Nursing Elites

1. When assessing a client’s heart sounds, the nurse hears a scratching sound during both systole and diastole. These sounds become more distinct when the nurse has the client sit up and lean forward. The nurse should document the presence of a:

• A. Pericardial friction rub
• B. Heart murmur
• C. S3 heart sound
• D. S4 heart sound

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A pericardial friction rub is characterized by a scratching sound that occurs during both systole and diastole. It becomes more distinct when the client is sitting up and leaning forward. This indicates an inflammation of the pericardial sac rubbing against the layers of the heart. Heart murmurs (choice B) are abnormal heart sounds caused by turbulent blood flow, not by friction like in a pericardial rub. S3 and S4 heart sounds (choices C and D) are additional heart sounds related to abnormal ventricular filling, not to pericardial friction rubs.

2. When providing oral care for an unconscious client, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Place the client in a lateral position with the head turned to the side before beginning the procedure.
• B. Insert a suction catheter before brushing the teeth.
• C. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush only with water.
• D. Brush the client's teeth while they are in a supine position.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When providing oral care for an unconscious client, it is essential to place them in a lateral position with the head turned to the side before beginning the procedure. This positioning helps prevent aspiration by allowing fluids to drain out of the mouth, reducing the risk of choking or aspiration pneumonia. Inserting a suction catheter before brushing the teeth (Choice B) is not recommended as it can cause discomfort and increase the risk of oral tissue injury. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush only with water (Choice C) is not sufficient for effective oral care as toothpaste helps in removing plaque and bacteria. Brushing the client's teeth while they are in a supine position (Choice D) is not safe as it increases the risk of aspiration since fluids can easily enter the airway in this position.

3. A client has been sitting in a chair for 1 hour. Which of the following complications poses the greatest risk to the client?

• A. Decreased subcutaneous fat
• B. Muscle atrophy
• C. Pressure injury
• D. Fecal impaction

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pressure injury. Prolonged sitting can lead to pressure injuries due to continuous pressure on certain body areas, reducing blood flow and causing tissue damage. While decreased subcutaneous fat, muscle atrophy, and fecal impaction are potential concerns, pressure injuries pose the greatest immediate risk as they can lead to serious complications such as tissue necrosis and infection if not addressed promptly. Decreased subcutaneous fat and muscle atrophy may develop over time with prolonged immobility but are not as acutely dangerous as a pressure injury. Fecal impaction, while uncomfortable and potentially serious, does not pose an immediate life-threatening risk compared to the development of a pressure injury.

4. When preparing an injection for opioid medication, a nurse draws 1mL from a 2mL vial. What should the nurse do next?

• A. Ask another nurse to observe medication wastage
• B. Document the amount of medication drawn on the MAR
• C. Dispose of the remaining medication in a sharps container
• D. Administer the entire vial of medication to avoid wastage

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When drawing medication from a vial, especially for controlled substances like opioids, any wastage must be witnessed by another healthcare professional to ensure accuracy, prevent diversion, and maintain safety standards. This process is crucial for proper documentation and accountability. Recording the amount drawn on the Medication Administration Record (MAR) is important for tracking administered doses and preventing errors. Disposing of the remaining medication in a sharps container is not recommended as it does not address proper wastage documentation. Administering the entire vial of medication just to avoid wastage is inappropriate and can lead to potential harm or overdose in the patient.

5. The nurse is providing care for a client with a wound infection. Which type of precautions should the nurse implement?

• A. Airborne precautions
• B. Droplet precautions
• C. Contact precautions
• D. Standard precautions

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Contact precautions are necessary when caring for a client with a wound infection to prevent the spread of infection. Contact precautions involve practices such as wearing gloves and gowns, and ensuring proper hand hygiene. Airborne precautions are for diseases transmitted by small droplet nuclei that can remain suspended in the air, like tuberculosis. Droplet precautions are for diseases transmitted through respiratory droplets larger than 5 microns, such as influenza. Standard precautions are used for all clients to prevent the spread of infection and include practices like hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, and safe injection practices. In this case, since the client has a wound infection, the nurse should focus on implementing contact precautions to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to themselves or others.

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