Nursing Elites

1. What is the most useful patient position for proctologic exams?

• A. Trendelenburg
• B. Semi-Fowler's
• C. Full Fowler's
• D. Jack Knife

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The Jack Knife position is the most useful for proctologic exams as it allows the patient to lie face down while keeping the buttocks elevated, providing optimal access for the examination. The Trendelenburg position, characterized by the body being laid flat with the feet higher than the head, is not suitable for proctologic exams. Semi-Fowler's and Full Fowler's positions are typically utilized for respiratory or cardiovascular conditions and are not ideal for proctologic examinations due to their lack of optimal access to the perianal area.

2. You are ready to wash your patient's face. You would start by washing what area of the face?

• A. The forehead
• B. The eyes
• C. The ears
• D. The cheeks

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When washing a patient's face, it is essential to start by cleaning the eyes. The eye area is considered the priority because moving from an area that can potentially be infected to areas of the face and body that are least able to become infected with a washcloth helps prevent the spread of germs. Washing the forehead, ears, or cheeks before the eyes may risk transferring bacteria to a more sensitive area like the eyes, which could lead to infections or other complications. Therefore, starting with the eyes ensures proper hygiene and reduces the risk of introducing harmful microorganisms to the patient's face.

3. What is a common error when taking a pulse?

• A. Placing the index finger on the radial artery located on the thumb side of a patient's wrist.
• B. Noting a pulse as 'weak' when the pulsation disappears upon adding pressure.
• C. Counting the pulse for 15 seconds and multiplying the number by four.
• D. None of the above will cause errors.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is counting the pulse for 15 seconds and multiplying the number by four. To accurately assess a patient's heart rate or pulse, it is crucial to count the pulse for a full minute. Counting for only 15 seconds and then multiplying by four may result in an inaccurate heart rate calculation. This approach could miss arrhythmias or intermittent pulsations that could be vital indicators of the patient's condition. Placing the index finger on the radial artery, which is located on the thumb side of the patient's wrist, is the correct technique for taking a pulse. Noting a pulse as 'weak' when the pulsation disappears upon adding pressure is a valid observation and not an error in itself. Therefore, the most common error in this scenario is incorrectly calculating the pulse rate by multiplying a 15-second count by four.

4. A healthcare professional is asked to draw blood in the antecubital (AC) space. Which of the following veins are found in the AC?

• A. Cephalic
• B. Median cubital
• C. Basilic
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'All of the above.' All three of these veins - the cephalic, median cubital, and basilic veins - are located in the antecubital space, which is the area in front of the elbow on the arm. The cephalic vein runs along the outer side of the arm, the basilic vein runs along the inner side of the arm, and the median cubital vein is a connecting vein between the cephalic and basilic veins. Therefore, all three veins can be accessed when drawing blood from the antecubital space. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because each of these veins individually can be found in the antecubital space.

5. A second-year nursing student has just suffered a needlestick while working with a patient that is positive for AIDS. Which of the following is the most significant action that the nursing student should take?

• A. Immediately see a social worker
• B. Start prophylactic AZT treatment
• C. Start prophylactic Pentamidine treatment
• D. Seek counseling

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Starting prophylactic AZT treatment is the most critical intervention in this scenario. Azidothymidine (AZT) is an antiretroviral medication used to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS by reducing the replication of the virus. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV involves taking medication to suppress the virus and prevent infection after exposure. PEP should be initiated within 72 hours of potential HIV exposure to be effective. Seeking treatment quickly is crucial to enhance its effectiveness. Seeing a social worker (Choice A) may be helpful for emotional support but is not the immediate priority. Pentamidine treatment (Choice C) is not indicated for post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV. Seeking counseling (Choice D) is important for the nursing student's emotional well-being but does not address the urgent need for post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV transmission.

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