Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for an older adult who has a non-palpable skin lesion that is less than 0.5 cm in diameter. Which term should the nurse use to document this finding?

• A. Vesicle
• B. Macule
• C. Papule
• D. Nodule

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Macule. A macule is a non-palpable skin lesion smaller than 1 cm in diameter. In this case, the skin lesion described is less than 0.5 cm, making it consistent with a macule. Vesicle (choice A) is a small blister filled with clear fluid, papule (choice C) is a solid, raised skin lesion less than 0.5 cm in diameter, and nodule (choice D) is a palpable, solid lesion larger than 0.5 cm in diameter. Therefore, choices A, C, and D describe skin lesions that do not match the characteristics of the lesion presented in the question.

2. A nurse on the medical-surgical unit is receiving reports on four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?

• A. A client who is receiving warfarin and has an INR of 3.3
• B. A client who has acute kidney injury, creatinine 4 mg/dL, and BUN 52 mg/dL
• C. A client who had an NG tube inserted 6 hours ago and has abdominal distention
• D. A client who is 4 hours postoperative following a thyroidectomy and reports fullness in the throat

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The client who is 4 hours postoperative following a thyroidectomy and reports fullness in the throat should be assessed first. This client may be experiencing airway obstruction due to hematoma or swelling, making it a priority. Options A, B, and C have concerning findings as well, but airway compromise takes precedence over other issues.

3. A nurse is admitting a client who has suspected appendicitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider immediately?

• A. Distended, board-like abdomen
• B. WBC count of 15,000/mm³
• C. Rebound tenderness over McBurney’s point
• D. Temperature of 37.3°C (99.1°F)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A distended, board-like abdomen is a concerning sign indicating the possibility of a ruptured appendix and peritonitis, which are medical emergencies. Reporting this finding immediately is crucial for prompt intervention. Choice B, an elevated WBC count, could indicate infection but is not as urgent as the risk of a ruptured appendix. Choice C, rebound tenderness over McBurney’s point, is a classic sign of appendicitis but does not indicate an immediate threat like a possible rupture. Choice D, a slightly elevated temperature, is a nonspecific finding and not as critical as the risk of peritonitis associated with a distended, board-like abdomen.

4. A nurse is caring for an infant who has a prescription for continuous pulse oximetry. Which of the following is an appropriate action for the nurse to take?

• A. Place the infant under a radiant warmer
• B. Move the probe site every 3 hours
• C. Heat the skin one minute prior to placing the probe
• D. Place the sensor on the index finger

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to move the probe site every 3 hours. This action helps prevent skin breakdown and ensures more accurate monitoring of oxygen saturation. Placing the infant under a radiant warmer (choice A) is unnecessary and not related to pulse oximetry. Heating the skin before placing the probe (choice C) can lead to burns and is not recommended. Placing the sensor on the index finger (choice D) is not appropriate for continuous monitoring in infants.

5. A nurse is caring for four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?

• A. A client scheduled to receive chemotherapy for the first time
• B. A client post-appendectomy with diminished bowel sounds
• C. A client with hypothyroidism who is stuporous
• D. A client with burns requiring a sterile dressing change

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The client with hypothyroidism who is stuporous should be assessed first as this may indicate a critical condition, possibly related to severe hypothyroidism. Stupor is a state of near-unconsciousness or insensibility, suggesting a decline in neurological function that requires immediate evaluation. Choices A, B, and D do not present with immediate life-threatening conditions that require urgent assessment. While chemotherapy, post-appendectomy complications, and burn care are important, they do not pose the same level of immediate risk as a stuporous client.

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