Nursing Elites

1. While observing a client using crutches for a leg injury, which action would indicate a need for more education by the LPN?

• A. The client places the top padding 1-2 inches below the axilla with a firm grip on the handles.
• B. The client rests the axilla on the top padding and loosely grips the handles with hands.
• C. The client has a slight bend in the elbow when using the handles.
• D. When going down the stairs, the client leads with the injured leg.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Resting the axilla on the top padding can cause nerve damage; instead, the client should place the top padding 1-2 inches below the axilla with a firm grip on the handles for proper support and stability while using crutches. Having a slight bend in the elbow when using the handles (choice C) is a correct technique to ensure proper weight distribution. Leading with the uninjured leg when going down the stairs (choice D) is the correct way to maintain balance and prevent further injury to the injured leg. Therefore, choice B indicates a need for more education to prevent potential nerve damage and ensure safe crutch use.

2. Which of the following tests is commonly performed on newborns with jaundice?

• A. blood urea nitrogen
• B. magnesium
• C. bilirubin
• D. prolactin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: bilirubin. A high bilirubin level is found in newborns with hepatic immaturity, leading to jaundice. Testing bilirubin levels is crucial in diagnosing and monitoring jaundice in newborns. Choices A, B, and D (blood urea nitrogen, magnesium, and prolactin) are not commonly performed tests for evaluating jaundice in newborns. Blood urea nitrogen is a measure of kidney function, magnesium levels are usually checked in metabolic disorders, and prolactin is a hormone related to lactation, none of which are directly relevant to assessing jaundice in newborns.

3. A nurse is planning task assignments for the day. Which task should the nurse assign to the nursing assistant?

• A. Suctioning a client who requires periodic suctioning
• B. Assessing a client who has undergone an arteriogram and requires close monitoring
• C. Performing colostomy irrigation on a client with an ostomy
• D. Assisting a client who needs frequent ambulation with a walker

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When delegating tasks, a nurse must consider the staff member's education and competency level. Noninvasive tasks like helping a client ambulate with a walker are usually suitable for nursing assistants. Suctioning a client and colostomy irrigation are invasive procedures that require a licensed nurse's skills. Assessing a client post-arteriogram for any complications or changes in condition also necessitates the expertise of a licensed nurse. Therefore, the most appropriate task to assign to a nursing assistant is assisting a client who needs frequent ambulation with a walker.

4. The LPN is checking for residual before administering enteral feeding through a PEG tube. Which of these steps is incorrect?

• A. The LPN elevates the head of the bed by at least 30 degrees.
• B. If the residual is greater than 200mL, the LPN should not administer the enteral feeding.
• C. The LPN should discard the residual before administering the tube feeding.
• D. The residual pH level is tested to ensure appropriate placement.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The incorrect step is choice C. The residual should be discarded before administering the tube feeding. Discarding the residual is essential to prevent contamination and ensure accurate measurement of the enteral feeding. Elevating the head of the bed by at least 30 degrees (choice A) is correct as it helps prevent aspiration during feeding. Testing the pH level of the residual (choice D) ensures proper placement of the tube. Withholding feeding if the residual is greater than 200mL (choice B) is crucial to prevent overfeeding, making this statement correct.

5. A nurse is planning the assignments for the shift. Which task should the nurse assign to the nursing assistant?

• A. Monitoring the vital signs for a client who needs a blood transfusion
• B. Performing hygiene for a client with diarrhea on whom contact precautions have been imposed
• C. Performing a dressing change on a client with a draining abdominal wound that requires frequent dressing changes
• D. Ambulating a client with angina who needs to be ambulated for the first time since admission

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When assigning tasks, a nurse should consider the job description of the nursing assistant, their clinical competence, and state law. Monitoring vital signs for a client needing a blood transfusion, performing a dressing change on a client with a draining wound, and ambulating a client with angina are tasks that require a licensed nurse's skill. On the other hand, providing hygiene care for a client with diarrhea under contact precautions is a task suitable for a nursing assistant. Nursing assistants are trained to provide hygiene care effectively and manage clients under specific precautions, making this task appropriate for them.

Similar Questions