Nursing Elites

1. A triage nurse has four clients arrive in the emergency department within 15 minutes. Which client should the triage nurse send back to be seen first?

• A. A 2-month-old infant with a history of rolling off the bed and having a bulging fontanelle with crying
• B. A teenager who suffered singed facial hair while camping
• C. An elderly client with complaints of frequent liquid brown-colored stools
• D. A middle-aged client with intermittent pain behind the right scapula

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the teenager who suffered singed facial hair while camping. This client is in the greatest danger with a potential risk of respiratory distress. Singed facial hair indicates exposure to heat or fire in close range, which could have caused serious damage to the interior of the lungs. It's crucial to prioritize this client as the interior lining of the lungs has no nerve fibers, so swelling may not be immediately noticeable. The other choices, while concerning, do not present an immediate life-threatening situation. The infant's condition may be serious but does not pose an immediate danger of respiratory distress. The elderly client's symptoms could indicate gastrointestinal issues, which are important but not as urgent as potential respiratory compromise. The middle-aged client's pain behind the right scapula, while uncomfortable, does not indicate an acute life-threatening condition requiring immediate attention.

2. An adult patient is at the clinic for a physical examination. The patient states that they are feeling 'very anxious' about the physical examination. What steps can the nurse take to make the patient more comfortable?

• A. Appear unhurried and confident when examining the patient.
• B. Leave the room when the patient undresses unless they need assistance.
• C. Ask the patient to change into an examining gown and to leave their undergarments on.
• D. Measure vital signs at the beginning of the examination to gradually accustom the patient.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To help alleviate the patient's anxiety, the nurse should appear unhurried and confident during the examination. This can make the patient feel more at ease and reassured. It is important for the nurse to respect the patient's privacy by leaving the room while the patient changes unless assistance is needed. The patient should be instructed to change into an examining gown while leaving their undergarments on, providing a sense of comfort and familiarity. Additionally, measuring vital signs at the beginning of the examination can help gradually acclimate the patient to the process, making it less overwhelming. Therefore, the correct answer is to appear unhurried and confident when examining the patient. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly address the patient's anxiety or provide comfort in the same way as the correct answer.

3. Before allowing the client's infant granddaughter to visit before the client's scheduled heart transplant, the nurse decides it would be beneficial to collaborate with which of the following? Select all that apply.

• A. Client and Family
• B. Other nursing staff on the unit
• C. Security department
• D. Hospital administration

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Collaborating with the client and family is crucial as it fosters a sense of autonomy and active involvement in the healthcare process for the client. Involving other nursing staff ensures the successful implementation of the planned intervention and provides support for the client's needs. Collaboration with the security department or hospital administration is not necessary in this situation, as the focus should be on the client's well-being and family involvement during a sensitive time.

4. A client in a long-term care facility has developed reddened skin over the sacrum, which has cracked and started to blister. The nurse confirms that the client has not been assisted with turning while in bed. Which stage of pressure ulcer is this client exhibiting?

• A. Stage I
• B. Stage II
• C. Stage III
• D. Stage IV

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The client is exhibiting a stage II pressure ulcer. A stage II pressure ulcer develops as a partial thickness wound that affects both the epidermis and the dermal layers of skin. This stage can present with red skin, blisters, or cracking, appearing shallow and moist. However, the ulcer does not extend to the underlying tissues at this stage. Choice A (Stage I) is incorrect as Stage I ulcers involve non-blanchable redness of intact skin. Choices C (Stage III) and D (Stage IV) are incorrect as they involve more severe tissue damage, extending into deeper layers of the skin and underlying tissues, which is not the case in this scenario.

5. While measuring a patient's blood pressure, which factor influences a patient's blood pressure?

• A. Pulse rate
• B. Pulse pressure
• C. Vascular output
• D. Peripheral vascular resistance

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When measuring a patient's blood pressure, it is important to consider various factors that influence blood pressure. Peripheral vascular resistance plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure. The level of blood pressure is affected by factors such as cardiac output, peripheral vascular resistance, volume of circulating blood, viscosity, and elasticity of the vessel walls. Pulse rate (Choice A) refers to the number of heartbeats per minute and is not a primary factor influencing blood pressure. Pulse pressure (Choice B) is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure and does not directly impact blood pressure regulation. Vascular output (Choice C) is not a recognized term in blood pressure regulation and is not a primary factor affecting blood pressure.

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