Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is a critical step in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)?

• A. Performing oral care with chlorhexidine
• B. Elevating the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees
• C. Administering prophylactic antibiotics
• D. Changing the ventilator circuit daily

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees is a critical step in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) because it helps reduce the risk of aspiration, which is a significant factor in the development of VAP. Elevating the head of the bed enhances pulmonary hygiene, decreases the risk of microaspiration, and promotes better lung function. Performing oral care with chlorhexidine is essential for oral hygiene but is not specifically aimed at preventing VAP. Administering prophylactic antibiotics without a clear indication can lead to antibiotic resistance and is not a recommended routine practice to prevent VAP. Changing the ventilator circuit daily is essential for infection control but is not the most critical step in preventing VAP.

2. Which task could the PN safely delegate to the UAP?

• A. Oral feeding of a two-year-old child after application of a hip spica cast
• B. Assessment of the placement and patency of a NG tube
• C. Participation in staff rounds to record notes regarding client goals
• D. Evaluation of a client's incisional pain following narcotic administration

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because oral feeding of a child is a task that can be safely delegated to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). This task involves providing basic care and does not require specialized nursing skills. Choices B, C, and D involve assessments, recording client goals, and evaluating pain, respectively, which all require specialized nursing knowledge, judgment, and skills. These tasks are not within the scope of practice for a UAP.

3. A client with peripheral neuropathy due to cirrhosis is at risk for injury. What should the nurse do?

• A. Protect the client's feet from injury
• B. Apply a heating pad to the affected area
• C. Keep the client's feet elevated
• D. Assess the feet and legs for jaundice

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Protecting the client's feet from injury is critical as peripheral neuropathy can lead to decreased sensation and increased risk of trauma. This measure helps prevent wounds, ulcers, and other complications. Applying a heating pad (Choice B) can worsen symptoms and cause burns due to decreased sensation. Keeping the client's feet elevated (Choice C) may help reduce swelling but does not directly address the risk of injury. Assessing for jaundice (Choice D) is important in cirrhosis but is not directly related to the client's risk of injury due to peripheral neuropathy.

4. When documenting information in a client's medical record, what should the nurse do?

• A. Cross out errors with a single line and initial them
• B. Use a black ink pen
• C. Leave one line blank before each new entry
• D. End each entry with the nurse's signature and title

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When documenting information in a client's medical record, the nurse should end each entry with their signature and title. This practice is crucial for legal and professional standards compliance as it ensures that the documentation is attributable to the responsible individual. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because while crossing out errors, using a black ink pen, and leaving a blank line before each entry are good practices, they are not as critical as ensuring each entry is signed and titled by the nurse for accountability and traceability.

5. A client with a chest tube following a pneumothorax is concerned about the continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber. What should the nurse explain to the client?

• A. Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber indicates an air leak.
• B. Continuous bubbling is normal and expected with a chest tube.
• C. Bubbling will stop when the lung has fully expanded.
• D. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider immediately.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber of a chest tube system indicates an air leak. An air leak can prevent the lung from fully re-expanding and may lead to complications like a recurrent pneumothorax. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate and address the air leak promptly. Choices B and C are incorrect because continuous bubbling is not normal and does not indicate lung expansion. Choice D is incorrect because the nurse should first assess and then report the issue to the healthcare provider.

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