Nursing Elites

1. What is the most important step that healthcare personnel can take to prevent the transmission of microorganisms in the hospital setting?

• A. Wear protective eyewear at all times.
• B. Wear gloves whenever in direct contact with patients.
• C. Wash hands before and after contact with each patient.
• D. Clean the stethoscope with an alcohol swab between patients.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most crucial step in preventing the transmission of microorganisms in the hospital setting is proper hand hygiene. Healthcare personnel should wash their hands thoroughly before and after each patient contact to reduce the risk of spreading infections. While cleaning the stethoscope with an alcohol swab between patients is recommended, it is secondary to hand hygiene. Wearing protective eyewear at all times is not necessary for routine patient care unless specifically indicated, and wearing gloves only when in direct contact with patients is important but not as critical as proper handwashing. Therefore, the correct answer is to wash hands before and after contact with each patient.

2. On admission to the psychiatric unit, the client is trembling and appears fearful. The nurse's initial response should be to:

• A. Give the client orientation materials and review the unit rules and regulations.
• B. Introduce him/her and accompany the client to the client's room.
• C. Take the client to the day room and introduce him/her to the other clients.
• D. Ask the nursing assistant to get the client's vital signs and complete the admission search.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Anxiety is triggered by change that threatens the individual's sense of security. In response to anxiety in clients, the nurse should remain calm, minimize stimuli, and move the client to a calmer, more secure/safe setting. The correct initial response is to introduce the client and accompany them to their room. This approach helps the client feel oriented, safe, and supported. Giving orientation materials or reviewing rules and regulations may overwhelm the client further. Taking the client to the day room and introducing them to other clients could increase anxiety by exposing them to unfamiliar faces. Asking the nursing assistant to get vital signs and complete admission tasks can wait until the client feels more settled and secure in their environment.

3. A patient has suddenly developed shortness of breath and appears to be in significant respiratory distress. After calling the physician and placing the patient on oxygen, which of these actions is the best for the nurse to take when further assessing the patient?

• A. Count the patient's respirations.
• B. Bilaterally percuss the thorax, noting any differences in percussion tones.
• C. Call for a chest x-ray and wait for the results before beginning an assessment.
• D. Inspect the thorax for any new masses and bleeding associated with respirations.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a situation where a patient is in significant respiratory distress, bilaterally percussing the thorax to note any differences in percussion tones is a crucial nursing intervention. Percussion provides instant feedback regarding changes in underlying tissue density, which can give important clues about the patient's physical status. This hands-on assessment technique is readily available and can be performed promptly. Counting the patient's respirations, while important, may not provide as much detailed information as percussion. Ordering a chest x-ray and waiting for the results can cause a delay in assessing and addressing the patient's immediate needs. Inspecting the thorax for new masses and bleeding, although relevant, may not offer as much real-time information about the patient's condition compared to percussion.

4. While measuring a patient's blood pressure, which factor influences a patient's blood pressure?

• A. Pulse rate
• B. Pulse pressure
• C. Vascular output
• D. Peripheral vascular resistance

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When measuring a patient's blood pressure, it is important to consider various factors that influence blood pressure. Peripheral vascular resistance plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure. The level of blood pressure is affected by factors such as cardiac output, peripheral vascular resistance, volume of circulating blood, viscosity, and elasticity of the vessel walls. Pulse rate (Choice A) refers to the number of heartbeats per minute and is not a primary factor influencing blood pressure. Pulse pressure (Choice B) is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure and does not directly impact blood pressure regulation. Vascular output (Choice C) is not a recognized term in blood pressure regulation and is not a primary factor affecting blood pressure.

5. Rales and rhonchi are frequently noted during an examination of lung sounds. What is the difference between the two?

• A. Rales are louder.
• B. Rhonchi are noted only in infants.
• C. Rales occur on inspiration, rhonchi on expiration.
• D. Rales are noted only in infants.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is that rales occur on inspiration, while rhonchi occur on expiration. Rales are typically heard during inhalation when there is fluid in the alveoli or air passages. Rhonchi, on the other hand, are caused by air passing through obstructed airways during exhalation due to secretions in the respiratory tract. Choice A is incorrect because the loudness of the sounds is not the primary distinguishing factor between rales and rhonchi. Choice B is incorrect as rhonchi can be heard in individuals beyond infancy. Choice D is incorrect as rales can be present in patients of various age groups, not just infants.

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