Nursing Elites

1. Madge is a 91-year-old nursing home resident with a history of dementia and atrial fibrillation who has been admitted to the hospital for treatment of pneumonia. As you are performing her bed bath, you note bruising around her breasts and genital area. What potential issue should be of major concern in Madge's situation?

• A. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
• B. Embolic stroke
• C. Sexual abuse
• D. Nursing home-acquired pneumonia (NHAP)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Bruising around the breasts and genitals should trigger concern for sexual abuse. Elder abuse is a growing problem in America, and nurses are uniquely positioned to recognize and intervene on behalf of vulnerable populations, such as the elderly. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), major types of elder abuse include physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, neglect, abandonment, financial or material exploitation, and self-neglect. In this scenario, given Madge's age, history of dementia, and the presence of unexplained bruising in sensitive areas, sexual abuse must be considered as a major concern. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a platelet disorder that presents with excessive bruising and bleeding, but it is less likely in this case as the bruising pattern is suggestive of a different cause. Embolic stroke is a neurological condition that typically presents with sudden onset neurological deficits and is not related to the observed bruising. Nursing home-acquired pneumonia (NHAP) is a common issue in elderly residents but would not manifest as bruising in specific areas like the breasts and genitals.

2. Digestion, elimination, and ___________ are the three functions of the digestive system.

• A. constriction
• B. relaxation
• C. absorption
• D. peristalsis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'absorption.' The three main functions of the digestive system are digestion, absorption, and elimination. Absorption refers to the process of absorbing nutrients and other substances from the digested food into the bloodstream. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect: Constriction is not a primary function of the digestive system, relaxation is not a distinct function in this context, and peristalsis is a muscular movement that aids in digestion but is not one of the three main functions of the digestive system.

3. A home health nurse is preparing to visit her next client, whom she has never visited before. Which of the following actions indicates the nurse is upholding safety precautions?

• A. Send a text to the client to confirm the location of the house
• B. Leave her purse and valuables on the seat in the car and lock the doors
• C. Ask the client to keep an extra set of keys in case the car is locked
• D. Keep the car windows rolled up when in an unfamiliar environment

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to keep the car windows rolled up when in an unfamiliar environment. This action helps uphold safety precautions for the home health nurse. When visiting a new client in an unfamiliar area, it is essential to ensure personal safety. Keeping the car windows rolled up can prevent potential intruders or unwanted individuals from gaining access to the nurse while in the vehicle. This precaution is important for personal safety and security. Choice A, sending a text to the client to confirm the location of the house, is not directly related to the nurse's safety during the visit. While communication with the client is important, it does not directly address the nurse's safety. Choice B, leaving her purse and valuables on the seat in the car, poses a security risk. It is not advisable to leave valuables visible in the car, as it may attract thieves and compromise the nurse's safety. Choice C, asking the client to keep an extra set of keys, is more related to accessibility and convenience rather than the nurse's safety. While having an extra set of keys may be helpful, it does not directly address safety precautions for the nurse.

4. You are working the 8 am to 4 pm shift. You begin to vomit at 3 pm and you do not think that you are able to continue working. You decide to immediately go home without notifying your RN supervisor. You have ________________.

• A. enough sick time, so this is not a problem.
• B. finished all your work, so this is not a problem.
• C. seriously abandoned the patients.
• D. seriously abused and neglected the patients.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Patient abandonment is a serious violation that can lead to disciplinary action and immediate termination of employment. It is defined as leaving patients without proper consent from the supervisor. In this scenario, leaving work without notifying the RN supervisor and potentially leaving patients unattended is considered patient abandonment, as it compromises patient safety and care. Choices A and B are incorrect because having sick time or finishing work does not justify leaving without proper protocol. Choice D is incorrect as the scenario does not indicate abuse or neglect towards the patients.

5. When educating a client about their new prescription for warfarin, what should the nurse advise?

• A. To have his white blood cell count tested once a month
• B. To avoid any activities that could lead to injury
• C. To avoid eating leafy green vegetables
• D. Both A and B

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to advise the client to avoid any activities that could lead to injury when taking warfarin. Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that decreases blood clotting, increasing the risk of bleeding. Engaging in activities that may result in injury can lead to uncontrolled bleeding, which can be serious. While monitoring white blood cell count is not specifically related to warfarin therapy, avoiding leafy green vegetables is important due to their vitamin K content, which can interfere with warfarin's effectiveness. Therefore, the client should be educated to avoid activities that could cause injury to prevent potential bleeding complications.

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