Nursing Elites

1. A patient is kept off food and fluids for 10 hours before surgery. His oral temperature at 8 a.m. is 99.8°F (37.7°C). This temperature reading probably indicates:

• A. Infection
• B. Hypothermia
• C. Anxiety
• D. Dehydration

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A patient being kept off food and fluids before surgery can lead to dehydration. Dehydration can cause a slight increase in body temperature, which could explain the elevated oral temperature reading of 99.8°F (37.7°C) in this scenario. Infections are more likely to cause higher fevers, hypothermia would present with a lower temperature, and anxiety typically does not directly affect body temperature in this manner.

2. A nurse obtained a client’s pulse and found the rate to be above normal. The nurse documents this finding as:

• A. Tachypnea
• B. Hyperpyrexia
• C. Arrhythmia
• D. Tachycardia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a nurse finds a client's pulse rate to be above normal, it is documented as tachycardia. Tachycardia specifically refers to an elevated heart rate, while tachypnea is rapid breathing, hyperpyrexia is high fever, and arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat. Therefore, the correct term to describe an above-normal pulse rate is tachycardia.

3. How many milliliters are equal to 20 cc?

• A. 2
• B. 20
• C. 2000
• D. 20000

Correct answer: B

Rationale: 1 cc (cubic centimeter) is equal to 1 ml. Therefore, 20 cc is equal to 20 ml. To convert between cubic centimeters (cc) and milliliters (ml), the values are equivalent since they both measure volume in the metric system. Choice A (2) is incorrect as it does not account for the direct conversion between cc and ml. Choice C (2000) and choice D (20000) are incorrect as they represent conversions based on a misunderstanding of the relationship between cc and ml.

4. When a chest tube is accidentally removed from a client, which of the following actions should the nurse NOT take first?

• A. Obtain a chest x-ray
• B. Apply sterile gauze to the insertion site
• C. Place tape around the insertion site
• D. Assess respiratory status

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a chest tube is accidentally removed, the priority action for the nurse is to immediately seal the insertion site with a gloved hand, a sterile occlusive dressing, or petroleum gauze to prevent air from entering the pleural space and causing a pneumothorax. Applying sterile gauze to the insertion site is not the correct initial action. The first step is to prevent respiratory compromise by ensuring the site is sealed. Therefore, the nurse should not apply sterile gauze to the insertion site first.

5. A healthcare professional is preparing to measure an infant's temperature. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take?

• A. Place the tip of the thermometer under the center of the infant's axilla
• B. Pull the pinna of the infant's ear forward before inserting the probe
• C. Insert the probe 3.8 cm (1.5in) into the infant's rectum
• D. Insert the thermometer in front of the infant's tongue

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When measuring an infant's temperature, the most appropriate and non-invasive method is to place the tip of the thermometer under the center of the infant's axilla (armpit). This method is safe, quick, and comfortable for the infant. Inserting the probe into the rectum is invasive and not recommended for routine temperature measurement in infants. Inserting the thermometer in front of the infant's tongue is not a reliable method for measuring temperature. Pulling the pinna of the ear forward is a technique used for adults, not infants.

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