Nursing Elites

1. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient with a suspected infection?

• A. Monitor temperature and check for elevated white blood cells
• B. Monitor blood pressure and check for fever
• C. Assess for changes in mental status and monitor urine output
• D. Administer antibiotics and monitor for changes in mental status

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing a patient with a suspected infection, it is crucial to monitor temperature and check for elevated white blood cells. Elevated temperature indicates a potential infection, and increased white blood cells are a sign of inflammation and the body's response to an infection. Monitoring blood pressure (choice B) and checking for fever (choice B) are not as specific indicators of infection as monitoring temperature and white blood cell count. Assessing changes in mental status and monitoring urine output (choice C) are important aspects of patient assessment but may not directly indicate a suspected infection. Administering antibiotics (choice D) should only be done after a confirmed diagnosis of a bacterial infection, as unnecessary antibiotic use can lead to antibiotic resistance and other adverse effects.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for wound irrigation. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Wear sterile gloves when removing the old dressing
• B. Warm the irrigation solution to 40.5°C (105°F)
• C. Cleanse the wound from the center outwards
• D. Use a 20 mL syringe to irrigate the wound

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when caring for a client with a prescription for wound irrigation is to cleanse the wound from the center outwards. This technique helps prevent contamination by pushing debris away from the wound rather than into it. Choice A is incorrect because wearing sterile gloves is important during wound care but not specifically mentioned for wound irrigation. Choice B is incorrect because warming the irrigation solution to a specific temperature is not a standard recommendation and can potentially harm the client. Choice D is incorrect because the size of the syringe may vary based on the wound size and depth, so using a 20 mL syringe is not a universal guideline.

3. Which of the following techniques should the nurse use when performing nasotracheal suctioning for a client?

• A. Insert the suction catheter while the client is swallowing
• B. Apply intermittent suction when withdrawing the catheter
• C. Place the catheter in a clean, dry location for later use
• D. Hold the suction catheter with the non-dominant hand

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct technique when performing nasotracheal suctioning is to apply intermittent suction when withdrawing the catheter. This method helps reduce trauma to the mucosa by preventing prolonged suctioning. Choice A is incorrect because inserting the suction catheter while the client is swallowing may increase the risk of aspiration. Choice C is incorrect as placing the catheter in a clean, dry location for later use is not a safe practice as it can lead to contamination. Choice D is incorrect since it does not address the proper technique involved in nasotracheal suctioning.

4. A nurse is implementing a plan of care for a client who is at risk for falls. Which of the following is an appropriate nursing action?

• A. Implement a regular toileting schedule
• B. Encourage the client to wear athletic socks when ambulating
• C. Place all four bed rails in the upright position
• D. Require a family member to remain at the bedside

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Implementing a regular toileting schedule is an appropriate nursing action for a client at risk for falls. This action can help prevent accidents related to rushing to the bathroom. Encouraging the client to wear athletic socks when ambulating (Choice B) is not safe as it can increase the risk of slipping and falling. Placing all four bed rails in the upright position (Choice C) can lead to entrapment or falls when the client tries to get out of bed. Requiring a family member to remain at the bedside (Choice D) may not always be feasible and does not directly address fall prevention strategies like the toileting schedule.

5. A nurse is caring for a client following an acute myocardial infarction. The client is concerned that providing self-care will be difficult due to extreme fatigue. Which of the following strategies should the nurse implement to promote the client's independence?

• A. Request an occupational therapy consult to determine the need for assistive devices
• B. Assign assistive personnel to perform self-care tasks for the client
• C. Instruct the client to focus on gradually resuming self-care tasks
• D. Ask the client if a family member is available to assist with his care

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Instructing the client to focus on gradually resuming self-care tasks is the most appropriate strategy to promote independence following an acute myocardial infarction. This approach allows the client to regain confidence and control over their self-care activities without feeling overwhelmed. Requesting an occupational therapy consult (Choice A) may be beneficial but is not the immediate solution to promote independence. Assigning assistive personnel (Choice B) to perform tasks for the client does not encourage independence. Asking if a family member is available for assistance (Choice D) does not directly promote the client's independence.

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