Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is preparing to administer a unit of packed RBCs to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Administer an antihistamine prior to transfusion.
• B. Check the client’s vital signs.
• C. Verify the client’s identification with another nurse.
• D. Prime the IV tubing with normal saline.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct first action the nurse should take when preparing to administer packed RBCs to a client is to verify the client’s identification with another nurse. This is crucial to ensure that the correct blood product is administered to the correct client, minimizing the risk of a transfusion reaction. Administering an antihistamine prior to transfusion (Choice A) is not the first priority and is not a standard practice. While checking the client’s vital signs (Choice B) is important, verifying the client’s identification takes precedence to prevent a critical error. Priming the IV tubing with normal saline (Choice D) is a necessary step in the process but should occur after verifying the client's identity.

2. 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.

3. A nurse is caring for a client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Position the client with the affected leg below the heart
• B. Massage the affected extremity every 4 hours
• C. Apply cold compresses to the affected extremity
• D. Elevate the affected leg while in bed

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to elevate the affected leg while in bed. Elevating the leg helps reduce swelling and promotes venous return, aiding in the management of DVT. Positioning the affected leg below the heart can worsen the condition by increasing the risk of clot dislodgment. Massaging the affected extremity can also dislodge the clot and should be avoided. Cold compresses are not recommended as they can cause vasoconstriction, potentially worsening the condition.

4. A nurse is assessing a client who has meningitis. The nurse should identify which of the following findings as a positive Kernig’s sign?

• A. After stroking the lateral area of the foot, the client’s toes contract and draw together
• B. After hip flexion, the client is unable to extend their leg completely without pain
• C. The client’s voluntary movement is not coordinated
• D. The client reports pain and stiffness when flexing their neck

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A positive Kernig’s sign is identified when a client is unable to extend their leg completely without pain after hip flexion. This finding indicates meningeal irritation. Choices A, C, and D do not describe Kernig’s sign. Choice A describes a normal plantar reflex, choice C refers to coordination issues, and choice D describes neck pain and stiffness, which are not specific to Kernig’s sign.

5. A nurse is completing an admission assessment for a client who has hearing loss. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Speak loudly to the client
• B. Use written communication to assist with communication
• C. Avoid eye contact while speaking
• D. Use sign language without an interpreter

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when assessing a client with hearing loss is to use written communication. This method helps ensure effective communication and that the client understands the information being conveyed. Speaking loudly may not be helpful and can be perceived as rude. Avoiding eye contact can hinder communication and appear disrespectful. Using sign language without an interpreter may not be appropriate if the client does not understand sign language.

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