Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is preparing for a dressing change on a full thickness burn to the flank area. The orders include irrigating the wound with each dressing change. To irrigate the wound, what will the nurse use?

• A. Sterile saline
• B. Distilled water
• C. Betadine scrub
• D. Tap water

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When irrigating a wound, especially in the case of a full-thickness burn, it is crucial to use a solution that is gentle and non-irritating to the tissues. Sterile saline is the preferred choice for wound irrigation as it is isotonic and does not cause additional damage to the already compromised tissue. Distilled water lacks the electrolytes present in saline, Betadine scrub is not used for irrigation due to its potential to be cytotoxic, and tap water may introduce contaminants and microorganisms to the wound.

2. The client with chronic pancreatitis should be taught how to monitor for which of the following possible additional problems associated with pancreatic disease?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Diabetes
• C. Hypothyroidism
• D. Graves' disease

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is diabetes. In chronic pancreatitis, the pancreas may become unable to produce sufficient insulin, leading to diabetes. This connection underscores the importance of monitoring blood sugar levels and understanding the signs and symptoms of diabetes in clients with chronic pancreatitis. Choice A, hypertension, is not directly associated with pancreatic disease but rather with cardiovascular health. Choice C, hypothyroidism, and Choice D, Graves' disease, are unrelated to pancreatic disease and are endocrine disorders affecting the thyroid gland.

3. A client asks a nurse working in a dental office what type of drug the dentist uses to provide anesthesia during the extraction of the client's wisdom teeth. The dentist uses an anesthetic gas, also known as laughing gas. This agent is:

• A. nitrous oxide.
• B. nitrogen.
• C. nitric oxide.
• D. nitrogen dioxide.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is commonly known as laughing gas and is used as an anesthetic gas for procedures like dental extractions. It produces analgesia and mild euphoria without loss of consciousness. Nitrogen is a nonmetallic element found in air, while nitric oxide is a vasodilator produced from L-arginine. Nitrogen dioxide is a poisonous gas found in smog and exhaust fumes and is not used for anesthesia.

4. The nurse observes a nursing assistant performing AM care for a client with a new leg cast. Which action by the assistant will the nurse intervene?

• A. Lifting the affected leg with the palms of the hands
• B. Covering the affected leg with a blanket to avoid chills
• C. Placing plastic over the groin prior to bathing
• D. Elevating the casted leg on two pillows

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to intervene when the assistant covers the affected leg with a blanket to avoid chills. A new cast should not be covered to allow the heat from the cast to evaporate, preventing complications. Lifting the affected leg with the palms of the hands is appropriate for proper handling. Placing plastic over the groin prior to bathing is a standard practice to protect the client's privacy and maintain hygiene. Elevating the casted leg on two pillows helps reduce swelling and promote circulation, making it a suitable action.

5. The emergency department charge nurse is reviewing the clients triaged in the last 30 minutes. The nurse is required to obtain a social service consult from which of the following clients?

• A. A 6-year-old who drank some diluted bleach.
• B. A 10-year-old who suffered burns in a house fire.
• C. A 12-year-old who fractured his arm in a fight at school.
• D. A 12-month-old without any oral intake for the last 12 hours.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: For children under 7 years, most states have laws that mandate reporting certain situations to social services or child protection, such as ingestions of toxic substances, fractures, suspected neglect, or abuse, and burns. In this scenario, the 6-year-old who drank diluted bleach falls under the category that requires a social service consult. The other choices involve injuries or conditions that may warrant medical attention but do not necessarily mandate a social service consult based on age-related legal requirements.

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