Nursing Elites

1. The LPN is caring for a client who has been placed in restraints. What is the most important action for the nurse to take?

• A. Ensure that the client’s circulation is checked every hour.
• B. Document the reason for the restraints every 4 hours.
• C. Provide range-of-motion exercises every 2 hours.
• D. Release the restraints every 2 hours for repositioning.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most crucial action for the nurse to take when caring for a client in restraints is to release the restraints every 2 hours for repositioning. This practice helps prevent complications such as pressure ulcers and impaired circulation by ensuring adequate blood flow and preventing skin breakdown. Checking the client's circulation every hour (Choice A) is important, but releasing the restraints for repositioning takes precedence to prevent serious complications. While documenting the reason for restraints (Choice B) is essential for legal and documentation purposes, it is not as critical as providing necessary care to the client's physical well-being. Providing range-of-motion exercises (Choice C) is beneficial for maintaining mobility but may not address the immediate risks associated with prolonged restraint use.

2. A client with a diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI) is being treated. Which laboratory value would be most concerning?

• A. Troponin level of 0.5 ng/mL
• B. Creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) of 5.0 ng/mL
• C. Serum potassium of 4.5 mEq/L
• D. Blood glucose of 180 mg/dL

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A troponin level of 0.5 ng/mL is elevated, indicating myocardial damage, making it the most concerning finding in a client with a myocardial infarction (MI). Troponin is a highly specific marker for cardiac muscle damage, and elevated levels suggest ongoing injury to the heart muscle. While Creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) is also a cardiac enzyme, troponin is more specific and sensitive for myocardial damage. Serum potassium and blood glucose levels are important parameters to monitor in MI patients, but in this scenario, the elevated troponin level takes precedence as it directly reflects cardiac injury.

3. The client has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which symptom would be most concerning?

• A. Pain in the affected leg
• B. Redness and warmth in the affected leg
• C. Shortness of breath
• D. Swelling in the affected leg

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Shortness of breath is the most concerning symptom in a client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) because it could indicate a pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening complication where a blood clot travels to the lungs. This condition requires immediate medical attention. While pain, redness, warmth, and swelling in the affected leg are common symptoms of DVT, shortness of breath suggests a more critical situation that necessitates urgent intervention.

4. A hospitalized client needs a chest x-ray. The radiology department calls the nursing unit and says that they are sending a transporter for the client. When entering the client’s room, the priority action is to:

• A. Check the client’s identification bracelet
• B. Inform the client about the procedure
• C. Prepare the client for transport
• D. Verify the x-ray order

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action to take when a transporter arrives to take a hospitalized client for a procedure is to check the client's identification bracelet. This step is crucial to prevent errors and ensure that the correct patient is receiving the intended procedure. Informing the client about the procedure and preparing them for transport are important steps in the process, but verifying the client's identity takes precedence to ensure patient safety. Verifying the x-ray order, though important, is not the priority action when the transporter arrives; confirming the patient's identity is essential before proceeding with any procedures.

5. A healthcare professional is providing care to a client who has a tracheostomy. Which of the following actions should the professional take to prevent complications?

• A. Clean around the stoma with povidone-iodine.
• B. Maintain sterile technique when performing tracheostomy care.
• C. Use clean technique when suctioning the tracheostomy.
• D. Change tracheostomy ties weekly.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Maintaining sterile technique when performing tracheostomy care is essential in preventing infections and complications. Option A is incorrect because povidone-iodine may be too harsh for cleaning around the stoma and can lead to skin irritation. Option C is incorrect because suctioning a tracheostomy should be done using sterile technique to minimize the risk of introducing pathogens. Option D is incorrect as tracheostomy ties need to be changed more frequently, usually every 1-2 days, to prevent skin breakdown and infection.

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