Nursing Elites

1. The home health PN suspects elder abuse after observing fresh lacerations on the arms and legs of an older adult male client who lives with his daughter. Which action is most important for the PN to take?

• A. Document the lacerations in the client's record
• B. Report findings to the supervisor for referral to adult protective services
• C. Ask the daughter who has been taking care of the client on a daily basis
• D. Apply dry dressings after cleansing the wounds

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important action for the PN to take in this situation is to report the findings to the supervisor for referral to adult protective services. Suspected elder abuse must be reported promptly to ensure the safety and protection of the client. Documenting the lacerations in the client's record is important but not as critical as reporting the suspected abuse. Asking the daughter who is the potential abuser may not yield accurate information and could compromise the safety of the client. Applying dressings to the wounds is a lower priority compared to addressing the suspected elder abuse.

2. What intervention should the PN implement when taking the rectal temperature of an adult client?

• A. Lubricate the tip of the thermometer with a water-based gel.
• B. Gently insert the thermometer 1 inch into the rectum.
• C. Hold the thermometer in place the entire time while taking the temperature.
• D. Place the client in the left lateral position.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When taking a rectal temperature, it is essential to hold the thermometer in place the entire time to ensure safety, accuracy, and prevent the thermometer from slipping out. Choice A, lubricating the tip of the thermometer with a water-based gel, is important for comfort and ease of insertion. Choice B, gently inserting the thermometer 1 inch into the rectum, is more accurate for adults than inserting it 3 inches. Choice D, placing the client in the left lateral position, is not necessary for a rectal temperature measurement.

3. A client who had a thyroidectomy 24 hours ago reports tingling around the mouth and in the fingertips. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Check the client’s calcium levels.
• B. Administer a dose of calcium gluconate.
• C. Assess the client's incision site for bleeding.
• D. Notify the healthcare provider.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Tingling around the mouth and in the fingertips can indicate hypocalcemia, a potential complication after thyroidectomy due to accidental damage to the parathyroid glands. Checking calcium levels is crucial as it helps in diagnosing hypocalcemia accurately. Administering calcium without knowing the actual calcium levels can be dangerous. Assessing the incision site for bleeding is important but not the priority in this situation. Notifying the healthcare provider can be done after assessing and managing the immediate concern of hypocalcemia.

4. A homeless male client with a history of alcohol abuse had a CVA 10 years ago that resulted in left hemiparesis. Today he is brought to the clinic reporting pain in his left leg. He is afebrile, has 4+ pitting edema in the lower left leg, and has minimal swelling of the right leg. Which action should the PN implement first?

• A. Obtain a blood alcohol test
• B. Inspect legs for infection or trauma
• C. Complete a mental status exam
• D. Inquire about dietary salt intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Inspecting the legs for infection or trauma is the priority to assess the cause of the pain and edema, which could indicate deep vein thrombosis or cellulitis. Checking for signs of infection or trauma is crucial in this scenario to rule out potentially serious conditions. Obtaining a blood alcohol test, completing a mental status exam, or inquiring about dietary salt intake can be considered after addressing the immediate concern of identifying any infection or trauma in the leg.

5. A client who is receiving chemotherapy has developed stomatitis. Which instruction should the nurse provide the UAP who is assisting with the care of this client?

• A. Keep the room environment free of unpleasant odors
• B. Gather supplies for protective environmental precautions
• C. Assist the client with feeding at meal times
• D. Provide gentle and meticulous mouth care

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Providing gentle and meticulous mouth care is critical for a client with stomatitis as it helps prevent further irritation and infection of the mucous membranes. Keeping the room environment free of unpleasant odors (Choice A) is important for the client's comfort but not directly related to managing stomatitis. Gathering supplies for protective environmental precautions (Choice B) is not relevant to addressing stomatitis. Assisting the client with feeding at meal times (Choice C) is important for overall care but does not specifically target the care needed for stomatitis.

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