Nursing Elites

1. A mother of a child with a neural tube defect asks the nurse what she can do to decrease the chances of having another baby with a neural tube defect. What is the best response by the nurse?

• A. Folic acid should be taken before and after conception.
• B. Multivitamin supplements are recommended during pregnancy.
• C. A well-balanced diet promotes normal fetal development.
• D. Increased dietary iron improves the health of mother and fetus.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Folic acid should be taken before and after conception.' Folic acid supplementation before and during early pregnancy has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Choice B is incorrect because while multivitamin supplements are beneficial during pregnancy, the specific focus for preventing neural tube defects is on folic acid. Choice C is a general statement about a well-balanced diet and does not specifically address neural tube defects. Choice D is incorrect as it focuses on dietary iron, which is important for overall health but not specifically proven to prevent neural tube defects.

2. A client who is unstable and requires frequent vital signs has an electronic blood pressure machine automatically measuring his blood pressure every 15 min. However, the machine is reading the client’s blood pressure at more frequent intervals, and the readings are not similar. The nurse checks the machine settings and observes the additional readings, but the problem continues. Which of the following is the appropriate nursing action?

• A. Notify the manufacturer
• B. Disconnect the machine, and measure the blood pressure manually every 15 min
• C. Adjust the machine settings again
• D. Ignore the extra readings

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action in this scenario is to disconnect the electronic blood pressure machine and measure the client's blood pressure manually every 15 minutes. Given that the machine is malfunctioning and providing inconsistent readings, relying on manual measurements ensures accuracy and maintains the quality of care. Notifying the manufacturer (Choice A) may be necessary in the long run, but the immediate concern is the accuracy of the vital signs. Adjusting the machine settings again (Choice C) without resolving the underlying issue would not address the problem. Ignoring the extra readings (Choice D) could lead to incorrect assessment and compromise patient care. Therefore, the best course of action is to disconnect the machine and opt for manual blood pressure measurements until the issue is resolved.

3. The nurse is teaching the parents of a child who has head lice (pediculosis capitis). Which information will the nurse include in the teaching session?

• A. Treatment involves using regular shampoo.
• B. Products containing lindane are not recommended.
• C. Head lice may spread to furniture and other people.
• D. Manual removal is essential in treatment.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Head lice are highly contagious and can spread to furniture and other people if not treated promptly. Informing the parents about the potential spread of head lice emphasizes the importance of thorough treatment and prevention measures. Choice A is incorrect as regular shampoo is not typically effective in treating head lice. Choice B is incorrect as products containing lindane are not recommended due to safety concerns. Choice D is incorrect as manual removal, though labor-intensive, is a crucial step in effectively treating head lice infestations, but it is not the most pertinent information to include in the teaching session.

4. A client with diabetes mellitus is experiencing polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia. What is the most important action for the LPN/LVN to take?

• A. Encourage the client to increase fluid intake.
• B. Monitor the client's blood glucose level.
• C. Administer insulin as prescribed.
• D. Assess the client's urine output.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the client's blood glucose level. When a client with diabetes mellitus presents with symptoms of polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia, it indicates hyperglycemia. Monitoring blood glucose levels is crucial to assess and manage the client's condition effectively. Option A, encouraging the client to increase fluid intake, may exacerbate polyuria. Option C, administering insulin, should be done based on the healthcare provider's prescription after assessing the blood glucose level. Option D, assessing the client's urine output, is important but not the most immediate action needed in this scenario; monitoring blood glucose levels takes precedence.

5. Before administering the prescribed morphine sulfate to a client post-op following laparotomy who reports pain and dry mouth, what should the nurse do first?

• A. Measure the client's vital signs.
• B. Assess the client's pain level.
• C. Verify the morphine order with another nurse.
• D. Check the client's last dose of morphine.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Before administering morphine sulfate, it is crucial to measure the client's vital signs to ensure that the client is stable and safe to receive the medication. This step helps identify any contraindications or abnormalities that could affect the administration of morphine. Assessing the client's pain level (choice B) is important, but ensuring the client's physiological stability takes precedence. Verifying the morphine order with another nurse (choice C) and checking the client's last dose of morphine (choice D) are important steps but are not the priority before administering the medication.

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