use, as this can lead to poor ventilation and potential hazards. Choice C is incorrect because smoking near oxygen tanks poses a significant fire risk. Choice D is incorrect because while it is important to keep oxygen equipment away from heat sources, ensuring the tanks are kept upright is a more critical safety measure.

4. The nurse is performing triage on a group of clients in the emergency department. Which of the following clients should the nurse see first?

• A. A 12-year-old oozing blood from a laceration on the left thumb due to a cut from a rusty metal can
• B. A 19-year-old with a fever of 103.8°F who is able to identify her sister but not the place and time
• C. A 49-year-old with a compound fracture of the right leg who is complaining of severe pain
• D. A 65-year-old with a flushed face, dry mucous membranes, and a blood sugar of 470 mg/dL

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. A 19-year-old with a fever of 103.8°F who is confused and unable to orient to place and time likely has a severe infection or a serious medical condition affecting the central nervous system. This client needs immediate attention as altered mental status combined with a high fever can indicate a life-threatening situation. Choices A, C, and D present important conditions that require medical care, but they are not as urgent as the 19-year-old with a high fever and confusion. The 12-year-old with a laceration may require treatment for bleeding and a tetanus shot, the 49-year-old with a compound fracture needs urgent orthopedic intervention, and the 65-year-old with a high blood sugar is concerning for hyperglycemia but can wait momentarily compared to the client with a fever and altered mental status.

5. A nurse on an acute unit has received a change of shift report for 4 clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?

• A. A client who is 1 hr postoperative and has hypoactive bowel sounds.
• B. A client who has a fractured left tibia and pallor in the affected extremity.
• C. A client who had a cardiac catheterization 3 hr ago and has 3+ pedal pulses.
• D. A client who has an elevated AST level following the administration of azithromycin.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because pallor in an extremity after a fracture could indicate compromised circulation, making it a priority for assessment. Choice A is not the priority as hypoactive bowel sounds in a client 1 hr postoperative, while concerning, do not indicate a life-threatening condition. Choice C, a client who had a cardiac catheterization 3 hr ago and has 3+ pedal pulses, indicates good perfusion and does not require immediate attention. Choice D, a client with an elevated AST level following the administration of azithromycin, may require further assessment but is not as urgent as the client with potential compromised circulation in choice B.

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