Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer the initial dose of ceftriaxone to a client who has endometritis. Which of the following statements by the client should cause the healthcare professional to hold the medication and consult the provider?

• A. I have a severe allergy to amoxicillin
• B. I get sick when I take diuretics
• C. I have a history of hearing problems
• D. I take prednisone for my asthma

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A severe allergy to amoxicillin could indicate a potential cross-reactivity with ceftriaxone, so the medication should be held. Cross-reactivity between penicillins (like amoxicillin) and cephalosporins (like ceftriaxone) is a known concern due to their similar chemical structures. Choices B, C, and D do not directly contraindicate the administration of ceftriaxone for endometritis.

2. What are the signs of infection that should be monitored in a postoperative patient?

• A. Fever and chills
• B. All of the above
• C. Increased pain or tenderness
• D. Redness, swelling, and warmth at the surgical site

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Redness, swelling, and warmth at the surgical site.' These are specific signs of infection at the surgical site that a nurse should monitor for in a postoperative patient. While fever, chills, and increased pain can also indicate infection, the most direct signs are redness, swelling, and warmth at the surgical site. Therefore, 'D' is the best choice as it directly relates to the site of the surgery and is crucial to monitor for potential postoperative infections.

3. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient's pain who is non-verbal?

• A. Looking for changes in vital signs that may indicate pain
• B. Using alternative methods like touch or distraction
• C. Using a pain scale appropriate for non-verbal patients
• D. Observing for facial expressions or other non-verbal cues

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing pain in non-verbal patients, looking for changes in vital signs that may indicate pain is crucial. While using alternative methods like touch or distraction can be helpful, they may not directly indicate the presence of pain. Using a pain scale appropriate for non-verbal patients is important, but it may not always provide immediate feedback. Observing for facial expressions or other non-verbal cues can be subjective and may not always accurately reflect the level of pain the patient is experiencing. Therefore, monitoring vital signs is a more objective way to assess pain in non-verbal patients.

4. Which finding in a postoperative patient requires immediate intervention by the nurse?

• A. Heart rate of 88 beats per minute.
• B. Blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg.
• C. Crackles heard in the lung bases.
• D. Oxygen saturation of 88% on room air.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a postoperative patient, an oxygen saturation level of 88% on room air indicates a significant drop below the normal range, suggesting potential respiratory distress. This finding requires immediate intervention by the nurse to ensure the patient receives adequate oxygenation. A heart rate of 88 beats per minute is within the normal range, making it a less concerning finding. A blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg falls within the normal range for blood pressure and does not require immediate intervention. Crackles heard in the lung bases may indicate fluid accumulation but may not always require immediate intervention unless accompanied by other concerning signs or symptoms.

5. Which nursing action will best help a patient with diabetes manage their condition?

• A. Monitor the patient's blood sugar levels regularly.
• B. Encourage the patient to follow a diabetic meal plan.
• C. Teach the patient how to administer insulin.
• D. Teach the patient about the complications of diabetes.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Teach the patient how to administer insulin. This action is crucial in promoting self-management and control of diabetes. By educating the patient on administering insulin, they can actively participate in their treatment plan. Monitoring blood sugar levels (choice A) is important but doesn't empower the patient to take direct action. Encouraging a diabetic meal plan (choice B) is beneficial but may not directly address the need for insulin administration. Teaching about the complications of diabetes (choice D) is essential but may not be as immediately impactful as teaching insulin administration for day-to-day management.

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