Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is teaching an older adult client who has left-sided weakness about cane use. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Hold the cane with your left hand
• B. Move the cane forward 18 inches with each step
• C. When walking, move your left foot forward first
• D. Keep your elbow straight when you hold the cane

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client with left-sided weakness using a cane is to move the left foot forward first. This technique helps improve stability and safety by ensuring weight-bearing on the stronger side while providing support with the cane. Choice A is incorrect because the cane should be held on the stronger side, which is the right side in this case. Choice B is incorrect as the recommended distance to move the cane forward with each step is about 6 inches, not 18 inches. Choice D is incorrect as it is essential to maintain a slight bend in the elbow while using the cane to absorb shock and provide flexibility.

2. A patient is experiencing shortness of breath. What is the nurse's immediate action?

• A. Assist the patient into a high Fowler's position.
• B. Administer oxygen at 2 liters per minute via nasal cannula.
• C. Encourage the patient to take deep breaths and cough.
• D. Assess the patient's lung sounds.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering oxygen at 2 liters per minute via nasal cannula is the immediate action for a patient experiencing shortness of breath. This intervention helps to improve oxygenation and relieve respiratory distress promptly. Placing the patient in a high Fowler's position (choice A) may also be beneficial but providing oxygen takes precedence in this scenario to address the underlying hypoxemia. Encouraging deep breaths and coughing (choice C) may not be appropriate as the first action, especially without assessing the patient first. Assessing lung sounds (choice D) is essential but should follow the initial intervention of administering oxygen.

3. The nurse has received a report from the emergency department that a patient with tuberculosis will be coming to the unit. Which items will the nurse need to care for this patient?

• A. N95 respirator, gown, gloves, eyewear
• B. Communication signs for droplet precautions
• C. Negative-pressure airflow in room
• D. Communication signs for airborne precautions

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Caring for a patient with tuberculosis requires the nurse to use an N95 respirator, gown, gloves, and eyewear to protect against airborne transmission of the disease. Choice B and D are incorrect because while communication signs for precautions are important, the essential items needed for caring for a patient with tuberculosis are personal protective equipment to prevent transmission. Choice C is also incorrect as negative-pressure airflow in the room is a facility-related requirement and not an item carried by the nurse.

4. What are the nursing interventions for a patient with acute kidney injury (AKI)?

• A. Preparing the patient for dialysis if necessary
• B. Providing dietary modifications to reduce potassium
• C. Monitoring urine output and electrolytes
• D. Administering fluids and monitoring blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct nursing intervention for a patient with acute kidney injury (AKI) includes preparing the patient for dialysis if necessary. While choices B, C, and D are also important aspects of managing AKI, the critical intervention in severe cases is to prepare the patient for dialysis to support kidney function. Providing dietary modifications to reduce potassium, monitoring urine output and electrolytes, and administering fluids are essential components of the overall care plan for AKI patients, but in cases where the condition is severe or if conservative management fails, dialysis may be required to support the patient's kidney function and prevent further complications.

5. A health care provider asks the nurse to administer a medication with a dosage significantly higher than usual. What is the nurse's first action?

• A. Administer the medication as ordered.
• B. Question the provider and verify the dose.
• C. Administer half the dosage as a precaution.
• D. Refuse to administer the medication without clarification.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a health care provider orders a medication with a dosage significantly higher than usual, the nurse's initial action should be to question the provider and verify the dose. This is crucial to ensure patient safety and prevent medication errors. Administering the medication as ordered (Choice A) without clarification could potentially harm the patient if there was an error in the prescription. Administering half the dosage as a precaution (Choice C) is not a safe practice as it deviates from the prescribed order. Refusing to administer the medication without clarification (Choice D) is important, but the first step should be to seek clarification from the provider to prevent any unnecessary delays in patient care.

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