Nursing Elites

1. What is the proper technique for obtaining a blood specimen from a central venous line?

• A. Use sterile gloves and discard the first 10 mL of blood
• B. Flush the line with heparin and then draw the specimen
• C. Draw the specimen and then administer heparin
• D. Use non-sterile gloves to reduce contamination risk

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct technique for obtaining a blood specimen from a central venous line is to use sterile gloves and discard the first 10 mL of blood. This practice helps ensure that the blood sample collected is not contaminated. Choice B is incorrect because flushing the line with heparin before drawing the specimen can contaminate the sample. Choice C is incorrect as administering heparin before drawing the specimen can affect the accuracy of the blood sample. Choice D is incorrect as using non-sterile gloves increases the risk of contamination, which is not recommended when obtaining a blood specimen from a central venous line.

2. A charge nurse on a long-term care unit is preparing to delegate tasks to a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and an assistive personnel (AP). Which of the following tasks should the charge nurse delegate to the LPN?

• A. Insert an IV catheter
• B. Administer initial NG tube feeding
• C. Administer insulin
• D. Give medications for diabetes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct task to delegate to the LPN is administering initial NG tube feeding. LPNs are trained to carry out this task as it falls within their scope of practice. Inserting an IV catheter (Choice A) is typically performed by registered nurses. Administering insulin (Choice C) and giving medications for diabetes (Choice D) involve assessing the patient's condition and adjusting medication dosage, which are responsibilities of registered nurses or higher-level healthcare providers.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who has an altered mental status and has become aggressive. Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse clarify with the provider prior to administration?

• A. Haloperidol
• B. Zolpidem
• C. Morphine
• D. Lorazepam

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Zolpidem. Zolpidem is a sedative-hypnotic medication that can worsen altered mental status, especially in clients who are already aggressive. Therefore, the nurse should clarify this prescription with the provider before administration to ensure it is safe for the client. Choice A, Haloperidol, is an antipsychotic commonly used to manage aggression in clients with altered mental status, making it an appropriate choice in this scenario. Choice C, Morphine, is an opioid analgesic and would not directly impact the client's altered mental status or aggression. Choice D, Lorazepam, is a benzodiazepine used to manage anxiety and agitation, which could be beneficial in this situation but does not have the same potential to exacerbate altered mental status as Zolpidem.

4. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client with home oxygen therapy. Which of the following is essential for safety?

• A. Allow the client to smoke in designated outdoor areas
• B. Place the oxygen equipment 10 feet away from any open flames
• C. Keep oxygen tanks upright at all times
• D. Restrict fluid intake while using oxygen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to keep oxygen tanks upright at all times. This is essential for safety as it prevents the tanks from falling and causing injury. Allowing the client to smoke in designated outdoor areas (Choice A) is unsafe as smoking near oxygen equipment can lead to a fire. Placing the oxygen equipment 10 feet away from any open flames (Choice B) is important to prevent fire hazards, but keeping the tanks upright is more directly related to preventing injuries. Restricting fluid intake while using oxygen (Choice D) is not necessary for safety in home oxygen therapy.

5. What are the signs of an acute myocardial infarction?

• A. Chest pain radiating to the arm and shortness of breath
• B. Nausea, vomiting, and high fever
• C. Headache, confusion, and low blood pressure
• D. Increased heart rate and bradycardia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Chest pain radiating to the arm and shortness of breath. These are classic signs of an acute myocardial infarction. Choice B is incorrect because nausea, vomiting, and high fever are not typical signs of a heart attack. Choice C is incorrect as headache, confusion, and low blood pressure are not specific to myocardial infarction. Choice D is incorrect because an acute myocardial infarction typically presents with an increased heart rate, not bradycardia.

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