Nursing Elites

1. An LPN is tasked with checking the narcotic count on a medical-surgical unit. Which statement by the LPN requires further investigation?

• A. "I need a witness when I waste the leftover narcotics in the client's PCA pump."?
• B. "I am going to check the facility's policy for how to dispose of this controlled substance."?
• C. "I left the narcotics box unlocked after confirming the beginning of shift count was correct."?
• D. "The end of shift narcotics count is incorrect and needs to be reported."?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The LPN's statement about leaving the narcotics box unlocked after confirming the beginning of shift count was correct requires further investigation. Narcotics should be locked and kept in a secure place during the shift to prevent unauthorized access and ensure patient safety. This statement raises concerns about medication security, which is critical in preventing diversion and ensuring patient safety. The other statements demonstrate appropriate actions: A) The LPN acknowledges the need for a witness when wasting leftover narcotics, ensuring proper documentation and accountability during medication waste. B) Checking the facility's policy for proper disposal of controlled substances shows awareness of regulatory compliance regarding controlled substances. D) Recognizing an incorrect end-of-shift narcotics count and planning to report it reflects the LPN's responsibility in maintaining accurate records and addressing discrepancies, which is essential for medication safety and accountability.

2. A client is taught about healthy dietary measures and the MyPlate food plan. How many of his grains should be whole grains according to the MyPlate food plan?

• A. One-quarter
• B. One-third
• C. One-half
• D. Two-thirds

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'One-half.' According to the MyPlate food plan, at least half of the grains consumed daily should be whole grains. This ensures a well-balanced and healthy diet. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the dietary recommendation provided by the MyPlate food plan. One-quarter, one-third, and two-thirds do not represent the appropriate proportion of whole grains as advised by the plan, which emphasizes the importance of including a significant portion of whole grains in one's diet.

3. When examining the abdomen, a nurse auscultates before palpating and percussing the abdomen. The nurse performs the assessment in this manner for which reason?

• A. It is less painful for the client.
• B. Palpation and percussion can increase peristalsis.
• C. It identifies any potential areas of abdominal tenderness.
• D. It gives the client more time to become comfortable with the examiner.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When performing an abdominal assessment, the nurse auscultates the abdomen after inspection. Auscultation is done before palpation and percussion because these assessment techniques can increase peristalsis, which would yield a false interpretation of bowel sounds. This sequence helps prevent false interpretations of bowel sounds due to increased peristalsis caused by palpation and percussion. Options A, C, and D provide incorrect reasons for auscultating the abdomen before palpating and percussing it.

4. Which of the following is least appropriate when caring for a stable postpartum client?

• A. Assess the location and height of the fundus.
• B. Conduct a family assessment, including the mother's future plans for returning to work, if applicable.
• C. Monitor the client for bleeding.
• D. Provide perineal care.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Providing perineal care is not the least appropriate when caring for a stable postpartum client. Perineal care is essential for maintaining hygiene and preventing infection after delivery. Assessing the location and height of the fundus helps in monitoring postpartum uterine involution, which is crucial for assessing the recovery progress. Conducting a family assessment, including the mother's future plans for returning to work, is important for understanding the support system available for the mother during the postpartum period. Monitoring the client for bleeding is critical to promptly identify and address any postpartum hemorrhage. Therefore, providing perineal care is the least appropriate option among the choices provided as it is a fundamental aspect of postpartum care.

5. A client has just returned from surgery where a femoral-popliteal bypass was performed. The nurse has assessed the client and is unable to feel a pulse at either the dorsalis pedis or the posterior tibial sites of the left foot. The foot feels warm, and the color is pink. What action should the nurse perform next to prevent ischemia?

• A. Notify the physician immediately
• B. Obtain a Doppler device to check for pulses, and notify the physician if they are still absent
• C. Wait 30 minutes and recheck the pulses
• D. Document the finding

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should immediately obtain a Doppler device and recheck the pulses. The dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses can be difficult to assess and might need to be verified with a Doppler device. Since the client just had surgery with a risk of arterial insufficiency, close monitoring is crucial. If pulses are not palpable, it indicates an emergent situation requiring immediate physician notification. Waiting 30 minutes before reassessment could lead to foot ischemia. While documenting findings is essential, it should follow pulse confirmation or necessary interventions to ensure the client's foot viability.

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