Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is preparing to administer a dose of vancomycin IV to a client who has a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Administer the medication over 15 minutes.
• B. Monitor the client's urine output every 8 hours.
• C. Check the client's creatinine level before administering the medication.
• D. Assess the client for a history of allergies to antibiotics.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to check the client's creatinine level before administering vancomycin. Vancomycin is known to be nephrotoxic, so assessing the client's renal function before administering the medication is crucial to prevent further kidney damage. Administering the medication over 15 minutes (Choice A) is not the priority in this scenario as renal function assessment takes precedence. Monitoring urine output (Choice B) is important for assessing renal function but checking creatinine level directly provides more accurate information. Assessing for allergies to antibiotics (Choice D) is also important but not as essential as checking the creatinine level due to the nephrotoxic nature of vancomycin.

2. A nurse is teaching a client about the physiological changes that occur with aging. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Decreased sense of taste
• B. Decreased blood pressure
• C. Increased gastric secretions
• D. Increased accommodation to near vision

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased sense of taste. As individuals age, they may experience a decrease in their sense of taste due to changes in taste buds and a decrease in saliva production. This can lead to a reduced ability to taste flavors or distinguish between different tastes. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Decreased blood pressure is not a consistent physiological change with aging; instead, blood pressure may increase or remain stable. Gastric secretions tend to decrease with age, leading to issues like decreased absorption of certain nutrients. Accommodation to near vision typically decreases with age, causing a condition known as presbyopia, where individuals have difficulty focusing on close objects.

3. What is the priority nursing action for a patient with confusion post-surgery?

• A. Administer oxygen
• B. Reposition the patient
• C. Check oxygen saturation
• D. Perform a neurological exam

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer oxygen. Post-surgery, confusion in a patient could be due to hypoxia, a condition where the body is deprived of an adequate oxygen supply. Administering oxygen helps address hypoxia promptly, improving oxygen levels in the body and potentially resolving the confusion. Repositioning the patient, checking oxygen saturation, and performing a neurological exam may be important interventions but addressing hypoxia with oxygen administration takes precedence as the priority action.

4. What is the best position for a patient with respiratory distress?

• A. Semi-Fowler's position
• B. Trendelenburg position
• C. Prone position
• D. Supine position

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best position for a patient with respiratory distress is the Semi-Fowler's position. This position promotes lung expansion and improves oxygenation by allowing the chest to expand more fully. The Trendelenburg position, where the patient's feet are higher than the head, is contraindicated in respiratory distress as it can increase pressure on the diaphragm and compromise breathing. The prone position, lying face down, may be beneficial in certain cases like acute respiratory distress syndrome but is not generally recommended for all patients in respiratory distress. The supine position, lying flat on the back, can worsen respiratory distress by causing the tongue to fall back and obstruct the airway.

5. A nurse is performing a gastric lavage for a client who has upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Instill 500 ml of solution through the NG tube
• B. Insert a large-bore NG tube
• C. Use a cold irrigation solution
• D. Instruct the client to lie on his right side

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Insert a large-bore NG tube.' When performing a gastric lavage for a client with upper gastrointestinal bleeding, a large-bore NG tube is used to effectively remove gastric contents and blood. Option A is incorrect because the amount of solution to instill depends on the specific situation and should be guided by the healthcare provider's order. Option C is incorrect because using a cold irrigation solution can lead to hypothermia and is not recommended. Option D is incorrect as there is no need to instruct the client to lie on his right side specifically for gastric lavage.

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