Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client with a pressure ulcer on the sacrum. Which action should the LPN/LVN take to prevent further skin breakdown?

• A. Apply a hydrocolloid dressing to the ulcer.
• B. Reposition the client every 2 hours.
• C. Use a donut-shaped cushion when the client is sitting.
• D. Massage the area around the ulcer to promote circulation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Repositioning the client every 2 hours is the most appropriate action to prevent further skin breakdown in a client with a pressure ulcer on the sacrum. This practice helps relieve pressure on the affected area, promoting circulation and reducing the risk of tissue damage. Applying a hydrocolloid dressing (Choice A) may be beneficial for wound healing but is not the initial preventive measure. Using a donut-shaped cushion (Choice C) can actually increase pressure on the sacrum and worsen the condition. Massaging the area around the ulcer (Choice D) can further damage delicate skin and tissues, leading to more harm instead of prevention.

2. A client has been sitting in a chair for 1 hour. Which of the following complications poses the greatest risk to the client?

• A. Decreased subcutaneous fat
• B. Muscle atrophy
• C. Pressure injury
• D. Fecal impaction

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pressure injury. Prolonged sitting can lead to pressure injuries due to continuous pressure on certain body areas, reducing blood flow and causing tissue damage. While decreased subcutaneous fat, muscle atrophy, and fecal impaction are potential concerns, pressure injuries pose the greatest immediate risk as they can lead to serious complications such as tissue necrosis and infection if not addressed promptly. Decreased subcutaneous fat and muscle atrophy may develop over time with prolonged immobility but are not as acutely dangerous as a pressure injury. Fecal impaction, while uncomfortable and potentially serious, does not pose an immediate life-threatening risk compared to the development of a pressure injury.

3. While bathing a patient, the nurse notices movement in the patient's hair. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Use gloves to inspect the hair.
• B. Apply a lindane-based shampoo immediately.
• C. Shave the patient's hair off.
• D. Ignore the movement and continue.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a nurse suspects pediculosis capitis (head lice) upon noticing movement in the patient's hair, the correct action is to use gloves to inspect the hair. This protects the nurse from potential self-infestations. Applying a lindane-based shampoo immediately (Choice B) is not the first action, as diagnosis and confirmation are necessary before treatment. Shaving the patient's hair off (Choice C) is an extreme measure and is unnecessary at this stage. Ignoring the movement and continuing (Choice D) is negligent and can lead to the spread of infestation.

4. A client has C-diff infection. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Give the client chlorhexidine gluconate for hand hygiene.
• B. Remove the protective gown first when exiting the client's room.
• C. Use alcohol-based hand rub when caring for the client.
• D. Initiate contact precautions when providing client care.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to initiate contact precautions when providing client care. C-diff (Clostridium difficile) is highly contagious, and contact precautions are necessary to prevent its spread. Giving the client chlorhexidine gluconate for hand hygiene (Choice A) is not specific to managing C-diff. Removing the protective gown first when exiting the client's room (Choice B) may increase the risk of contaminating oneself and the environment. Using alcohol-based hand rub when caring for the client (Choice C) is not sufficient to prevent the transmission of C-diff, as soap and water are more effective against this particular pathogen.

5. While being educated by a nurse, an assistive personnel (AP) is learning about proper hand hygiene. Which statement made by the AP indicates a good understanding of the teaching?

• A. There are times I should use soap and water rather than alcohol-based hand rub to clean my hands.
• B. I can use alcohol-based hand rub after using the restroom.
• C. Soap and water are only necessary if my hands are visibly dirty.
• D. Hand rub is always sufficient, regardless of the situation.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C is the correct answer because it demonstrates an understanding that soap and water should be used when hands are visibly dirty or when dealing with specific pathogens. Choice A is incorrect because it suggests the use of soap and water over alcohol-based hand rub without specifying the circumstances. Choice B is incorrect as it implies that using alcohol-based hand rub after using the restroom is always suitable. Choice D is incorrect because it states that hand rub is always enough, which is not true when hands are visibly soiled or when specific pathogens are present.

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