Nursing Elites

1. A nurse on a medical unit is preparing to discharge a client to home. Which of the following actions should the nurse take as part of the medication reconciliation process?

• A. Discontinue current medications
• B. Write new prescriptions
• C. Compare prescriptions with the client’s medications
• D. Ask the client to decide

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action in the medication reconciliation process is to compare prescriptions with the client’s medications. This step ensures that there are no conflicting medications prescribed, reducing the risk of adverse drug interactions. Discontinuing current medications or writing new prescriptions without comparing them can lead to errors and potential harm. Asking the client to decide is not appropriate in this context as it is the nurse's responsibility to ensure medication safety based on professional judgment and knowledge.

2. What are the nursing priorities when caring for a patient with a newly placed peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)?

• A. Performing sterile dressing changes
• B. Educating the patient on PICC line care
• C. Flushing the PICC line as prescribed
• D. Inspecting the insertion site for signs of infection

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Performing sterile dressing changes. When caring for a patient with a newly placed PICC line, one of the nursing priorities is to ensure proper care of the insertion site by performing sterile dressing changes. This helps prevent infections and maintain the integrity of the line. While educating the patient on PICC line care, flushing the PICC line as prescribed, and inspecting the insertion site for signs of infection are important aspects of care, the priority immediately after insertion is to maintain the sterility of the site through proper dressing changes.

3. The surgical mask the perioperative nurse is wearing becomes moist. Which action will the perioperative nurse take next?

• A. Do not change the mask if the nurse is comfortable.
• B. Change the mask when relieved by the next shift.
• C. Apply a new mask.
• D. Reapply the mask after it air-dries.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a surgical mask becomes moist, it loses its effectiveness as a barrier against microorganisms. Therefore, the perioperative nurse should apply a new mask. Choice A is incorrect because a moist mask should not be continued to be worn even if the nurse is comfortable. Choice B is not the best course of action as the mask should be changed immediately when it becomes moist. Choice D is also incorrect as waiting for the mask to air-dry is not recommended due to the loss of barrier effectiveness.

4. While caring for a client receiving morphine, what assessment is the priority for a nurse to conduct?

• A. Blood pressure
• B. Heart rate
• C. Respiratory rate
• D. Temperature

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is monitoring the respiratory rate. Morphine can depress respiratory function, leading to respiratory depression or arrest. Therefore, closely monitoring the client's respiratory rate is crucial to detect any signs of respiratory distress. While blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature are important assessments, in this scenario, respiratory rate takes precedence due to the potential respiratory complications associated with morphine administration.

5. What should be done to manage a patient with contact precautions?

• A. Wear a mask, gown, and gloves for all patient interactions.
• B. Ensure that visitors wear protective equipment.
• C. Dedicate all patient care equipment to that patient.
• D. Disinfect shared equipment before use.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When managing a patient with contact precautions, it is essential to dedicate all patient care equipment to that specific patient. This practice helps minimize the risk of spreading infections to other patients. Choice A, wearing protective gear for all patient interactions, is a general precaution but not specific to managing a patient with contact precautions. Choice B, ensuring visitors wear protective equipment, is important for infection control but not directly related to managing the patient with contact precautions. Choice D, disinfecting shared equipment before use, is a good practice for infection control in general but does not address the specific needs of a patient under contact precautions.

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