Nursing Elites

1. A nurse offers pain meds to a client who is postop prior to ambulation. The nurse understands that this aspect of care delivery is an example of which of the following ethical principles?

• A. Fidelity
• B. Autonomy
• C. Justice
• D. Beneficence

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, offering pain medication to a postoperative client before ambulation is an example of beneficence. Beneficence is the ethical principle related to promoting the well-being of the client, which includes providing pain relief to improve the client's comfort and facilitate their recovery. Fidelity (choice A) is about honoring commitments and being faithful to agreements, not directly related to pain management. Autonomy (choice B) refers to respecting the client's right to make decisions about their care, not specifically about pain medication administration. Justice (choice C) involves fairness and equality in healthcare resource allocation, not directly applicable in this situation.

2. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient for potential deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

• A. Assess for unilateral leg swelling
• B. Encourage early mobilization
• C. Check for calf tenderness
• D. Observe for redness and warmth

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To assess a patient for potential deep vein thrombosis (DVT), healthcare professionals should look for unilateral leg swelling. This is a classic sign of DVT. While encouraging early mobilization is generally beneficial for preventing DVT, it is not a method of assessment. Checking for calf tenderness is also relevant but not as specific as unilateral leg swelling. Observing for redness and warmth can be signs of inflammation but are not as specific to DVT as unilateral leg swelling.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 day postoperative and is unable to ambulate. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to promote the client's venous return?

• A. Encourage deep breathing exercises
• B. Maintain the client in a supine position
• C. Apply a sequential compression device
• D. Massage the client's legs

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Apply a sequential compression device. Applying a sequential compression device promotes venous return by assisting with blood circulation in the lower extremities, reducing the risk of blood clots. Encouraging deep breathing exercises can help with lung expansion but does not directly promote venous return. Maintaining the client in a supine position may not be ideal for promoting venous return if the client is unable to move. Massaging the client's legs may be contraindicated postoperatively due to the risk of dislodging a clot or causing trauma to the surgical site.

4. A client with dementia is at risk of falling. What is the best intervention to prevent injury?

• A. Place the client in a room close to the nurses' station
• B. Use a bed exit alarm
• C. Encourage family members to stay with the client at all times
• D. Raise all four side rails

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Using a bed exit alarm is the best intervention to prevent injury in a client with dementia at risk of falling. This device alerts staff when the client attempts to leave the bed, allowing for timely assistance and reducing the risk of falls. Placing the client in a room close to the nurses' station may help with supervision but does not provide immediate alerts like a bed exit alarm. Encouraging family members to stay with the client at all times may not be feasible, and raising all four side rails can lead to restraint issues and is not recommended unless necessary for the client's safety.

5. What is the best teaching point for a client with left-leg weakness learning to use a cane?

• A. Use the cane on the weaker side
• B. Maintain two points of support on the floor at all times
• C. Advance the cane 30 to 45 cm with each step
• D. Advance the cane and the strong leg together

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct teaching point for a client with left-leg weakness learning to use a cane is to maintain two points of support on the floor at all times. This ensures better stability and support for the client while walking. Choice A is incorrect because the cane should be used on the stronger side to support the weaker leg. Choice C is incorrect as advancing the cane too far with each step may compromise balance. Choice D is incorrect because advancing the cane and the strong leg together may not provide adequate support for the weaker leg.

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