Nursing Elites

1. A patient's blood pressure is 118/82 mm Hg. The patient asks the nurse, "What do the numbers mean?"? Which is the best reply by the nurse?

• A. "The numbers are within the normal range and are nothing to worry about."?
• B. "The bottom number is the diastolic pressure and reflects the pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes."?
• C. "The top number is the systolic blood pressure and reflects the pressure of the blood against the arteries when the heart contracts."?
• D. "The concept of blood pressure can be complex. The primary thing to be concerned about is the top number, or the systolic blood pressure."?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The systolic pressure is the maximum pressure felt on the artery during left ventricular contraction, or systole. The diastolic pressure is the elastic recoil, or resting, pressure that the blood constantly exerts in between each contraction. The nurse should answer the patient's question in terms they can understand and not just say it is normal and there is nothing to worry about. The diastolic pressure is the pressure in the vessels when the heart is at rest, not the stroke volume. Both the systolic and diastolic blood pressure are important. Choice A is incorrect as providing a vague reassurance does not address the patient's query. Choice B is incorrect as it inaccurately describes the diastolic pressure as reflecting stroke volume, which is incorrect. Choice D is incorrect as it oversimplifies the explanation, focusing solely on the top number without providing a complete understanding of blood pressure.

2. A patient is diagnosed with essential hypertension. Which of the following blood pressures would you expect to see in this patient prior to taking medications for the condition?

• A. 142/92
• B. 118/72
• C. 120/80
• D. 138/88

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Before starting medications for essential hypertension, a patient would typically present with a blood pressure reading equal to or greater than 140/90. This indicates high blood pressure and is characteristic of essential hypertension. Choice A, 142/92, falls within this range, making it the correct answer. Choices B (118/72), C (120/80), and D (138/88) all have blood pressure readings that are within the normal range and would not typically be expected in a patient diagnosed with essential hypertension. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the elevated blood pressure levels seen in essential hypertension.

3. To which of the following do the CDC Standard precautions recommendations apply?

• A. Patients with diagnosed infections only
• B. Blood or body fluids with visible blood only
• C. All body fluids including sweat
• D. All patients receiving care in hospitals

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'All patients receiving care in hospitals.' Standard precautions apply to all patients in healthcare settings, regardless of their infection status. These recommendations include all body fluids except sweat, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes. Choice A is incorrect as standard precautions are not limited to patients with diagnosed infections. Choice B is incorrect as standard precautions extend beyond blood or body fluids with visible blood. Choice C is incorrect as sweat is an exception to the body fluids covered under standard precautions.

4. Which of the following scenarios provides an example of a healthcare professional overcoming a barrier to communication?

• A. A healthcare professional uses a visual aid to explain how to conduct a fingerstick glucose test to a patient with visual impairment.
• B. A healthcare professional writes down instructions for a patient who is hearing impaired.
• C. A healthcare professional raises their voice when speaking to a patient who does not speak English.
• D. A healthcare professional uses medical jargon while conversing with a minor.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Overcoming barriers to communication in healthcare involves utilizing methods of communication that are accessible and understandable to the recipient. In the scenario provided, writing down instructions for a patient who is hearing impaired is an effective way to ensure clear communication and overcome the obstacle of hearing impairment. This method allows the patient to visually comprehend the information provided. Choice A is incorrect because using a visual aid for a visually impaired patient, not a hearing-impaired patient, would be more appropriate. Choice C is incorrect as raising one's voice does not address the language barrier effectively and may not enhance understanding. Choice D is incorrect as using complex medical terms with a minor may lead to confusion and hinder effective communication.

5. During which part of the client interview would it be best for the nurse to ask, 'What's the weather forecast for today?'

• A. Introduction
• B. Body
• C. Closing
• D. Orientation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Asking about the weather initiates the social or introductory phase of the interview, allowing the nurse to establish rapport with the client at the beginning. This question can help assess the client's mental status and set a friendly tone. In the body phase, the client responds to the nurse's inquiries, while during the closing phase, either the nurse or the client concludes the interview. Therefore, the best time to ask about the weather forecast is during the introduction phase to facilitate a positive start to the interaction.

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