Nursing Elites

1. During the examination, it is often appropriate to offer some brief teaching about the patient's body or the examiner's findings. Which one of these statements by the nurse is most appropriate?

• A. "Your atrial dysrhythmias are under control."?
• B. "You have pitting edema and mild varicosities."?
• C. "Your pulse is 80 beats per minute, which is within the normal range."?
• D. "I'm using my stethoscope to listen for any crackles, wheezes, or rubs in your lungs."?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During an examination, providing brief educational information to the patient can enhance rapport, as long as the patient can comprehend the terminology. The most appropriate statement from the nurse is "Your pulse is 80 beats per minute, which is within the normal range." This statement conveys a vital sign in a way that is likely understandable to the patient. Choices A, B, and D use terminology that may be unfamiliar or confusing to the patient. Option A mentions 'atrial dysrhythmias,' which might not be clear to the patient. Option B involves terms like 'pitting edema' and 'varicosities,' which could be unfamiliar to the patient. Option D references 'crackles,' 'wheezes,' and 'rubs,' which might not be easily understood by the patient.

2. Which nursing intervention is the highest priority for a client at risk for falls in a hospital setting?

• A. Keep all of the side rails up
• B. Review prescribed medications
• C. Complete the "get up and go"? test
• D. Place the bed in the lowest position

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The highest priority nursing intervention for a client at risk for falls in a hospital setting is to place the bed in the lowest position. This action ensures that the client falls the shortest distance, reducing the risk of injury. Keeping all side rails up (Option A) may lead to a fall with injury, as the client might attempt to get over the rail and fall from a higher distance. Reviewing prescribed medications (Option B) is important as certain medications can increase the risk of falling, but it is not the best answer as it is not applicable to all clients. Completing the "get up and go"? test (Option C) can help assess a client's risk for falling but does not directly prevent injury.

3. Which desired outcome written by the nurse is correctly written and measurable?

• A. Client will have a normal bowel pattern by April 2
• B. The client will lose 4 lbs. within the next 2 weeks
• C. The nurse will provide skin care at least 3 times each day
• D. The client will breathe better after resting for 10 minutes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An outcome statement must describe the observable client behavior that should occur in response to the nursing interventions. It consists of a subject, action verb, conditions under which the behavior is to be performed, and the level at which the client will perform the desired behavior. Option B is correctly written and measurable as it includes all the required elements: subject (client), action verb (lose), conditions (within the next 2 weeks), and the level at which the behavior should occur (4 lbs.). Option A lacks the conditions and a specific level, making it not measurable. Option C is a nursing intervention rather than a client goal. Option D does not provide a specific level at which the client should perform the desired behavior, making it not measurable as well.

4. A 75-year-old client, hospitalized with a cerebral vascular accident (stroke), becomes disoriented at times and tries to get out of bed but is unable to ambulate without help. What is the most appropriate safety measure?

• A. Restrain the client in bed
• B. Ask a family member to stay with the client
• C. Check the client every 15 minutes
• D. Use a bed exit safety monitoring device

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Option D is the most appropriate safety measure in this scenario. Using a bed exit safety monitoring device allows the client to retain some independence while ensuring that the nursing staff is alerted when assistance is needed. This solution promotes client safety without compromising their autonomy. Option A, restraining the client in bed, can lead to increased agitation, confusion, and a loss of independence. Option B, asking a family member to stay with the client, shifts the responsibility away from the healthcare team. Option C, checking the client every 15 minutes, is not a sufficient safety measure as the client could attempt to get out of bed in the unobserved interval, risking falls and injury.

5. During a heritage assessment, which question is most appropriate for the nurse to ask?

• A. "Do you smoke?"?
• B. "What is your religion?"?
• C. "Do you have a history of heart disease?"?
• D. "How many years have you lived in the United States?"?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During a heritage assessment, it is crucial for the nurse to ask questions related to a person's country of ancestry, years in the United States, cultural practices, beliefs, and values. By asking about the number of years lived in the United States, the nurse can gain insights into the individual's cultural background and heritage. Options B, C, and A are not directly related to assessing heritage. Asking about religion only addresses one aspect of heritage, while smoking history and health history do not provide a comprehensive view of a person's heritage.

Similar Questions