Nursing Elites

1. What is the most important nursing intervention when caring for a patient with a wound?

• A. Apply an occlusive dressing over the wound.
• B. Clean the wound with normal saline.
• C. Administer antibiotics as prescribed.
• D. Reassess the wound every 4 hours for changes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important nursing intervention when caring for a patient with a wound is to clean the wound with normal saline. This is crucial for preventing infection and promoting healing. Applying an occlusive dressing (Choice A) can be important but should come after cleaning the wound. Administering antibiotics (Choice C) is not the first-line intervention for all wounds and should be based on the healthcare provider's prescription. Reassessing the wound (Choice D) is essential but not the most important initial intervention.

2. A patient with heart failure has gained 5 pounds in the last 3 days. What is the nurse's priority intervention?

• A. Restrict the patient's fluid intake.
• B. Monitor the patient's daily weight.
• C. Administer diuretics as prescribed.
• D. Increase the patient's salt intake to promote fluid balance.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the patient's daily weight. In heart failure, sudden weight gain indicates fluid retention, which can worsen the condition. Monitoring daily weight helps in early detection of fluid accumulation, allowing timely intervention. Restricting fluid intake (choice A) may be necessary but is not the priority at this point. Administering diuretics (choice C) should be done based on healthcare provider orders, not the nurse's independent decision. Increasing salt intake (choice D) is contraindicated in heart failure as it can exacerbate fluid retention.

3. The nurse is evaluating a client who had a cardiac catheterization with a left antecubital insertion site. Which of the following pulses should the nurse palpate?

• A. Brachial pulse in the right arm
• B. Radial pulse in the right arm
• C. Brachial pulse in the left arm
• D. Radial pulse in the left arm

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to palpate the radial pulse in the left arm. When the antecubital insertion site is on the left side, it is important to assess the radial pulse on the same side to monitor circulation accurately. Palpating the brachial pulse in the right or left arm or the radial pulse in the right arm would not provide direct information about the circulation related to the catheterization site.

4. A family was referred to crisis intervention services after a natural disaster. One family member refuses to attend, stating, 'No way, I'm not crazy.' What is the nurse's best response?

• A. Don't worry now. The psychiatrists are well trained to help.
• B. Many times, disasters can create mental health problems, so you really should participate with your family.
• C. This will help your family communicate better.
• D. Seeking this kind of help does not mean that you have a mental illness; it is a short-term problem-solving technique.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should reassure the family member that seeking help does not imply mental illness, but is part of coping with the disaster.

5. A nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion. What is the most important action to ensure patient safety?

• A. Check the patient's vital signs every 15 minutes during the transfusion.
• B. Verify the patient's identity with two identifiers before starting the transfusion.
• C. Ensure the blood product is administered within 4 hours of removal from the blood bank.
• D. Ensure the patient has signed the informed consent form.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important action to ensure patient safety when administering a blood transfusion is to verify the patient's identity with two identifiers before starting the transfusion. This step is crucial to prevent transfusion errors, such as giving the blood to the wrong patient. Checking vital signs, ensuring timely administration, and confirming informed consent are also important aspects of blood transfusion safety but verifying the patient's identity is the highest priority to prevent errors.

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