Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is performing triage on a group of clients in the emergency department. Which of the following clients should the nurse see first?

• A. A 12-year-old oozing blood from a laceration on the left thumb due to a cut from a rusty metal can
• B. A 19-year-old with a fever of 103.8°F who is able to identify her sister but not the place and time
• C. A 49-year-old with a compound fracture of the right leg who is complaining of severe pain
• D. A 65-year-old with a flushed face, dry mucous membranes, and a blood sugar of 470 mg/dL

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. A 19-year-old with a fever of 103.8°F who is confused and unable to orient to place and time likely has a severe infection or a serious medical condition affecting the central nervous system. This client needs immediate attention as altered mental status combined with a high fever can indicate a life-threatening situation. Choices A, C, and D present important conditions that require medical care, but they are not as urgent as the 19-year-old with a high fever and confusion. The 12-year-old with a laceration may require treatment for bleeding and a tetanus shot, the 49-year-old with a compound fracture needs urgent orthopedic intervention, and the 65-year-old with a high blood sugar is concerning for hyperglycemia but can wait momentarily compared to the client with a fever and altered mental status.

2. When caring for a client diagnosed with delirium, which condition is most important for the nurse to investigate?

• A. Cancer of any kind
• B. Impaired hearing
• C. Prescription drug intoxication
• D. Heart failure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When caring for a client diagnosed with delirium, the most important condition for the nurse to investigate is prescription drug intoxication. Delirium can be caused by various factors, and prescription drug intoxication is a common reversible cause. Investigating this factor first is crucial to identify and address the underlying cause promptly. Choices A, B, and D are less likely to be directly associated with delirium compared to prescription drug intoxication. While cancer, impaired hearing, and heart failure can have their complications and effects, they are not typically the primary causes of delirium in a client.

3. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient with potential pneumonia?

• A. Assess lung sounds and monitor oxygen saturation
• B. Monitor for fever and sputum production
• C. Auscultate heart sounds and check for cyanosis
• D. Monitor for chest pain and administer oxygen

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correctly assessing a patient with potential pneumonia involves listening to lung sounds and monitoring oxygen saturation. Lung sounds can reveal abnormal breath sounds associated with pneumonia, such as crackles or diminished breath sounds. Oxygen saturation monitoring helps in detecting respiratory distress, a common complication of pneumonia. Monitoring for fever and sputum production (Choice B) is important but not as specific as assessing lung sounds and oxygen saturation. Auscultating heart sounds and checking for cyanosis (Choice C) are not primary assessments for pneumonia. Monitoring for chest pain and administering oxygen (Choice D) are relevant interventions but do not address the initial assessment of pneumonia.

4. A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching about car seat safety with the guardian of a newborn. Which of the following statements by the guardian indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will position the car seat in the front seat
• B. I will secure the car seat in the car by using the seatbelt
• C. I will use a rear-facing car seat
• D. I will install the car seat facing forward

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Using a rear-facing car seat is the safest position for a newborn. Newborns should always be placed in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat of the vehicle to provide optimal safety in case of a crash. Choice A is incorrect because placing the car seat in the front seat is not safe due to the presence of airbags. Choice B is incorrect as securing the car seat using the seatbelt is not specific to the correct positioning of the car seat. Choice D is incorrect because installing the car seat facing forward is not recommended for newborns as it does not provide the same level of protection as a rear-facing position.

5. A nurse is teaching a client who has multiple sclerosis (MS) about strategies to reduce fatigue. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Exercise to the point of exhaustion
• B. Rest as needed throughout the day
• C. Avoid physical activity
• D. Exercise only once per week

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction the nurse should include is to 'Rest as needed throughout the day.' Fatigue is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS), and adequate rest is essential to manage it effectively. Resting as needed helps conserve energy and prevent fatigue from worsening. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. 'Exercise to the point of exhaustion' is not recommended as it can lead to increased fatigue. 'Avoiding physical activity' entirely is not advisable as appropriate exercise can help maintain strength and energy levels. 'Exercising only once per week' may not be sufficient to combat fatigue and maintain overall well-being in clients with MS.

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