Nursing Elites

1. Warm compresses are ordered for an open wound. Which action is appropriate for the nurse?

• A. Use sterile technique when applying the compresses.
• B. Leave the compresses on the area continuously, pouring warm solution on the area when it cools down.
• C. Alternate warm compresses with cold compresses.
• D. Apply a wet dressing and cover it with a dry dressing.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Using sterile technique when applying the compresses is crucial to prevent infection and promote wound healing. Ensuring a clean environment during wound care reduces the risk of introducing pathogens that can lead to complications. Proper infection control measures play a significant role in the healing process of open wounds. Choice B is incorrect because leaving the compresses on continuously can lead to skin damage or thermal injury. Choice C is incorrect as alternating warm compresses with cold compresses is not appropriate for an open wound. Choice D is incorrect as applying a wet dressing without following specific orders can be detrimental to wound healing.

2. A client has an elevated AST 24 hours following chest pain and shortness of breath. This is suggestive of which of the following?

• A. Gallbladder disease
• B. Liver disease
• C. Myocardial infarction
• D. Skeletal muscle injury

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An elevated AST level following chest pain and shortness of breath is suggestive of myocardial infarction. AST is released from damaged heart muscle cells during a heart attack, indicating cardiac involvement. This enzyme is not specific to liver disease, gallbladder disease, or skeletal muscle injury in this clinical context.

3. At 0100 on a male client’s second postoperative night, the client states he is unable to sleep and plans to read until feeling sleepy. What action should the nurse implement?

• A. Leave the room and close the door to the client’s room
• B. Assess the appearance of the client’s surgical dressing
• C. Bring the client a prescribed PRN sedative-hypnotic
• D. Discuss symptoms of sleep deprivation with the client

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The client has expressed a plan to read until feeling sleepy, indicating that he is managing his inability to sleep. In this situation, it is best for the nurse to respect the client's autonomy and leave the room, providing privacy and an opportunity for the client to relax and hopefully fall asleep. Closing the door can also help create a quiet environment conducive to rest.

4. The health care provider has changed a client's prescription from the PO to the IV route of administration. The nurse should anticipate which change in the pharmacokinetic properties of the medication?

• A. The client will experience increased tolerance to the drug's effects and may need a higher dose.
• B. The onset of action of the drug will occur more rapidly, resulting in a more rapid effect.
• C. The medication will be more highly protein-bound, increasing the duration of action.
• D. The therapeutic index will be increased, placing the client at greater risk for toxicity.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a medication is administered via the IV route, the absorptive process is bypassed, leading to a more rapid onset of action. This results in a faster effect of the drug. Choice A is incorrect because changing the route of administration does not necessarily lead to increased tolerance or the need for a higher dose. Choice C is incorrect as changing the route of administration does not directly affect the protein binding of a medication. Choice D is incorrect because increasing the therapeutic index would actually reduce the risk of toxicity, not increase it.

5. A male healthcare provider is assigned to care for a female Muslim client. When the provider offers to bathe the client, the client requests that a female healthcare provider perform this task. How should the male healthcare provider respond?

• A. May I ask a female colleague to help you with your personal hygiene?
• B. I will ask one of the female healthcare providers to bathe you.
• C. A staff member on the next shift will help you.
• D. I will keep you draped and hand you the supplies as you need them.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most culturally sensitive response is for the male healthcare provider to ask one of the female healthcare providers to bathe the client. This approach respects the client's cultural and spiritual preferences by ensuring that their modesty and beliefs are honored during the care process. Choice A is incorrect as it puts the responsibility on the client to seek help, while the provider should take the initiative to arrange for appropriate care. Choice C is incorrect as it delays the assistance unnecessarily. Choice D, although helpful in maintaining modesty, does not address the client's request for a female healthcare provider to perform the task.

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