Nursing Elites

1. A small fire has erupted in a wastebasket in the client waiting room. Which of the following is the first action of the nurse?

• A. Call 9-1-1
• B. Find the fire extinguisher
• C. Move clients to safety
• D. Throw water on the fire

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a fire starts in a healthcare setting, the first action of the nurse is to move clients and anyone who may be in danger to a safe location. Ensuring the safety of clients is the top priority during emergencies. While using a fire extinguisher could be a subsequent step to contain the fire, the immediate focus should be on evacuating individuals from harm's way. Calling 9-1-1 is important, but moving clients to safety should be the nurse's initial response. Throwing water on the fire may not be effective or safe, as it can exacerbate some types of fires.

2. Which of these guidelines would a healthcare professional follow when measuring a patient's weight?

• A. The patient is always weighed wearing only undergarments.
• B. The type of scale matters and should be consistent day to day.
• C. The patient should remove heavy outer clothing, shoes, and jackets before weighing.
• D. Attempts should be made to weigh the patient at approximately the same time of day if a sequence of weights is necessary.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When measuring a patient's weight, it is important to ensure accuracy and consistency. If a sequence of repeated weights is necessary, the healthcare professional should attempt to weigh the patient at the same time of day and with the same types of clothing worn each time. It is crucial to use a standardized balance or electronic standing scale for accurate weight measurement. Choice A is incorrect as patients should remove heavy outer clothing, shoes, and jackets before being weighed for accurate results. Choice B is incorrect because the type of scale used does matter and should be consistent for reliable weight tracking. Choice C is incorrect as patients should not leave on heavy outer clothing, shoes, or jackets as these items can add to the weight recorded inaccurately.

3. When performing a physical assessment, what technique should the nurse always perform first?

• A. Palpation
• B. Inspection
• C. Percussion
• D. Auscultation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During a physical assessment, the nurse should always begin with inspection. The sequence of techniques for physical examination is inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. These skills are performed in a specific order, except for the abdominal assessment where auscultation precedes palpation and percussion. Inspection allows the nurse to observe and gather initial information without direct contact. It is a crucial step that provides valuable insights before proceeding to palpation, percussion, and auscultation. Therefore, choice B, 'Inspection,' is the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they should follow inspection in the sequence of a comprehensive physical assessment.

4. The nurse is conducting a health fair for older adults. Which statement is true regarding vital sign measurements in aging adults?

• A. The pulse is easier to palpate due to the rigidity of the blood vessels.
• B. An increased respiratory rate and a shallower inspiratory phase are expected findings.
• C. A widened pulse pressure occurs from changes in the systolic and diastolic blood pressures.
• D. Changes in the body's temperature regulatory mechanism decrease the older adult's likelihood of developing a fever.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Aging causes a decrease in vital capacity and decreased inspiratory reserve volume. As a result, the examiner may observe a shallower inspiratory phase and an increased respiratory rate in older adults. Contrary to common belief, the increased rigidity of arterial walls actually makes the pulse easier to palpate in aging adults. Pulse pressure is widened, not decreased, due to changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Furthermore, changes in the body's temperature regulatory mechanism make older individuals less likely to develop a fever but more susceptible to hypothermia.

5. When placing a patient in the AP position for an X-ray, what position would the patient be in?

• A. Facing the X-ray film.
• B. Right side against the X-ray film.
• C. Left side against the X-ray film.
• D. Facing away from the X-ray film

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The AP position stands for Anteroposterior Projection. When a patient is in the AP position for an X-ray, they are facing away from the X-ray film. This positioning allows for a clear view of the structures being imaged from front to back. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the patient is not facing or positioned against the X-ray film in the AP position, but rather facing away from it to capture the necessary diagnostic information.

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