Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is planning to perform ear irrigation on an adult client with impacted cerumen. Which of the following should the professional plan to take?

• A. Wearing sterile gloves while performing irrigation
• B. Positioning the client with the affected side down following irrigation
• C. Using cool fluid to irrigate the ear canal
• D. Pulling the pinna downward during irrigation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Positioning the client with the affected side down following irrigation is crucial as it helps facilitate drainage of the dislodged cerumen and any remaining irrigation solution. This position allows gravity to assist in the removal of the loosened debris. Wearing sterile gloves is a standard precaution in healthcare procedures to prevent infection but is not specific to ear irrigation. Using body-temperature water or a solution at a slightly warmer temperature is recommended to prevent vertigo and discomfort, so using cool fluid is incorrect. Pulling the pinna upward and backward, not downward, straightens the ear canal for adults to facilitate the irrigation process, making choice D incorrect.

2. A healthcare professional is preparing information for a change-of-shift report. Which of the following information should the healthcare professional include in the report?

• A. Input and output measurements for the shift
• B. Blood pressure readings from the previous day
• C. Bone scan scheduled for today
• D. Medication regimen from the medication administration record

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During a change-of-shift report, healthcare professionals should include the medication regimen from the medication administration record. This information ensures continuity of care and helps incoming staff understand the patient's medication needs and schedule. While input and output measurements, blood pressure readings, and scheduled procedures like a bone scan are important aspects of patient care, they may not be immediately relevant for the incoming shift. Focusing on medication details helps prevent errors and ensures the patient receives the correct medications at the right times.

3. A client is being discharged home with oxygen therapy via a nasal cannula. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide to the client and family?

• A. Wear cotton clothing to avoid static electricity.
• B. Avoid using any electrical appliances.
• C. Keep the oxygen tank away from heat sources.
• D. Use only a specific type of nasal cannula.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Wear cotton clothing to avoid static electricity. When using oxygen therapy, static electricity can pose a hazard as it increases the risk of fire. Cotton clothing helps reduce static electricity buildup. Choice B, avoiding electrical appliances, is overly restrictive and not entirely necessary. Choice C, keeping the oxygen tank away from heat sources, is important to prevent fire hazards but is not directly related to the nasal cannula. Choice D, using only a specific type of nasal cannula, is not a universal guideline and limits flexibility in care.

4. A client has been tentatively diagnosed with Graves' disease (hyperthyroidism). Which of these findings noted on the initial nursing assessment requires quick intervention by the nurse?

• A. A report of 10 pounds weight loss in the last month
• B. A comment by the client 'I just can't sit still.'
• C. The appearance of eyeballs that appear to 'pop' out of the client's eye sockets
• D. A report of the sudden onset of irritability in the past 2 weeks

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The appearance of eyeballs that appear to 'pop' out of the client's eye sockets, known as exophthalmos, requires quick intervention as it is a severe symptom of Graves' disease. Exophthalmos can indicate an acute condition and may lead to serious complications such as optic nerve damage or corneal ulceration. Weight loss, restlessness, and irritability are common manifestations of hyperthyroidism but do not pose immediate risks compared to the ocular complications associated with exophthalmos.

5. To use the nursing process correctly, what must the nurse do first?

• A. Obtain information about the client
• B. Develop a care plan
• C. Implement interventions
• D. Evaluate the client's outcomes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The first step in the nursing process is to obtain information about the client. This step involves gathering data through assessment to understand the client's needs, health status, and preferences. Developing a care plan (Choice B) comes after the assessment phase. Implementing interventions (Choice C) and evaluating client outcomes (Choice D) occur in subsequent stages of the nursing process. Therefore, the correct initial step is to gather information about the client to form a foundation for providing individualized care.

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