Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is assessing children in a pediatric clinic. Which statement is true regarding the measurement of blood pressure in children?

• A. Blood pressure guidelines for children are based on age.
• B. Phase II Korotkoff sounds are the best indicator of systolic blood pressure in children.
• C. Using a Doppler device is recommended for accurate blood pressure measurements until adolescence.
• D. The disappearance of phase V Korotkoff sounds can be used for the diastolic reading in children.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The disappearance of phase V Korotkoff sounds can be used for the diastolic reading in children, as well as in adults. Blood pressure guidelines for children are based on more than just age, but also sex and height. Phase I Korotkoff, not Phase II, is the best indicator of systolic blood pressure. The true statement regarding the measurement of blood pressure in children is that the disappearance of phase V Korotkoff sounds can be used for the diastolic reading in children, as well as in adults.

2. Which vacutainer tubes should be used when a requisition calls for blood to be drawn for an H&H and glucose test?

• A. One light blue, one red
• B. Two lavenders
• C. One lavender, one grey
• D. One green, one red

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'One green, one red.' An H&H test involves hemoglobin and hematocrit, which are components of a complete blood count and are typically drawn in a lavender tube. On the other hand, blood for glucose testing is collected in grey tubes. Therefore, when drawing blood for both an H&H and glucose test, one green tube for glucose and one red tube for H&H should be used. The other choices are incorrect because light blue tubes are used for coagulation studies, lavender tubes are for complete blood counts, and green tubes are for chemistry tests like glucose, while grey tubes are specifically for glucose testing.

3. The supervising RN asks you to bring the unit's collected lab specimens to the lab 'stat'. You should ______________.

• A. not decline this task because nurses do not handle 'stats'.
• B. run this errand as promptly as possible
• C. run this errand immediately and without delay
• D. Complete this task before the end of your shift or after your lunch.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In healthcare settings, 'stat' is commonly used to indicate that something should be done immediately and without any delay. It is a critical term used to prioritize urgent tasks. Nurses are responsible for various tasks, including handling urgent requests such as transporting lab specimens promptly. Option A is incorrect as nurses can handle urgent tasks like 'stats'. Option B is not as specific as option C, which clearly emphasizes the need for immediate action. Option D is incorrect as it suggests delaying the task until later, which goes against the urgency implied by the term 'stat'.

4. You are working the 8 am to 4 pm shift. You begin to vomit at 3 pm and you do not think that you are able to continue working. You decide to immediately go home without notifying your RN supervisor. You have ________________.

• A. enough sick time, so this is not a problem.
• B. finished all your work, so this is not a problem.
• C. seriously abandoned the patients.
• D. seriously abused and neglected the patients.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Patient abandonment is a serious violation that can lead to disciplinary action and immediate termination of employment. It is defined as leaving patients without proper consent from the supervisor. In this scenario, leaving work without notifying the RN supervisor and potentially leaving patients unattended is considered patient abandonment, as it compromises patient safety and care. Choices A and B are incorrect because having sick time or finishing work does not justify leaving without proper protocol. Choice D is incorrect as the scenario does not indicate abuse or neglect towards the patients.

5. The nurse is taking an initial blood pressure reading on a 72-year-old patient with documented hypertension. How should the nurse proceed?

• A. Cuff should be placed on the patient's arm and inflated 30 mm Hg above the point at which the palpated pulse disappears.
• B. Cuff should be inflated to 200 mm Hg in an attempt to obtain the most accurate systolic reading.
• C. Cuff should be inflated 30 mm Hg above the patient's pulse rate.
• D. After confirming the patient's previous blood pressure readings, the cuff should be inflated 30 mm Hg above the highest systolic reading recorded.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When measuring blood pressure, it's important to account for the possibility of an auscultatory gap, which occurs in about 5% of individuals, particularly those with hypertension due to a noncompliant arterial system. To detect an auscultatory gap, the cuff should be inflated 20 to 30 mm Hg beyond the point at which the palpated pulse disappears. This ensures an accurate measurement of blood pressure by overcoming the potential gap in sounds. Choice A is correct as it follows this guideline. Choices B and C are incorrect because inflating the cuff to 200 mm Hg or above the patient's pulse rate does not address the specific issue of an auscultatory gap. Choice D is incorrect as it focuses on the patient's previous readings rather than the current measurement technique needed to detect an auscultatory gap.

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