Nursing Elites

1. A nurse notices that a colleague has an odor of alcohol while on duty. What is the most appropriate action?

• A. Speak to the colleague in private.
• B. Report the behavior to the nurse manager immediately.
• C. Confront the colleague directly on the floor.
• D. Do nothing and document the situation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Reporting the behavior to the nurse manager immediately is the most appropriate action when a nurse suspects a colleague of being impaired while on duty. This is crucial to ensure patient safety and maintain a professional and safe work environment. Speaking to the colleague in private may not address the issue effectively and could potentially put patients at risk if the colleague is indeed impaired. Confronting the colleague directly on the floor may lead to a confrontation and is not the most professional way to handle the situation. Doing nothing and documenting the situation without taking immediate action can jeopardize patient safety and is not an appropriate response when substance use is suspected.

2. A client has urinary incontinence, and the nurse is caring for them. Which of the following actions should the nurse implement to prevent the development of skin breakdown?

• A. Request a prescription for the insertion of an indwelling urinary catheter
• B. Check the client's skin every 8 hours for signs of breakdown
• C. Apply a moisture barrier ointment to the client's skin
• D. Clean the client's skin and perineum with hot water after each episode of incontinence

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action to prevent skin breakdown in a client with urinary incontinence is to apply a moisture barrier ointment to the skin. This ointment helps protect the skin from the harmful effects of moisture exposure, reducing the risk of breakdown. Requesting an indwelling urinary catheter (Choice A) should not be the first-line intervention for skin breakdown prevention. Checking the client's skin for signs of breakdown (Choice B) is important but not as effective as applying a moisture barrier. Cleaning the skin with hot water (Choice D) can actually be detrimental as hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils and worsen skin integrity.

3. A community nurse is instructing a group of newly licensed nurses about diseases that require airborne precautions. Which of the following diseases should the nurse include?

• A. Rubella
• B. Pertussis
• C. Influenza
• D. Varicella

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Varicella. Varicella (chickenpox) is a disease that requires airborne precautions to prevent its spread. Airborne precautions are necessary to prevent transmission of pathogens that remain infectious over long distances when suspended in the air. Rubella, pertussis, and influenza do not require airborne precautions. Rubella and pertussis require droplet precautions, while influenza requires droplet and contact precautions. Therefore, Varicella is the only disease in the list that necessitates airborne precautions.

4. The patient experienced a surgical procedure, and Betadine was utilized as the surgical prep. Two days postoperatively, the nurse's assessment indicates that the incision is red and has a small amount of purulent drainage. The patient reports tenderness at the incision site. The patient's temperature is 100.5°F, and the WBC is 10,500/mm³. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Reevaluate the temperature and white blood cell count in 4 hours.
• B. Check which solution was used for skin preparation in surgery.
• C. Plan to change the surgical dressing during the shift.
• D. Utilize SBAR to notify the primary health care provider.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The patient is showing signs of a possible surgical site infection, including redness, purulent drainage, tenderness, elevated temperature, and increased white blood cell count. These symptoms suggest the need for immediate action to address a potential complication. Utilizing SBAR to notify the primary health care provider is crucial as it allows for effective communication of the patient's condition and the need for further assessment and intervention. Reevaluating the temperature and white blood cell count later, checking the solution used for skin preparation, or planning to change the dressing do not address the urgent need for intervention and communication with the healthcare provider.

5. Which patient should the nurse see first?

• A. A 1-month-old infant looking at a shiny, round battery just out of arm's reach.
• B. A 56-year-old patient with oxygen and a lighter on the bedside table.
• C. A 56-year-old patient with oxygen using an electric razor for grooming.
• D. A bedridden patient who has a reddened area on the buttocks and needs to be turned.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the patient with oxygen and a lighter on the bedside table is at immediate risk of fire. Oxygen promotes combustion, and having a lighter nearby poses a serious safety hazard. This situation requires urgent attention to prevent a potential disaster. Choices A, C, and D do not present immediate life-threatening risks compared to the patient with oxygen and a lighter nearby.

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