Nursing Elites

1. What technique would the nurse use to accurately assess a rectal temperature in an adult?

• A. Use a lubricated blunt tip thermometer.
• B. Insert the thermometer 2 to 3 inches into the rectum.
• C. Leave the thermometer in place for up to 8 minutes if the patient is febrile.
• D. Wait 2 to 3 minutes if the patient has recently smoked a cigarette.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To accurately assess a rectal temperature in an adult, a nurse should use a lubricated rectal thermometer with a short, blunt tip. The thermometer is inserted only 2 to 3 cm (1 inch) into the rectum and left in place for 2 minutes. Choice B is incorrect as inserting the thermometer 2 to 3 inches would be too deep and inaccurate. Choice C is incorrect as leaving the thermometer in place for up to 8 minutes is unnecessary and can cause discomfort. Choice D is incorrect as smoking a cigarette does not impact rectal temperatures.

2. The healthcare professional has collected the following information on a patient: palpated blood pressure"?180 mm Hg; auscultated blood pressure"?170/100 mm Hg; apical pulse"?60 beats per minute; radial pulse"?70 beats per minute. What is the patient's pulse pressure?

• A. 10
• B. 70
• C. 80
• D. 100

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pulse pressure is the numerical difference between the systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings. In this case, the systolic blood pressure is 170 mm Hg, and the diastolic blood pressure is 100 mm Hg. Therefore, the pulse pressure is calculated as 170 - 100 = 70 mm Hg. Pulse pressure reflects the stroke volume, the amount of blood ejected from the heart with each beat. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately represent the difference between the systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings provided.

3. A healthcare provider attempts to plug in a sequential compression device when they notice a tingling sensation in their hands while touching the cord. What is the next action of the healthcare provider?

• A. Attempt to plug the device into a different outlet
• B. Inspect the cord for damage; if none is present, continue to use the device
• C. Discontinue the device and send it to the maintenance department for inspection
• D. Notify the supervisor that the unit is at risk of an electrical fire

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Feeling a tingling sensation when touching an electrical cord is a warning sign that the device may be malfunctioning. This sensation indicates a potential electrical current leak, which could pose a risk of harm. The correct action is to immediately discontinue the use of the device and send it to the maintenance department for inspection. Continuing to use the device without addressing the issue could lead to electric shock or fire hazards. Trying to plug the device into a different outlet does not address the underlying problem of potential device malfunction. Notifying the supervisor about the risk of an electrical fire is important, but the immediate action should be to stop using the device and have it inspected by maintenance professionals. Therefore, the best course of action is to discontinue the device and ensure it is checked thoroughly before further use.

4. Who is legally able to make decisions for the patient or resident during a patient care conference when the patient is not mentally able to make decisions on their own?

• A. The patient or their healthcare proxy
• B. Only the patient
• C. Only the healthcare proxy
• D. The doctor

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a patient is unable to make decisions due to mental incapacity, the healthcare proxy, designated by the patient in advance, has the legal authority to make decisions on the patient's behalf. In this situation, the patient lacks the capacity to make decisions independently. The healthcare proxy's role is to represent the patient's wishes and best interests. The doctor's role in a patient care conference is to provide medical expertise, offer recommendations, and assist in the decision-making process, but the final decision-making authority lies with the healthcare proxy, not the doctor.

5. To collect timely, specific information, the nurse is most likely to ask which of the following questions?

• A. Would you describe what you are feeling?
• B. How are you today?
• C. What would you like to talk about?
• D. Where does it hurt?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is, 'Would you describe what you are feeling?' This open-ended question prompts the patient to provide subjective data, offering specific information about their current health status and human responses. This information can help identify actual or potential health issues. Choices B and C are more likely to yield general, nonspecific information. Choice D may lead to a brief response or nonverbal indication of pain location. A more effective approach to gather specific information about pain would be to ask, 'Can you describe any pain you are experiencing?'

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