Nursing Elites

1. When administering an IM injection into a client's deltoid muscle, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Use a 21-gauge needle for the injection
• B. Inject the medication at a 90-degree angle
• C. Inject the medication 12.7 cm (5 in) below the acromion process
• D. Inject the medication 2.54 cm (1 in) below the acromion process

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to inject the medication at a 90-degree angle when administering an IM injection into the deltoid muscle. This angle ensures proper delivery of the medication into the muscle tissue. Choice A is incorrect because the gauge of the needle for a deltoid IM injection is usually smaller, around 23-25 gauge. Choices C and D are incorrect as the injection site for the deltoid muscle is approximately 2.54 cm (1 in) below the acromion process, not 12.7 cm (5 in).

2. A nurse is caring for a client who had a total thyroidectomy and has a serum calcium level of 7.6 mg/dL. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Shortened QT intervals
• B. Hypoactive deep tendon reflexes
• C. Tingling of the extremities
• D. Constipation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Tingling of the extremities. Tingling is a common symptom of hypocalcemia, which is expected with low calcium levels after a thyroidectomy. Option A, shortened QT intervals, is associated with hypercalcemia rather than hypocalcemia. Option B, hypoactive deep tendon reflexes, is not typically related to hypocalcemia. Option D, constipation, is not a common finding associated with low calcium levels.

3. What is the most important nursing intervention when caring for a patient with a wound?

• A. Apply an occlusive dressing over the wound.
• B. Clean the wound with normal saline.
• C. Administer antibiotics as prescribed.
• D. Reassess the wound every 4 hours for changes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important nursing intervention when caring for a patient with a wound is to clean the wound with normal saline. This is crucial for preventing infection and promoting healing. Applying an occlusive dressing (Choice A) can be important but should come after cleaning the wound. Administering antibiotics (Choice C) is not the first-line intervention for all wounds and should be based on the healthcare provider's prescription. Reassessing the wound (Choice D) is essential but not the most important initial intervention.

4. A patient has a DNR (do-not-resuscitate) order but their family insists on resuscitation if necessary. What should the nurse do?

• A. Follow the family's wishes to resuscitate.
• B. Explain that the nurse must follow the DNR order.
• C. Ask the provider for clarification on the DNR.
• D. Call the ethics committee to discuss the situation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The nurse must follow the legal DNR order, even if the family insists on resuscitation. Respecting the patient's wishes is crucial in providing ethical care. Choice A is incorrect because the nurse should prioritize the patient's documented wishes over the family's requests. Choice C may cause unnecessary delays in care as the DNR order is a legal document. Choice D is not the initial action to take in this situation; the nurse should first address the conflict between the family's wishes and the patient's DNR order.

5. A nurse sees another nurse administering medication without using alcohol swabs. What is the first action the nurse should take?

• A. Ignore the situation to maintain a good working relationship.
• B. Report the behavior to the nurse manager.
• C. Ask the colleague to be more careful next time.
• D. Report the issue after speaking to other colleagues.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when witnessing unsafe medication administration practices, such as not using alcohol swabs, is to report the behavior to the nurse manager immediately. Patient safety is the top priority, and any actions that compromise it must be addressed promptly. Ignoring the situation (Choice A) is not appropriate as it puts patients at risk. Asking the colleague to be more careful (Choice C) may not be effective in ensuring immediate correction of the unsafe practice. Reporting the issue after speaking to other colleagues (Choice D) delays necessary action and may compromise patient safety further.

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