Nursing Elites

1. Overdosage of medication or anesthetic can happen even with the aid of technology like infusion pumps, sphygmomanometer, and similar devices/machines. As a staff member, how can you improve the safety of using infusion pumps?

• A. Check the functionality of the pump before use
• B. Select the brand of infusion pump carefully
• C. Allow the technician to set the infusion pump before use
• D. Verify the flow rate against your calculation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: To enhance the safety of using infusion pumps, it is crucial to verify the flow rate against your calculation. This step ensures that the prescribed dosage is being delivered accurately, reducing the risk of medication errors. Checking the functionality of the pump before use (Choice A) is also important to ensure it is working properly. Allowing the technician to set the pump (Choice C) may not always guarantee the correct settings. Selecting the brand of infusion pump carefully (Choice B) is not directly related to the safe use of the pump.

2. Theresa, a mother with a 2-year-old daughter, asks, 'At what age can I start taking my daughter's blood pressure as a routine procedure, since hypertension is common in our family?' What would your answer be?

• A. At 2 years old, you may
• B. As early as 1 year old
• C. When she's 3 years old
• D. When she's 6 years old

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Regular blood pressure checks generally start from age 3, but in the case of a family history of hypertension, they should start when the child is around 6 years old. This is because the readings will be more reliable and indicative of the child's health condition at this age. The other options are incorrect because they suggest earlier ages for routine blood pressure checks. While blood pressure can be measured at any age, it is not typically included as part of a routine health check-up for very young children unless there are specific health concerns.

3. A nurse is preparing to administer a gavage feeding via a nasogastric tube to a preterm newborn who is receiving supplemental oxygen. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Stabilize the tube with tape to the newborn’s cheek.
• B. Remove supplemental oxygen during the feeding.
• C. Measure the stomach aspirate prior to the feeding.
• D. Place the newborn on their left side for 30 minutes after the feeding.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Measuring the stomach aspirate prior to the feeding is crucial to ensure the correct placement and function of the nasogastric tube. This step helps prevent complications such as aspiration or improper feeding. Choice A is incorrect as stabilizing the tube with tape to the newborn’s cheek can cause discomfort and skin irritation. Choice B is incorrect because removing supplemental oxygen during the feeding may compromise the newborn's respiratory status. Choice D is incorrect because placing the newborn on their left side for 30 minutes after the feeding is not a standard practice and is unnecessary for administering gavage feeding.

4. Considering the statement that communication is most effective when barriers are first removed, which of the following is recognized as an inhibiting factor in communication?

• A. Avoidance of universally accepted abbreviations
• B. Usage of incorrect grammar
• C. Poor handwriting
• D. Advanced age of the client

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: Advanced age of the client.' Age can be a significant obstacle in communication due to factors such as hearing loss, cognitive decline, or memory issues, which all can hamper effective communication. Choices A, B, and C, while they may present challenges in communication, are not directly related to age and its influence on communication, making them incorrect. The issues presented by not using universally accepted abbreviations, incorrect grammar, and poor handwriting can be resolved through clarification, education, or the use of alternative communication methods, unlike the difficulties that can arise from advanced age.

5. The nurse is working with a patient who recently had a stroke. The patient frequently chokes and coughs when eating and is having difficulty feeding herself. What is the best way to ensure adequate nutrition?

• A. to have an aide feed her at each meal
• B. to ask a family member to assist during meals
• C. to provide tube feedings for the patient
• D. to initiate TPN for the patient

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The best way to ensure adequate nutrition for a stroke patient who frequently chokes and coughs when eating and has difficulty feeding herself is to provide tube feedings. Tube feedings are a safe and effective method to deliver nutrition directly to the stomach or intestines, bypassing the swallowing mechanism, reducing the risk of aspiration. Having an aide feed her each meal (choice A) may not address the underlying issue of swallowing difficulty and aspiration risk. Asking a family member to be present at each meal (choice B) does not provide a definitive solution to the patient's nutritional needs. Placing the patient on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) (choice D) is a more invasive and typically reserved for patients who cannot tolerate enteral feedings or have non-functional gastrointestinal tracts.

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