Nursing Elites

1. When printing out an EKG, a nurse notices that the QRS complexes are extremely small. What should be the next step?

• A. Alert the physician immediately as this is a sign of impending cardiac arrest.
• B. Check to see that all leads are attached and rerun the EKG.
• C. Increase the sensitivity control to 20 mm deflection.
• D. Decrease the run speed to 50.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Increasing the sensitivity control to 20 mm deflection will double the sensitivity, allowing for better observation of the small QRS complexes. This step is crucial in obtaining a clearer EKG reading. Choice A is incorrect because small QRS complexes do not necessarily indicate impending cardiac arrest; it's more likely a technical issue. Choice B is not the first step to take when small QRS complexes are observed; it's important to adjust the settings first. Choice D is incorrect because decreasing the run speed to 50 is not the appropriate action for this situation; adjusting the sensitivity control is more relevant to improve the visualization of the complexes.

2. In a patient with acromegaly, which assessment finding will the nurse expect to find?

• A. Sternal deformity and hyperextensible joints
• B. Growth retardation and a delayed onset of puberty
• C. Overgrowth of bone in the face, head, hands, and feet
• D. Increased height and weight and delayed sexual development

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Acromegaly is a condition characterized by excessive secretion of growth hormone in adulthood after normal body growth completion. This hormonal excess leads to overgrowth of bones in the face, head, hands, and feet; however, there is no significant change in height. Stating sternal deformity and hyperextensible joints is incorrect as they are characteristic findings of Marfan syndrome. Growth retardation and delayed onset of puberty are not typical of acromegaly but are seen in hypopituitary dwarfism. Increased height, weight, and delayed sexual development are features of gigantism, not acromegaly. Therefore, the correct assessment finding in a patient with acromegaly would be overgrowth of bone in the face, head, hands, and feet.

3. The nurse receives change-of-shift report on the following four patients. Which patient should the nurse assess first?

• A. A 23-year-old patient with cystic fibrosis who has pulmonary function testing scheduled
• B. A 46-year-old patient on bed rest who is complaining of sudden onset of shortness of breath
• C. A 77-year-old patient with tuberculosis (TB) who has four antitubercular medications due in 15 minutes
• D. A 35-year-old patient who was admitted the previous day with pneumonia and has a temperature of 100.2 F (37.8 C)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the 46-year-old patient on bed rest who is complaining of sudden onset of shortness of breath. Patients on bed rest who are immobile are at high risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Sudden onset of shortness of breath in a patient with a DVT suggests a pulmonary embolism, which requires immediate assessment and action such as oxygen administration to maintain adequate oxygenation. The other patients should also be assessed as soon as possible, but they do not present with an immediate life-threatening condition that requires urgent intervention like the patient experiencing sudden shortness of breath.

4. 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?'

5. Your patient has finished a 12-ounce can of iced tea and 8 ounces of fresh orange juice. What will you record on the Intake and Output form for this patient's intake?

• A. 20 cc
• B. 20 cm
• C. 600 cc
• D. 600 cm

Correct answer: C

Rationale: You will record 600 cc of fluid intake. There are 600 cc in 20 ounces (12 ounces of iced tea + 8 ounces of orange juice) of fluid intake. Choice A and B are incorrect as they do not reflect the correct conversion of fluid intake from ounces to cubic centimeters. Choice D is incorrect as it provides the measurement in cubic centimeters but does not account for the total fluid intake accurately.

Similar Questions