Nursing Elites

1. The client who had a below-the-knee (BKA) amputation is being prepared for discharge to home. Which recommendation should the nurse provide this client?

• A. Inspect skin for redness
• B. Use a residual limb shrinker
• C. Apply alcohol to the stump after bathing
• D. Wash the stump with soap and water

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct recommendation for a client with a below-the-knee amputation preparing for discharge is to wash the stump with soap and water. This helps maintain cleanliness and prevent infection. Inspecting the skin for redness is important to monitor for signs of infection, but it is not a specific recommendation for a BKA amputation. Using a residual limb shrinker can aid in shaping and reducing swelling in the residual limb but is not usually done immediately after a BKA amputation. Applying alcohol to the stump after bathing is not recommended as it can lead to skin irritation and dryness.

2. The nurse is obtaining the medical histories of new clients at a community-based primary care clinic. Which individual has the highest risk for experiencing elder abuse?

• A. A 69-year-old widowed female who lives alone and volunteers at a school
• B. A 95-year-old ambulatory male who resides in a nursing home in a small town
• C. A 78-year-old female on a fixed income who lives with her relatives
• D. An 81-year-old male with diabetes who lives with his wife of 52 years

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Elder abuse risk is higher in individuals who live with relatives and are on a fixed income as these factors can contribute to vulnerability. Living with relatives may expose the individual to potential abusive situations within the family dynamics. Additionally, being on a fixed income may limit financial independence and increase dependency on others, potentially leading to financial abuse. The other options, such as living alone and volunteering, residing in a nursing home, or living with a long-term spouse, do not inherently pose the same level of risk factors for elder abuse as living with relatives on a fixed income.

3. A young adult client was admitted 36 hours ago for a head injury that occurred as a result of a motorcycle accident. In the last 4 hours, the client’s urine output has increased to over 200 ml/hour. Before reporting the finding to the healthcare provider, which intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Obtain capillary blood samples for glucose every 2 hours
• B. Measure oral secretions suctioned during the last 4 hours
• C. Evaluate the urine osmolality and serum osmolality values
• D. Obtain blood pressure and assess for dependent edema

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to evaluate the urine osmolality and serum osmolality values. The increased urine output following a head injury could indicate diabetes insipidus, a condition characterized by excessive urination and extreme thirst. Evaluating osmolality is crucial for diagnosing diabetes insipidus. Choice A is incorrect because obtaining capillary blood samples for glucose every 2 hours is not the priority in this situation. Choice B is irrelevant to the client's current symptom of increased urine output. Choice D is also not the most appropriate intervention as the focus should be on assessing for a potential endocrine issue related to the increased urine output.

4. The client has silvery scaling plaques bilaterally on elbows, forearms, and palms. When scratched, the skin bleeds over these plaques. What is most important to include in this client’s plan of care?

• A. Interventions to decrease emotional stress
• B. Precautions about avoiding sunlight
• C. Strategies to increase omega-3 fatty acids in the diet
• D. Instruct about applying a corticosteroid cream

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most important aspect to include in this client's plan of care is interventions to decrease emotional stress. Psoriasis, characterized by silvery scaling plaques on the skin, can be exacerbated by emotional stress. Managing stress is crucial in controlling the condition. Precautions about avoiding sunlight are important in psoriasis management, but emotional stress has a more significant impact. While omega-3 fatty acids may provide some benefits, stress management should take priority. Applying a corticosteroid cream may help with symptoms, but addressing emotional stress is crucial for long-term management of psoriasis.

5. The practical nurse (PN) is assigned to work with three registered nurses (RN) who are caring for neurologically compromised clients. The client with which change in status is best to assign to the PN?

• A. Diabetic ketoacidosis whose Glasgow Coma Scale score changed from 10 to 7
• B. Subdural hematoma whose blood pressure changed from 150/80 mmHg to 170/60 mmHg
• C. Myxedema coma whose blood pressure changed from 80/50 mmHg to 70/40 mmHg
• D. Viral meningitis whose temperature changed from 101° F (38.3 C) to 102° F (38.9C)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because viral meningitis with a slight increase in temperature is less acute and complex compared to the other conditions. This change in temperature does not indicate a critical or urgent situation requiring immediate attention or intervention beyond the scope of a practical nurse. Choices A, B, and C present more significant changes in health status such as a decrease in Glasgow Coma Scale score, an increase in intracranial pressure indicated by blood pressure changes, and a significant drop in blood pressure, respectively. These changes require closer monitoring and intervention by registered nurses due to the higher acuity and complexity of care needed for these conditions.

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