Nursing Elites

1. A patient is 1 hour postoperative following an open reduction internal fixation of the left tibia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Assess neurovascular status of the extremities every 4 hours
• B. Monitor the patient's pain level every 8 hours
• C. Assist the patient to the bathroom every 2 hours
• D. Keep the patient's left leg elevated on two pillows

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take 1 hour postoperative following an open reduction internal fixation of the left tibia is to assess neurovascular status of the extremities every 4 hours. This frequent assessment is crucial to monitor for any signs of complications such as impaired circulation or nerve damage. Monitoring every 4 hours allows for early detection of any issues, enabling timely intervention and prevention of potential complications. Monitoring the patient's pain level every 8 hours (choice B) is not as immediate or essential for postoperative care. Assisting the patient to the bathroom every 2 hours (choice C) may not be necessary if the patient is not ambulatory yet. Keeping the patient's left leg elevated on two pillows (choice D) can be beneficial but is not the priority in the immediate postoperative period compared to assessing neurovascular status.

2. The patient with bipolar disorder is being treated with lithium and has a new prescription for captopril for hypertension. The combination of these two drugs makes which assessment particularly important?

• A. Potassium level
• B. Lithium level
• C. Creatinine level
• D. Blood pressure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When captopril, an ACE inhibitor, is combined with lithium, it can lead to lithium accumulation. Therefore, monitoring lithium levels is crucial to prevent toxicity. While ACE inhibitors like captopril can cause hyperkalemia, renal insufficiency, and hypotension, the risk of these effects is not increased by the combination of lithium and captopril.

3. A nurse is teaching a parent of a child who has asthma. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Use a peak flow meter daily.
• B. Administer the medication with meals.
• C. Provide a low-carbohydrate diet.
• D. Limit exposure to cold air.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should instruct the parent to use a peak flow meter daily to monitor the child�s respiratory status and detect early signs of an asthma attack.

4. A child receives a vaccine for MMR. Six hours after the injection, the child�s parent reports local soreness, erythema, lethargy, and a fever of 101�F to a nurse. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Give instructions on relieving symptoms with acetaminophen
• B. Seek emergency help, because these symptoms are signs of anaphylactic reaction
• C. Tell the parent that a live vaccine will cause a mild case of measles
• D. Obtain and fill out a Vaccine Adverse Event Report form

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Low-grade fever, malaise, and muscle aches are common reactions. Acetaminophen usually alleviates these problems. MMR is a live vaccine but it is attenuated or completely avirulent and does not cause measles in healthy children, only immunocompromised children.

5. At what age may an infant close their eyes to bright lights and show improved head control?

• A. 30-33 weeks after conception
• B. 34-36 weeks after conception
• C. Less than 30 weeks after conception
• D. 37-40 weeks after conception

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Around 30-33 weeks after conception, infants usually start closing their eyes in response to bright lights and exhibit enhanced head control. This developmental milestone indicates progress in their visual and motor abilities, reflecting the maturation of their neurological system. As preterm infants continue to grow and develop, they gradually acquire these skills, showcasing the natural progression of their sensory and motor functions.

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