Nursing Elites

1. After surgery, a patient is experiencing pain. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Administer pain medication as prescribed.
• B. Assess the patient's pain using a pain scale.
• C. Offer the patient non-pharmacological pain relief methods.
• D. Reassess the patient's pain level after 30 minutes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the patient's pain using a pain scale. This is the priority action because it allows the nurse to obtain an objective measure of the patient's pain intensity. By accurately assessing the pain level, the nurse can determine the appropriate intervention, which may include administering pain medication as prescribed (choice A) or offering non-pharmacological pain relief methods (choice C). Reassessing the patient's pain level after 30 minutes (choice D) is important but comes after the initial assessment to evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions implemented.

2. A forensic nurse is using the epidemiological triangle to explain factors that contribute to violent behavior. Which of the following factors should the nurse identify as an environmental factor in the epidemiological triangle?

• A. Crowded living conditions
• B. Traumatic brain injury
• C. Alzheimer's disease
• D. Impaired coping abilities

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Crowded living conditions are considered an environmental factor in the epidemiological triangle as they can contribute to the spread of violence. In this context, environmental factors refer to external influences such as social and physical environments. Traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, and impaired coping abilities are not typically classified as environmental factors in the epidemiological triangle. Traumatic brain injury and Alzheimer's disease are more related to individual health conditions, while impaired coping abilities are more focused on individual psychological factors rather than external environmental influences.

3. A nurse is preparing to administer a high dose of morphine to a patient with terminal cancer. What is the nurse's primary consideration before administration?

• A. Ensure the family is aware of the dosage to be administered.
• B. Monitor the patient for respiratory depression.
• C. Administer the morphine in divided doses.
• D. Delay administration until the next assessment.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitor the patient for respiratory depression. When administering a high dose of morphine, the nurse's primary consideration should be to monitor the patient for respiratory depression, as morphine can slow down breathing, especially in higher doses. Option A is incorrect because the primary focus should be on the patient's well-being and safety rather than family awareness at this point. Option C is not the best approach as the immediate concern is monitoring the patient closely for any adverse effects. Option D is not advisable as delaying administration without a valid reason can compromise pain management in a terminal cancer patient.

4. Which intervention is most effective for managing a patient with constipation?

• A. Increase the patient's fluid intake.
• B. Administer a stool softener as prescribed.
• C. Provide the patient with a high-fiber diet.
• D. Teach the patient to perform Valsalva maneuvers.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most effective intervention for managing constipation in a patient is to administer a stool softener as prescribed. Stool softeners help relieve constipation by making the stool easier to pass, especially in postoperative patients. Increasing fluid intake can be beneficial but may not address the underlying cause of constipation. While a high-fiber diet is important for bowel health, it may not provide immediate relief for constipation. Teaching a patient to perform Valsalva maneuvers is not recommended for managing constipation as it can lead to adverse effects like increasing intra-abdominal pressure.

5. A nurse is planning care for an older adult client who is at risk for developing pressure ulcers. Which of the following interventions should the nurse use to help maintain the integrity of the client's skin?

• A. Elevate the head of the bed no more than 45 degrees
• B. Apply cornstarch to keep sensitive skin areas dry
• C. Massage the skin over the client's bony prominences
• D. Use a transfer device to lift the client up in bed

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to use a transfer device to lift the client up in bed. This intervention helps reduce friction and the risk of skin breakdown, aiding in the prevention of pressure ulcers. Elevating the head of the bed no more than 45 degrees can help with respiratory issues but does not directly address skin integrity. Applying cornstarch may lead to further skin irritation. Massaging over bony prominences can increase the risk of skin damage rather than maintaining skin integrity.

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