Nursing Elites

1. A patient with no known allergies is to receive penicillin every 6 hours. When administering the medication, the nurse observes a fine rash on the patient’s skin. The most appropriate nursing action would be to:

• A. Withhold the medication and notify the physician
• B. Administer the medication and notify the physician
• C. Administer the medication with an antihistamine
• D. Apply corn starch soaks to the rash

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the appearance of a rash after administering penicillin, even in a patient with no known allergies, is concerning for a potential allergic reaction. The appropriate action for the nurse to take is to withhold the medication and notify the physician. This precaution is necessary to prevent further administration of a medication that may be causing an adverse reaction, as allergic reactions can range from mild to severe and require immediate intervention.

2. Mrs. Mitchell has been given a copy of her diet. The nurse discusses the foods allowed on a 500-mg low sodium diet. These include:

• A. A ham and Swiss cheese sandwich on whole wheat bread
• B. Mashed potatoes and broiled chicken
• C. A tossed salad with oil and vinegar and olives
• D. Chicken bouillon

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mashed potatoes and broiled chicken. Both mashed potatoes and broiled chicken are typically low in sodium content, making them suitable choices for a 500-mg low sodium diet. The other options, such as a ham and Swiss cheese sandwich on whole wheat bread, a tossed salad with oil and vinegar and olives, and chicken bouillon, may contain higher amounts of sodium and are not typically recommended for a low sodium diet.

3. During physical therapy, a client with Parkinson's disease makes the following statements. Which statement indicates the need for a referral to physical therapy?

• A. ''I have been experiencing more tremors in my left arm than before''
• B. ''I noticed that I am having a harder time holding on to my toothbrush''
• C. ''Lately, I feel like my feet are freezing up, as they are stuck to the ground''
• D. ''Sometimes, I feel I am making a chewing motion when I'm not eating''

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Feeling like the feet are freezing up and sticking to the ground is a common symptom of Parkinson's disease known as 'freezing of gait.' This symptom significantly impacts mobility and can be dangerous, indicating the need for specialized physical therapy interventions to address gait disturbances and improve mobility.

4. When a family of an accident victim, who has been declared brain-dead, appears open to organ donation, what should the nurse do?

• A. Discourage them from deciding until their grief has eased
• B. Listen to their concerns and answer their questions truthfully
• C. Urge them to immediately sign the consent form
• D. Inform them that the body will not be available for a wake or funeral

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In situations involving potential organ donation, the nurse's role is to provide support, listen to the family's concerns, and answer their questions truthfully. By doing so, the nurse can help facilitate an informed and respectful decision-making process for the grieving family.

5. A nurse is orienting a newly licensed nurse on the purpose of administering vecuronium to a client who has acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates understanding of the teaching?

• A. This medication is given to treat infection.
• B. This medication is given to facilitate ventilation.
• C. This medication is given to decrease inflammation.
• D. This medication is given to reduce anxiety.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Vecuronium is a neuromuscular blocking agent that is used to facilitate ventilation by inducing muscle paralysis, which can help improve oxygenation in patients with ARDS. It does not treat infection, decrease inflammation, or reduce anxiety. Understanding the purpose of vecuronium administration is crucial for providing safe and effective care to patients with respiratory distress.

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