Nursing Elites

1. During physical therapy, a client with Parkinson's disease makes the following statements. Which statement indicates the need for a referral to physical therapy?

• A. ''I have been experiencing more tremors in my left arm than before''
• B. ''I noticed that I am having a harder time holding on to my toothbrush''
• C. ''Lately, I feel like my feet are freezing up, as they are stuck to the ground''
• D. ''Sometimes, I feel I am making a chewing motion when I'm not eating''

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Feeling like the feet are freezing up and sticking to the ground is a common symptom of Parkinson's disease known as 'freezing of gait.' This symptom significantly impacts mobility and can be dangerous, indicating the need for specialized physical therapy interventions to address gait disturbances and improve mobility.

2. When is sterile technique used?

• A. During strict isolation procedures
• B. After terminal disinfection is performed
• C. For invasive procedures
• D. When protective isolation is necessary

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Sterile technique is utilized during invasive procedures to prevent the introduction of pathogens, minimizing the risk of infections. This strict approach ensures that the procedure is performed in a sterile environment, reducing the chances of contamination and subsequent complications.

3. Which of the following scenarios represents nursing malpractice?

• A. The nurse administers penicillin to a patient with a documented history of allergy to the drug. The patient experiences an allergic reaction and suffers cerebral damage due to anoxia.
• B. The nurse applies a hot water bottle or a heating pad to the abdomen of a patient with abdominal cramping.
• C. The nurse assists a patient out of bed with the bed locked in position; the patient slips and fractures his right humerus.
• D. The nurse administers the wrong medication to a patient, resulting in vomiting. This error is documented and reported to the physician and the nursing supervisor.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Administering a drug to a patient with a known allergy, leading to severe harm such as an allergic reaction causing cerebral damage due to anoxia, constitutes nursing malpractice. In this scenario, the nurse failed to adhere to the standard of care by administering a medication that the patient was allergic to, resulting in serious harm, which is a clear example of malpractice in nursing.

4. When caring for a client who speaks a language different from their own, what action should the nurse take?

• A. Request an interpreter of a different sex from the client.
• B. Request a family member or friend to interpret information for the client.
• C. Direct attention toward the interpreter when speaking to the client.
• D. Review the facility policy about the use of an interpreter.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When caring for a client who speaks a different language, it is essential for the nurse to review the facility policy about the use of an interpreter. Using a professional interpreter ensures accurate communication and protects the client's confidentiality. Requesting an interpreter of a specific sex or relying on family members or friends can lead to miscommunication or breaches of confidentiality. Directing attention towards the interpreter helps facilitate communication but does not address the need for a professional interpreter as per facility policy.

5. A healthcare provider is reviewing the laboratory report of a client who has been taking lithium carbonate for the past 12 months. The provider notes a lithium level of 0.8 mEq/L. Which of the following orders from the provider should the healthcare provider expect?

• A. Withhold the next dose
• B. Increase the dosage
• C. Discontinue the medication
• D. Administer the medication

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A lithium level of 0.8 mEq/L falls within the therapeutic range for maintaining the drug's effectiveness while minimizing toxicity. Therefore, the appropriate action would be to continue administering the medication as prescribed by the healthcare provider to maintain the therapeutic effect for the client.

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