Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a newborn diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Which of the following interventions should the nurse expect to implement?

• A. Withhold oral feedings
• B. Measure abdominal girth
• C. Position the newborn supine
• D. Apply cold compresses to the abdomen

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Measuring abdominal girth is crucial in monitoring for signs of abdominal distension, which is a key indicator of worsening necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). It helps in assessing the progression of the condition. Positioning the newborn supine, as in choice C, can help relieve pressure on the abdomen but does not directly monitor the condition. Applying cold compresses, as in choice D, is not recommended for NEC as it can constrict blood vessels and potentially worsen the condition. Withholding oral feedings, as in choice A, is also important to rest the bowel and prevent further complications, but measuring abdominal girth is more directly related to monitoring the progression of NEC.

2. A nurse is caring for a patient whose family member requests to view the patient’s medical record. What response should the nurse make?

• A. “The patient should provide permission to share the records with you.”
• B. “You can view the records if the provider approves it.”
• C. “I will allow you to see the chart if the patient is unable to give consent.”
• D. “You need to fill out a request form.”

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should respond by indicating that the patient needs to provide permission to share their medical records with the family member. Patient confidentiality is a fundamental principle in healthcare, and sharing medical records without the patient's consent is a violation of privacy. Choice B is incorrect because the provider's approval alone is not sufficient to share medical records, as patient consent is crucial. Choice C is incorrect because viewing the patient's chart without the patient's consent is not appropriate. Choice D is incorrect as filling out a request form does not address the issue of patient consent, which is essential for sharing medical information.

3. A client is newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism and prescribed levothyroxine. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take the medication with food.
• B. Take the medication in the evening.
• C. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
• D. Take the medication only when experiencing symptoms.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction is to take levothyroxine on an empty stomach. This is necessary for proper absorption and effectiveness of the medication. Taking it with food can interfere with absorption. Timing is also crucial; it is usually recommended to take levothyroxine in the morning to prevent potential interactions with food and other medications throughout the day. Taking the medication in the evening may lead to sleep disturbances. Lastly, waiting to take the medication only when symptoms occur is not appropriate as levothyroxine is typically taken regularly to maintain thyroid hormone levels within the body.

4. A nurse is assessing a client with pericarditis. Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to report?

• A. Paradoxical pulse
• B. Dependent edema
• C. Pericardial friction rub
• D. Substernal chest pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A paradoxical pulse is a sign of cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening complication of pericarditis that requires immediate intervention. It results from decreased cardiac output due to increased pressure in the pericardial sac. Reporting this finding promptly allows for timely treatment to prevent further deterioration. Dependent edema and substernal chest pain are common in pericarditis but are not as urgent as a paradoxical pulse. A pericardial friction rub is a classic finding in pericarditis and indicates inflammation but is not as critical as a paradoxical pulse.

5. A nurse is assessing a client who has Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infection. Which infection control measure should the nurse implement?

• A. Wear a face shield when entering the room
• B. Place the client in a private room
• C. Place the client in a negative pressure room
• D. Use alcohol-based hand rub following client care

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to place the client in a private room. Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infection requires contact precautions, which include isolating the client in a private room to prevent the spread of infection to others. Wearing a face shield may be necessary in certain situations for protection but is not the primary measure for C. diff. Placing the client in a negative pressure room is not specifically indicated for C. diff unless the client has additional respiratory issues. Using alcohol-based hand rub following client care is not sufficient for C. diff control; thorough handwashing with soap and water is recommended due to the spore-forming nature of C. diff.

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