Nursing Elites

1. The patient has been in bed for several days and needs to be ambulated. What action should the nurse take first?

• A. Dangle the patient at the bedside.
• B. Encourage isometric exercises.
• C. Suggest a high-calcium diet.
• D. Maintain a narrow base of support.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Dangle the patient at the bedside.' When a patient has been in bed for an extended period and needs to be ambulated, it is essential to dangle the patient at the bedside first. Dangling involves helping the patient sit on the edge of the bed with their legs over the side before standing up. This action helps prevent orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure when moving from lying down to standing up, which can lead to dizziness or fainting. Encouraging isometric exercises (choice B) or suggesting a high-calcium diet (choice C) are not the first actions to take before ambulating a patient. Maintaining a narrow base of support (choice D) is related to assisting with ambulation but is not the initial step that should be taken.

2. A patient is receiving enteral feedings through a nasogastric (NG) tube. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

• A. Flush the NG tube with water before and after each feeding.
• B. Check the placement of the NG tube before each feeding.
• C. Administer medications through the NG tube every 4 hours.
• D. Increase the feeding rate if the patient is tolerating well.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Checking the placement of the NG tube before each feeding is crucial as it ensures the tube is correctly positioned, reducing the risk of complications such as aspiration or improper delivery of feedings. Flushing the NG tube with water before and after each feeding can disrupt the feeding schedule and is not a standard procedure. Administering medications through the NG tube every 4 hours may not be necessary for all patients and should be based on specific medication requirements. Increasing the feeding rate without proper assessment and monitoring can lead to feeding intolerance or complications, making it an inappropriate intervention.

3. When administering a subcutaneous injection of insulin to a client, what angle should the nurse use for the injection?

• A. 45-degree angle
• B. 60-degree angle
• C. 90-degree angle
• D. 30-degree angle

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct angle for administering a subcutaneous injection, such as insulin, is 90 degrees. This angle allows for the medication to be delivered into the subcutaneous layer of tissue beneath the skin. A 45-degree angle is typically used for administering subcutaneous injections in infants or those with reduced adipose tissue, while a 60-degree angle is commonly used for intramuscular injections. A 30-degree angle is not a standard angle for subcutaneous injections.

4. What is the definition of malpractice in the context of professional negligence?

• A. Failure to follow personal standards of care
• B. Failure to act in a reasonable and prudent manner by a professional
• C. Harm caused by a healthcare team due to miscommunication
• D. Failure to document patient care properly

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct definition of malpractice in the context of professional negligence is the failure to act in a reasonable and prudent manner by a professional. This choice is correct because malpractice occurs when a professional does not meet the standard of care expected in their field, leading to harm or injury to the client. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because malpractice is specifically about the failure to meet professional standards of care, rather than personal standards, miscommunication within a healthcare team, or inadequate documentation of patient care.

5. A healthcare provider writes a prescription for a medication dose three times the normal range. What should the nurse do?

• A. Administer the medication as prescribed
• B. Question the prescription with the provider
• C. Consult with the pharmacist about the dosage
• D. Delay the medication until verification can be made

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse in this situation is to question the prescription with the provider. Administering a medication dose three times the normal range without clarification could pose serious risks to the client. Consulting with the pharmacist about the dosage or delaying the medication until verification can be made are not the initial steps to take; the nurse should first clarify the prescription with the healthcare provider to ensure patient safety.

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