Nursing Elites

1. After discontinuing a peripherally inserted central line (PICC), what information is most important for the nurse to record?

• A. How the client tolerated the procedure.
• B. The length and intactness of the central line catheter.
• C. The amount of fluid left in the IV solution container.
• D. That a dressing was applied to the insertion site.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important information for the nurse to record after discontinuing a peripherally inserted central line (PICC) is the length and intactness of the central line catheter. This is crucial for assessing any potential complications or safety issues post-removal. Choices A, C, and D are not as critical as ensuring the condition of the central line catheter. While noting the client's tolerance of the procedure is relevant for their care assessment, evaluating the central line's integrity takes precedence in this scenario.

2. A client has a 10% dextrose in water IV solution running. He is scheduled to receive his antiepileptic drug, phenytoin (Dilantin), at this time. The nurse knows that the phenytoin:

• A. is given after the D10W is finished.
• B. should be given at the time it is due in the medication port closest to the client.
• C. can be piggybacked into the D10W solution now.
• D. is incompatible with dextrose solutions.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Phenytoin is incompatible with dextrose solutions as they will precipitate when mixed together. Therefore, it should not be piggybacked into the D10W solution or given through the same port. Instead, normal saline should be used to flush before and after administering phenytoin to prevent any interaction with the dextrose solution. Delaying the administration of an antiepileptic drug like phenytoin to maintain therapeutic blood levels is not recommended, so it should not be given after the D10W is finished or based on the medication port closest to the client. Choice A is incorrect because administering phenytoin after the D10W is finished is not the correct approach due to the incompatibility with dextrose solutions. Choice B is incorrect as the timing of phenytoin administration should not be based on the medication port closest to the client but on compatibility considerations. Choice C is incorrect as piggybacking phenytoin into the D10W solution is not advisable due to the incompatibility issue.

3. Which of the following injuries, presented by a client entering the Emergency Department, is the highest priority?

• A. open leg fracture
• B. open head injury
• C. stab wound to the chest
• D. traumatic amputation of a thumb

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A stab wound to the chest is the highest priority injury. This type of injury can lead to lung collapse and mediastinal shift, potentially resulting in death if left untreated. Treating an obstructed airway or a chest wound takes precedence over addressing hemorrhage. The principle of ABC (airway, breathing, and circulation) guides care decisions in prioritizing life-threatening situations. An open leg fracture, open head injury, and traumatic amputation of a thumb, while serious, do not pose an immediate threat to life compared to a stab wound to the chest. An open leg fracture may lead to significant blood loss but is not immediately life-threatening. An open head injury requires assessment and intervention but does not impact airway, breathing, or circulation directly. Traumatic amputation of a thumb is a serious injury but can be managed after addressing more life-threatening conditions.

4. A 20-year-old obese female client is preparing to have gastric bypass surgery for weight loss. She says to the nurse, 'I need this surgery because nothing else I have done has helped me to lose weight.' Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

• A. "If you eat less, you can save some money."?
• B. "Exercise is a healthier way to lose weight."?
• C. "You should try the Atkins diet first."?
• D. "I respect your decision to choose surgery."?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most appropriate response by the nurse is to show respect and empathy towards the client's decision. Choosing surgery for weight loss is a significant decision, and acknowledging and respecting this choice is crucial in providing patient-centered care. Option D is the correct answer as it validates the client's decision and shows support. Options A, B, and C are all inappropriate as they do not address the client's feelings, lack empathy, and can be considered insensitive and unprofessional.

5. When administering intravenous electrolyte solution, what precaution should the nurse take?

• A. Infuse hypertonic solutions cautiously.
• B. Mix no more than 60 mEq of potassium per liter of fluid.
• C. Prevent infiltration of calcium, which causes tissue necrosis and sloughing.
• D. Monitor the client's digitalis dosage for adjustments due to IV calcium.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When administering intravenous electrolyte solutions, preventing the infiltration of calcium is crucial to avoid tissue necrosis and sloughing, making choice C the correct answer. Choice A is revised to 'Infuse hypertonic solutions cautiously' because hypertonic solutions should be infused cautiously to prevent adverse effects. Choice B is corrected to 'Mix no more than 60 mEq of potassium per liter of fluid' as exceeding this limit can lead to hyperkalemia. Choice D is modified to 'Monitor the client's digitalis dosage for adjustments due to IV calcium' as it is essential to monitor the digitalis dosage for potential adjustments when IV calcium is administered; however, this choice is incorrect here as it inaccurately suggests adjusting the digitalis dosage due to IV calcium, which could lead to harmful effects.

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