Nursing Elites

1. When observing a dressing change by a graduate nurse on a Stage III pressure ulcer to the greater trochanter by the staff nurse, a need for further teaching is indicated after the following observation by the nurse:

• A. The new graduate nurse irrigates the pressure ulcer with 50cc of NS.
• B. The new graduate irrigates the pressure ulcer with half-strength hydrogen peroxide.
• C. The new graduate packs the wound with sterile kerlix soaked in NS.
• D. The new graduate applies a Duoderm dressing over the wound after cleansing.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is that the new graduate irrigates the pressure ulcer with half-strength hydrogen peroxide. Pressure ulcers should not be cleaned with substances that are cytotoxic, such as hydrogen peroxide or betadine. This can cause further damage to the wound and delay the healing process. Choice A is incorrect because irrigating the pressure ulcer with normal saline is an appropriate practice. Choice C is incorrect because packing the wound with sterile kerlix soaked in normal saline is also an appropriate step. Choice D is incorrect because applying a Duoderm dressing after cleansing is a standard procedure in wound care.

2. Which is the proper hand position for performing chest percussion?

• A. Use the side of the hands
• B. Flatten the hands
• C. Spread the fingers of both hands
• D. Cup the hands

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The proper hand position for performing chest percussion is to cup the hands. Cupping the hands helps produce a vibration that aids in loosening respiratory secretions effectively. This technique is essential for therapeutic chest physiotherapy. Using the side of the hands, flattening the hands, or spreading the fingers of both hands do not generate the necessary vibration required for chest percussion. These hand positions are not considered proper techniques in this context and may not provide the desired therapeutic effect.

3. In a centralized decision-making process within an organization, where is the authority to make decisions vested?

• A. Every employee
• B. A few individuals, such as the board of directors
• C. Many individuals, with decisions filtering down to the individual employee
• D. All nursing employees, pharmacists, and hospital health care providers

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a centralized decision-making process within an organization, the authority to make decisions is concentrated in a few individuals, such as the board of directors. This means that key decision-making power is held by a select group at the top of the organizational hierarchy. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because in a centralized structure, decision-making authority is not distributed among every employee, does not filter down to individual employees, and is not shared among all nursing employees, pharmacists, or hospital health care providers. Centralized decision-making implies a more top-down approach.

4. The ICU nurse caring for a client who has just been declared brain dead can expect to find evidence of the client's wishes regarding organ donation:

• A. on the client's driver's license.
• B. in the client's safety deposit box.
• C. in the client's last will and testament.
• D. on the client's insurance card.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In most states, indication of organ donor status is found on the client's driver's license, making it easily accessible for decision-making in critical situations like declaring brain death. Evidence in a last will and testament or a safety deposit box may not be promptly available. Information about organ donation is typically not included on insurance cards. The primary care physician's health record documentation could also be a relevant source for the ICU nurse. Therefore, the correct answer is finding evidence of the client's wishes regarding organ donation on the client's driver's license.

5. A nursing assistant who has been employed in the long-term care center for 8 weeks is consistently taking extended lunch breaks. The nursing assistant's behavior has caused problems with client care during lunch hours. What is the appropriate way for the nurse to deal with this situation?

• A. Ignoring the situation
• B. Documenting the problem in the nursing assistant's personnel file
• C. Asking other staff members to cover for the nursing assistant
• D. Meeting with the nursing assistant to discuss the behavior and initiate problem-solving measures

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Taking extended lunch breaks is an unacceptable behavior, especially when it affects client care. The appropriate way for the nurse to deal with this situation is to meet with the nursing assistant to discuss the behavior and initiate problem-solving measures. This direct approach allows for open communication and the opportunity to address the issue effectively. Ignoring the situation (Choice A), asking other staff members to cover (Choice C), or documenting the problem in the nursing assistant's personnel file (Choice B) are not effective solutions. Ignoring the behavior does not address the issue, asking others to cover may not solve the problem at its root, and documenting the problem should come after attempting to resolve the issue through communication and problem-solving first.

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