Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is completing a head-to-toe assessment for a client admitted for observation after falling out of a tree. Which finding warrants immediate intervention by the healthcare provider?

• A. Sluggish pupillary response to light
• B. Clear fluid leaking from the nose
• C. Complaint of severe headache
• D. Periorbital ecchymosis of the right eye

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Clear fluid leaking from the nose is concerning for cerebrospinal fluid leakage, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention. Sluggish pupillary response to light may indicate neurological issues but is not as urgent as CSF leakage. Complaint of severe headache is important but not as critical as the possibility of CSF leakage. Periorbital ecchymosis of the right eye could be indicative of trauma but does not pose an immediate threat to the patient's life.

2. A young adult who is hit with a baseball bat on the temporal area of the left skull is conscious when admitted to the ED and is transferred to the Neurological Unit to be monitored for signs of closed head injury. Which assessment finding is indicative of a developing epidural hematoma?

• A. Altered consciousness within the first 24 hours after injury
• B. Confusion immediately following the injury
• C. Headache that resolves quickly
• D. Brief loss of consciousness with a lucid interval

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Epidural hematoma often presents with a brief loss of consciousness followed by a lucid interval and then a rapid decline in consciousness. Therefore, altered consciousness within the first 24 hours after the injury is indicative of a developing epidural hematoma. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because confusion immediately following the injury, headache that resolves quickly, and brief loss of consciousness with a lucid interval are not specific signs of epidural hematoma.

3. In developing a plan of care for a client admitted to a mental health unit after attempting suicide by taking a handful of medications, which goal has the highest priority?

• A. Signs a no-self-harm contract
• B. Sleep for at least 6 hours nightly
• C. Attends group therapy every day
• D. Verbalizes a positive self-image

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Signs a no-self-harm contract. Ensuring the client’s immediate safety by having them commit to not engaging in self-harm is the highest priority after a suicide attempt. This measure aims to prevent further harm to the client. While sleep, group therapy, and self-image are important aspects of care, they are secondary to ensuring the client's safety in the immediate aftermath of a suicide attempt. Prioritizing the establishment of a no-self-harm contract creates a foundation for addressing other therapeutic goals in the client's care plan.

4. A client with a history of myocardial infarction (MI) is receiving a beta-blocker medication. What is the most important outcome for the nurse to monitor?

• A. Heart rate and blood pressure
• B. Blood glucose levels
• C. Respiratory rate
• D. Liver function tests

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Heart rate and blood pressure. When a client with a history of myocardial infarction (MI) is on a beta-blocker medication, monitoring heart rate and blood pressure is crucial. Beta-blockers lower heart rate and blood pressure, so monitoring these parameters helps assess the medication's effectiveness and prevent complications like bradycardia or hypotension. Choices B, C, and D are not the most important outcomes to monitor in this scenario. Blood glucose levels are typically monitored in clients with diabetes or when using medications that affect glucose levels. Respiratory rate is important in assessing respiratory function and oxygenation, while liver function tests are more relevant when monitoring the impact of medications on liver health.

5. Prior to surgery, written consent must be obtained. What is the nurse’s legal responsibility with regard to obtaining written consent?

• A. Validate the client's understanding of the surgical procedure to be conducted
• B. Explain the surgical procedure to the client and ensure the client comprehends before signing the consent form
• C. Ensure the client, not a family member, signs the surgical consent form
• D. Confirm that the surgical consent form is signed and included in the client's record

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse's legal responsibility in obtaining written consent is to validate the client's understanding of the surgical procedure to be conducted. This process ensures that the client has been comprehensively informed about the procedure, including its risks, benefits, and alternatives. Choice B is incorrect because it does not emphasize the validation of client understanding, which is crucial for informed consent. Choice C is incorrect as the client, not a family member, should provide consent unless specific circumstances dictate otherwise. Choice D is incorrect because although ensuring the consent form is signed and filed is important, it does not address the primary responsibility of confirming the client's comprehension and ensuring informed consent.

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