Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is assessing an immobile patient for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). What should the healthcare provider do?

• A. Lightly rub the lower leg to check for redness and tenderness.
• B. Apply elastic stockings every 4 hours.
• C. Measure the calf circumference of both legs.
• D. Flex the foot while assessing for patient discomfort.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Measuring the calf circumference of both legs is crucial when assessing for DVT in an immobile patient. A significant increase in the circumference of one calf compared to the other suggests the presence of a deep vein thrombosis. Option A is incorrect because rubbing the lower leg may dislodge a clot if present. Option B is incorrect as elastic stockings should not be removed frequently as this can increase the risk of clot formation. Option D is incorrect as dorsiflexing the foot can lead to pain and should not be done to assess for DVT.

2. In a disaster where a building has collapsed, which victim should a nurse attend to first?

• A. A victim who has died of multiple serious injuries
• B. A victim with a partial amputation of a leg who is bleeding profusely
• C. An alert victim who has numerous bruises on the arms and legs
• D. A hysterical victim who has sustained a head injury

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a disaster situation like a building collapse, the nurse should attend to the victim with a partial amputation of a leg who is bleeding profusely first. This victim is at immediate risk of severe blood loss, which can be life-threatening. It is crucial to address life-threatening injuries like severe bleeding before attending to other less urgent cases. The victim with the amputation requires immediate intervention to control bleeding and stabilize their condition. Victims who are already deceased or have less urgent injuries can be attended to after addressing the critical cases.

3. A healthcare provider prescribes a higher-than-usual dose of medication. What is the nurse's first action?

• A. Administer the medication and monitor closely.
• B. Hold the medication and consult the pharmacist.
• C. Ask another nurse to verify the dose.
• D. Call the provider for clarification.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to call the provider for clarification. When faced with a higher-than-usual dose of medication, the nurse's first action should be to contact the prescribing healthcare provider to confirm the dosage. Administering the medication without clarifying the dose with the provider can pose serious risks to the patient's safety. Holding the medication and consulting the pharmacist may be appropriate after contacting the provider for clarification. Asking another nurse to verify the dose is not the most appropriate action when dealing with an unusual prescription; direct communication with the provider is essential in such situations.

4. After a case manager completes a history and physical assessment for a client with COPD, which of the following actions should the case manager take next?

• A. Call the provider with a list of client concerns.
• B. Identify the client's current health needs.
• C. Compile a list of community resources for the client.
• D. Refer the client to a COPD support group.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: After completing a history and physical assessment for a client with COPD, the next step for the case manager should be to call the provider with a list of client concerns. This is crucial as the provider needs to be informed about any issues or changes in the client's health status to ensure appropriate management. Identifying the client's current health needs, as mentioned in option B, is important but would typically follow after communicating the client's concerns to the provider. Compiling a list of community resources (option C) and referring the client to a COPD support group (option D) are also valuable actions but are not the immediate next steps after completing the assessment.

5. A patient has just undergone a tracheostomy. What is the nurse's priority intervention?

• A. Suction the tracheostomy to maintain a patent airway.
• B. Administer pain medication as prescribed.
• C. Change the tracheostomy dressing every 4 hours.
• D. Monitor the patient's oxygen saturation closely.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to suction the tracheostomy to maintain a patent airway. After a tracheostomy, the priority intervention is to ensure a clear airway to prevent respiratory distress. Administering pain medication, changing the tracheostomy dressing, and monitoring oxygen saturation are important but are secondary to maintaining a patent airway in a patient who has just undergone a tracheostomy.

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