Nursing Elites

1. What are the nursing priorities when caring for a patient with a newly placed peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)?

• A. Performing sterile dressing changes
• B. Educating the patient on PICC line care
• C. Flushing the PICC line as prescribed
• D. Inspecting the insertion site for signs of infection

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Performing sterile dressing changes. When caring for a patient with a newly placed PICC line, one of the nursing priorities is to ensure proper care of the insertion site by performing sterile dressing changes. This helps prevent infections and maintain the integrity of the line. While educating the patient on PICC line care, flushing the PICC line as prescribed, and inspecting the insertion site for signs of infection are important aspects of care, the priority immediately after insertion is to maintain the sterility of the site through proper dressing changes.

2. A nurse is providing teaching to the parent of a child who is receiving oral nystatin for oral candidiasis. Which of the following statements by the parent indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will mix the medication with applesauce
• B. I will provide a snack with the medication
• C. I will store the medication in the refrigerator
• D. I will swab the inside of my child's mouth with the medication

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because swabbing the inside of the child's mouth with the nystatin solution is the correct administration method for treating oral candidiasis. Mixing the medication with applesauce or providing a snack with it is not the recommended method of administration. Storing the medication in the refrigerator is also unnecessary and not part of the proper administration instructions.

3. What are the key nursing interventions for a patient experiencing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?

• A. Positioning the patient in a prone position
• B. Monitoring vital signs and lung sounds
• C. Preparing for mechanical ventilation
• D. Administering supplemental oxygen

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Positioning the patient in a prone position. Prone positioning is a key nursing intervention for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) as it helps improve oxygenation by allowing better lung ventilation. Choice B, monitoring vital signs and lung sounds, is important but not a key intervention specific to ARDS. Choice C, preparing for mechanical ventilation, may be necessary in severe cases of ARDS but is not a primary nursing intervention. Choice D, administering supplemental oxygen, is a common supportive measure but is not specific to ARDS interventions.

4. While providing care to a group of patients, which patient should the nurse see first?

• A. A patient after knee surgery who needs range of motion exercises
• B. A patient on bed rest who has renal calculi and needs to go to the bathroom
• C. A bedridden patient who has a reddened area on the buttocks who needs to be turned
• D. A patient with a hip replacement on prolonged bed rest reporting chest pain and dyspnea

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should see the patient with a hip replacement experiencing chest pain and dyspnea first because these symptoms could indicate a pulmonary embolism, which is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate attention. The other patients also need care, but urgent assessment and intervention are crucial in the case of potential pulmonary embolism to prevent serious complications or death.

5. When caring for a patient with a colostomy, which nursing action is most important?

• A. Monitor the colostomy for signs of infection.
• B. Empty the colostomy bag when it is half full.
• C. Encourage the patient to eat smaller, more frequent meals.
• D. Apply a skin barrier to prevent irritation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Emptying the colostomy bag when it is half full is the most important nursing action when caring for a patient with a colostomy. This practice helps prevent leakage, reduces the risk of skin irritation, and promotes patient comfort. Monitoring for signs of infection (Choice A) is essential but not as crucial as maintaining proper colostomy care. Encouraging the patient to eat smaller, more frequent meals (Choice C) can be beneficial for colostomy patients but is not as critical as ensuring timely emptying of the colostomy bag. Applying a skin barrier to prevent irritation (Choice D) is important, but ensuring timely emptying of the colostomy bag takes precedence in preventing complications associated with a colostomy.

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