Nursing Elites

1. When assessing the force or strength of a pulse, what would the nurse recall about the pulse?

• A. Is a reflection of the heart's stroke volume
• B. Typically recorded on a 0- to 3-point scale
• C. Demonstrates elasticity of the blood vessel wall
• D. Reflects the blood volume in the arteries during diastole

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing the force or strength of a pulse, the nurse should recall that it is a reflection of the heart's stroke volume. The heart pumps an amount of blood (the stroke volume) into the aorta, causing arterial walls to flare and generate a pressure wave felt as the pulse in the periphery. The force of the pulse is typically recorded on a 0- to 3-point scale, not a 0- to 2-point scale. The force of the pulse does not demonstrate the elasticity of blood vessel walls or reflect the blood volume in the arteries during diastole. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect.

2. A client has died approximately one hour ago. The nurse notes that the client's temperature has decreased in the last hour since their death. Which of the following processes explains this phenomenon?

• A. Rigor mortis
• B. Postmortem decomposition
• C. Algor mortis
• D. Livor mortis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Algor mortis occurs after death when the body's circulation stops, and the client's temperature begins to fall. The client's temperature will drop by approximately 1.8 degrees per hour until it reaches room temperature. During algor mortis, the client's skin gradually loses its elasticity. Rigor mortis refers to the stiffening of the body after death due to chemical changes in the muscles. Postmortem decomposition is the breakdown of tissues after death. Livor mortis is the pooling of blood in the dependent parts of the body, causing a purple-red discoloration.

3. Which of the following would be most important for the nurse to keep in mind regarding the use of side rails for a confused patient?

• A. A person of small stature is at increased risk for injury from entrapment.
• B. A history of a previous fall from a bed with raised side rails is significant.
• C. The desire to prevent a patient from wandering is not sufficient reason for the use of side rails.
• D. Creative use of alternative measures indicates respect for the patient's dignity.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When considering the use of side rails for a confused patient, it is crucial for the nurse to understand that individuals of small stature are at a higher risk for injury from entrapment. Studies have shown that people of small stature are more likely to slip through or between the side rails, making them vulnerable to harm. It is essential to prioritize patient safety and avoid potential risks associated with entrapment. Conversely, a history of previous falls from a bed with raised side rails is significant as it indicates a heightened risk for future serious incidents. The desire to prevent a patient from wandering alone does not justify the use of side rails; instead, alternative measures should be creatively employed to respect the patient's dignity and avoid more serious fall-related injuries.

4. When placing a patient in the AP position for an X-ray, what position would the patient be in?

• A. Facing the X-ray film.
• B. Right side against the X-ray film.
• C. Left side against the X-ray film.
• D. Facing away from the X-ray film

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The AP position stands for Anteroposterior Projection. When a patient is in the AP position for an X-ray, they are facing away from the X-ray film. This positioning allows for a clear view of the structures being imaged from front to back. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the patient is not facing or positioned against the X-ray film in the AP position, but rather facing away from it to capture the necessary diagnostic information.

5. How does the procedure for taking a pulse rate on an infant differ from an adult?

• A. Pulse rates are taken on infants using a different method.
• B. The apical pulse method is used on infants.
• C. Pulse rates on infants are taken with a sphygmomanometer.
• D. Pulse rates on infants are taken apically in the third intercostal space.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: The apical pulse method is used on infants. This method involves placing a stethoscope in the fifth intercostal space, mid-clavicular line, and counting the beats for a full minute. It is a preferred method for infants due to their small size and the difficulty in palpating peripheral pulses accurately. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A is incorrect as pulse rates are indeed taken on infants, albeit using a different method. Choice C is incorrect as a sphygmomanometer is typically used for measuring blood pressure, not pulse rates. Choice D is incorrect as pulse rates on infants are usually taken apically in the fifth intercostal space, not the third.

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