Nursing Elites

1. The patient is receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer. Which of the following laboratory values would be most important to monitor?

• A. White blood cell count
• B. Hemoglobin level
• C. Serum creatinine
• D. Blood glucose level

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Monitoring the white blood cell count is crucial when a patient is undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Chemotherapy can lead to neutropenia, a condition of low white blood cell count, which significantly increases the risk of infections. Monitoring white blood cell count helps healthcare providers intervene promptly to prevent severe infections. Hemoglobin level, while important in assessing oxygen-carrying capacity, is not the priority in this scenario. Serum creatinine and blood glucose levels are not directly impacted by chemotherapy for breast cancer.

2. A young mother of three children complains of increased anxiety during her annual physical exam. What information should the LPN/LVN obtain first?

• A. Sexual activity patterns.
• B. Nutritional history.
• C. Leisure activities.
• D. Financial stressors.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The LPN/LVN should first obtain the nutritional history in this scenario. Nutrition plays a crucial role in mental health, and deficiencies or imbalances in diet can contribute to anxiety symptoms. Understanding the mother's nutritional intake can help identify any factors exacerbating her anxiety. Sexual activity patterns are not directly relevant to her anxiety symptoms unless specifically indicated. Leisure activities and financial stressors may be important but are secondary to addressing the potential impact of nutrition on anxiety.

3. An older adult client has been hospitalized on bed rest for 1 week. The client reports elbow pain. Which of the following is an appropriate initial action for the nurse caring for this client to take?

• A. Examine the elbow
• B. Administer pain medication
• C. Apply a warm compress to the elbow
• D. Assess the client’s range of motion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The appropriate initial action for the nurse is to examine the elbow. This step is crucial to assess the site of pain, identify any visible signs of injury or inflammation, and determine the cause of the discomfort. Administering pain medication (Choice B) should come after a thorough assessment. Applying a warm compress (Choice C) might provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying cause. Assessing the client’s range of motion (Choice D) is important but would come after the initial examination to further evaluate the elbow joint.

4. An elderly client who requires frequent monitoring fell and fractured a hip. Which LPN/LVN is at greatest risk for a malpractice judgment?

• A. A nurse who worked the 7 to 3 shift at the hospital and wrote poor nursing notes.
• B. The nurse assigned to care for the client who was at lunch at the time of the fall.
• C. The nurse who transferred the client to the chair when the fall occurred.
• D. The charge nurse who completed rounds 30 minutes before the fall occurred.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse who transferred the client to the chair when the fall occurred is directly involved in the event that led to the injury. Improper transfer techniques or lack of appropriate precautions during the transfer could have contributed to the fall and subsequent fracture of the hip. This direct involvement makes this nurse the one at greatest risk for a malpractice judgment. Choices A, B, and D are not as directly linked to the event that caused the injury. While poor nursing notes could be a factor, it is the immediate action of transferring the client that has a more direct impact on the client's fall and subsequent injury.

5. During an admission history assessment, a client informs the nurse about consuming herbal tea every afternoon at work to alleviate stress. What ingredient is likely present in the tea?

• A. Chamomile
• B. Ginseng
• C. Ginger
• D. Echinacea

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Chamomile. Chamomile tea is commonly used for stress relief. Choice B, Ginseng, is not typically used in teas for stress relief but for energy and immune system support. Choice C, Ginger, is more commonly used for digestive health and nausea. Choice D, Echinacea, is often used to boost the immune system. Therefore, in the context of stress relief, Chamomile is the most appropriate ingredient.

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