Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is aware that malnutrition is a common problem among clients served by a community health clinic for the homeless. Which laboratory value is the most reliable indicator of chronic protein malnutrition?

• A. Low serum albumin level
• B. Low serum transferrin level
• C. High hemoglobin level
• D. High cholesterol level

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A low serum albumin level is the most reliable indicator of chronic protein malnutrition. Serum albumin levels reflect long-term protein status, and a significantly lowered level usually indicates ongoing protein deficiency. Other laboratory values, such as serum transferrin, hemoglobin, or cholesterol levels, may be affected by various factors and conditions, but serum albumin is a more specific marker for chronic protein malnutrition.

2. By rolling contaminated gloves inside-out, the healthcare professional is affecting which step in the chain of infection?

• A. Mode of transmission
• B. Portal of entry
• C. Reservoir
• D. Portal of exit

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When contaminated gloves are rolled inside-out, they are serving as a mode of transmission by carrying pathogens from the reservoir's portal of exit to a new portal of entry. This action increases the risk of transmitting infections from one person to another, emphasizing the importance of proper glove removal techniques to prevent the spread of pathogens. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect in this context. Portal of entry refers to the route through which a pathogen enters a susceptible host, reservoir is the habitat where the pathogen lives, grows, and multiplies, and portal of exit is the path through which a pathogen leaves its host.

3. The healthcare provider identifies a potential for infection in a client with partial-thickness (second-degree) and full-thickness (third-degree) burns. What intervention has the highest priority in decreasing the client's risk of infection?

• A. Administration of plasma expanders
• B. Use of careful handwashing technique
• C. Application of a topical antibacterial cream
• D. Limiting visitors to the client with burns

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Proper handwashing technique is crucial in preventing the transmission of infections, especially in clients with burns where the risk of infection is high. It is the most effective intervention to reduce the risk of contamination and promote healing in these clients. While plasma expanders, topical antibacterial creams, and visitor restrictions are important considerations in burn care, meticulous hand hygiene takes precedence in preventing infections. Handwashing helps remove pathogens that could lead to infections, making it essential in the care of clients with burns.

4. The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with a new prescription for warfarin (Coumadin). Which dietary instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Avoid foods high in vitamin K
• B. Increase intake of leafy green vegetables
• C. Consume a consistent amount of foods high in potassium
• D. Limit intake of high-protein foods

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct dietary instruction for a client taking warfarin is to avoid foods high in vitamin K. Warfarin is an anticoagulant that works by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Consuming foods high in vitamin K, such as leafy green vegetables, can antagonize the effects of warfarin, potentially leading to treatment inefficacy or fluctuations in anticoagulation levels. Therefore, clients on warfarin therapy should be advised to avoid foods high in vitamin K to maintain the effectiveness of the medication. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because increasing leafy green vegetables (choice B) would introduce more vitamin K, consuming a consistent amount of foods high in potassium (choice C) is not directly related to warfarin therapy, and limiting high-protein foods (choice D) is not a specific concern for clients on warfarin therapy.

5. You are assigned to teach a student how to suction an adult patient with a tracheostomy. Which of the following actions by the student would be incorrect?

• A. Pre-oxygenating the patient with a Resuscibag at 100% O2 several times before suctioning.
• B. Maintaining wall suction pressure at 110-150 mmHg.
• C. Not suctioning for greater than 10-15 seconds at a time.
• D. Applying gentle intermittent pressure and rotating the catheter during the insertion phase of suctioning.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The incorrect action by the student is applying gentle intermittent pressure and rotating the catheter during the insertion phase of suctioning. This technique can cause trauma to the tracheal walls, increasing the risk of injury to the patient. It is essential to perform suctioning gently and without rotation to prevent complications in patients with a tracheostomy. Pre-oxygenating the patient, maintaining appropriate suction pressure, and limiting suctioning time are all correct actions when suctioning a patient with a tracheostomy.

Similar Questions