Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for an older adult patient who is disoriented and has a history of falls. What actions should the nurse take?

• A. Place the bed in the lowest position, instruct the patient to remain in bed, ensure the bedside table is within reach.
• B. Instruct the patient to use the call light, apply an ambulation alarm to the patient’s leg, check on the patient hourly.
• C. Assign a sitter to monitor the patient, raise the bed rails, provide the patient with a call button.
• D. Check on the patient every two hours, provide verbal reminders to use the call light, lock the bed wheels.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct actions for the nurse to take involve ensuring patient safety and fall prevention measures. Choice B is the correct answer because instructing the patient to use the call light allows them to signal for help, applying an ambulation alarm helps detect movement, and checking on the patient hourly increases monitoring frequency. These actions are essential for preventing falls in a disoriented patient with a history of falls. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect: A does not provide adequate monitoring or fall prevention measures, C relies solely on assigning a sitter without utilizing technological aids, and D lacks continuous monitoring and specific fall prevention strategies.

2. While reviewing the medical record of a client with unstable angina, which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. BP 106/62 mm Hg, Temp 38°C (100.4°F), HR 112/min, Resp rate 26/min, urine output 90 mL/hr
• B. Skin is cool and moist with pallor
• C. Bilateral breath sounds with crackles heard at bases of lungs
• D. Creatinine kinase 100 units/L, C-reactive protein 0.8 mg/dL, Myoglobin 88 mcg/L

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The nurse should report these vital signs to the provider immediately as they indicate increased temperature, tachycardia, and tachypnea, which are signs of possible infection or systemic inflammatory response. This could exacerbate the client's unstable angina and needs prompt evaluation. Choices B, C, and D are not as urgent as the vital signs in option A and do not directly indicate a worsening condition in the context of unstable angina.

3. A charge nurse is discussing the use of applying ice to a client’s injured knee with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following is a benefit of this treatment?

• A. Systemic analgesic effect
• B. Increase in metabolism
• C. Decreased capillary permeability
• D. Vasodilation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decreased capillary permeability. Ice application helps decrease capillary permeability, which in turn reduces swelling and inflammation at the injury site. This vasoconstriction effect helps to limit the extent of the injury. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Applying ice locally does not produce a systemic analgesic effect but rather a localized numbing effect. It does not increase metabolism but rather slows down metabolic processes in the affected area. Additionally, ice application causes vasoconstriction, not vasodilation.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who has breast cancer and has been receiving chemotherapy. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. WBC 3,000/mm3
• B. Hemoglobin 14 g/dL
• C. Platelets 250,000/mm3
• D. aPTT 30 seconds

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A WBC count of 3,000/mm3 indicates neutropenia, a dangerous complication of chemotherapy that increases the risk of infection and requires immediate attention. Neutropenia is a common side effect of chemotherapy and can lead to life-threatening infections. Reporting a low WBC count is crucial to ensure timely intervention. Choices B, C, and D are within normal ranges and do not pose immediate risks to the client undergoing chemotherapy.

5. A client is experiencing suicidal thoughts and states, 'Why not end my misery?' What is the best response by the nurse?

• A. Why do you think your life isn’t worth living anymore?
• B. Do you have a plan to end your life?
• C. I need to understand what you mean by misery.
• D. You can trust me to share your thoughts.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Do you have a plan to end your life?' When a client expresses suicidal thoughts, it is crucial to assess the immediate risk. Inquiring about a specific plan can help determine the seriousness of the situation. Choice A is less direct and may not provide a clear indication of the immediate risk. Choice C focuses on the interpretation of 'misery' rather than assessing the risk of suicide. Choice D offers support but does not address the critical assessment of the client's immediate safety.

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