Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is reviewing percussion techniques with a new graduate nurse. Which action performed by the graduate nurse while percussing requires the nurse to intervene?

• A. Percussing twice over each area
• B. Striking with the fingertip, not the finger pad
• C. Using the wrist to make the strikes, not the arm
• D. Quickly lifting the striking finger after each stroke

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to percuss twice over each area, not once. This technique helps ensure a more accurate assessment. Striking with the fingertip instead of the finger pad is correct because the tip of the finger produces clearer sounds. Using the wrist to make the strikes instead of the arm is appropriate as it allows for more controlled and precise percussion. Quickly lifting the striking finger after each stroke is also correct to prevent damping off vibrations. Therefore, percussing once over each area (Choice A) is incorrect as it does not follow the standard percussion technique.

2. What type of blood pressure measurement error is most likely to occur if the nurse does not check for the presence of an auscultatory gap?

• A. Diastolic blood pressure may not be heard.
• B. Diastolic blood pressure may be falsely low.
• C. Systolic blood pressure may be falsely low.
• D. Systolic blood pressure may be falsely high.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: If an auscultatory gap is undetected, a falsely low systolic reading may occur. This gap can lead to an underestimation of the systolic blood pressure, causing potential misinterpretation of the patient's condition. The diastolic blood pressure may not be heard due to the gap, but the critical issue in this scenario is the risk of underestimating systolic blood pressure, which can impact clinical decision-making. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the key concern in this context is the potential for a falsely low systolic blood pressure reading when an auscultatory gap is not assessed.

3. For a healthcare worker under normal conditions with unsoiled hands, effective hand hygiene between patients requires which of the following?

• A. At least a 15-second scrub with plain soap and water
• B. At least a 23-minute scrub with an antimicrobial soap
• C. Use of an alcohol-based antiseptic hand-rub
• D. Wearing a mask when scrubbing

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Effective hand hygiene between patients for a healthcare worker with unsoiled hands involves using an alcohol-based antiseptic hand rub. This method is sufficient for cleaning hands that are not visibly soiled. The use of an antimicrobial soap or a prolonged scrubbing time is unnecessary and not recommended in this scenario. Wearing a mask is not required for routine hand hygiene and does not contribute to effective hand cleaning.

4. During a work shift, how can a nurse best demonstrate the dynamic nature of the nursing process?

• A. Collaborating with the client to establish healthcare goals
• B. Reviewing the client's medical record history
• C. Explaining the purpose of administered medications to the client
• D. Rapidly resetting priorities for client care based on changes in the client's condition

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nursing process is dynamic as it involves adapting to the changing health status of the client. Rapidly resetting priorities for client care based on changes in the client's condition exemplifies this dynamic nature by responding promptly to evolving circumstances. Collaborating with the client to establish healthcare goals (Option A), reviewing the client's medical record history (Option B), and explaining the purpose of administered medications to the client (Option C) are all essential nursing actions but do not directly showcase the dynamic nature of the nursing process.

5. When a patient is standing in anatomical position, where are their feet?

• A. Facing forward with the toes spread open
• B. Facing out to the sides to open the hips
• C. Side by side and facing forward; toes resting comfortably
• D. The feet are pointed inward.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a person is standing in anatomical position, their feet are side by side, and they are facing forward with the toes pointing out to the sides to open the hips. This position allows for proper alignment of the body for anatomical reference. Choice A is incorrect because the feet should not be spread open, but rather side by side. Choice C is incorrect as it does not mention the correct positioning of the feet. Choice D is incorrect as the feet should not be pointed inward, but rather facing out to the sides to open the hips.

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