Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a patient with heart failure who has developed pulmonary edema. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Administer a diuretic as prescribed.
• B. Place the patient in a high Fowler's position.
• C. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula.
• D. Monitor the patient's lung sounds every 2 hours.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to place the patient in a high Fowler's position. This position helps improve lung expansion and oxygenation in cases of pulmonary edema by reducing venous return to the heart and enhancing respiratory mechanics. Administering a diuretic (Choice A) can be important but is not the priority over positioning in this situation. Administering oxygen (Choice C) is essential, but the priority action for improving oxygenation is the positioning of the patient. Monitoring lung sounds (Choice D) is crucial for ongoing assessment but is not the priority action when the patient is in distress with pulmonary edema.

2. What are the key considerations when administering opioid analgesics to a patient in pain?

• A. Monitoring for respiratory depression
• B. Administering opioid antagonist if needed
• C. Assessing respiratory rate and pain level before administration
• D. Monitoring the patient's level of consciousness

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct key consideration when administering opioid analgesics to a patient in pain is monitoring for respiratory depression. Opioids can lead to respiratory depression, making it crucial to carefully monitor the patient's breathing. Administering an opioid antagonist is not a key consideration during the administration of opioids; it is used to reverse opioid effects in cases of overdose, not as a routine practice. Assessing respiratory rate and pain level before administration is important but not the key consideration compared to monitoring for respiratory depression. Monitoring the patient's level of consciousness is also essential but not as critical as monitoring for respiratory depression when administering opioids.

3. A nurse observes a colleague not using proper hand hygiene. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Ignore the behavior and continue with care
• B. Discuss the behavior with other colleagues
• C. Confront the colleague about the behavior
• D. Report the behavior to the supervisor

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first is to report the behavior to the supervisor. Proper hand hygiene is essential in preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings. By reporting the observed behavior to the supervisor, the nurse is prioritizing patient safety and promoting a culture of accountability. Ignoring the behavior (Choice A) can put patients at risk, discussing it with other colleagues (Choice B) may not address the issue effectively, and confronting the colleague directly (Choice C) might not be the most appropriate initial step and could lead to conflicts rather than a constructive resolution.

4. After unsuccessful alternatives, a patient requires restraints. The nurse is reviewing the orders. Which findings indicate to the nurse the order is legal and appropriate for safe care?

• A. The health care provider writes the type and location of the restraint.
• B. The health care provider renews orders for restraints every 24 hours.
• C. The health care provider performs a face-to-face assessment prior to the order.
• D. The health care provider orders restraints PRN (as needed).

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the context of restraining a patient, it is crucial for the health care provider to specify the type and location of the restraint in the order to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient. This information helps guide the nursing staff in the safe application of restraints. Renewing orders every 24 hours ensures that the need for restraints is continually assessed, promoting patient safety. Performing a face-to-face assessment before ordering restraints allows for a thorough evaluation of the patient's condition and the necessity of using restraints. Ordering restraints PRN (as needed) is not appropriate for safe care as it lacks specificity and may lead to inconsistent application and monitoring.

5. A nurse is caring for a child who is allergic to penicillin. The nurse should verify which of the following prescriptions with the provider?

• A. Amphotericin B
• B. Amoxicillin-clavulanate
• C. Erythromycin
• D. Gentamicin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Amoxicillin-clavulanate is related to penicillin, and a cross-sensitivity could occur, so the provider should be consulted.

Similar Questions