Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following organs would be described as being located retroperitoneally?

• A. Kidneys
• B. Thymus
• C. Small Intestines
• D. Spleen

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The term 'retroperitoneal' refers to organs positioned behind the peritoneum. The kidneys are retroperitoneal organs, located outside the peritoneal cavity, against the posterior abdominal wall. This positioning provides them with additional protection from external forces due to the surrounding structures. The thymus, small intestines, and spleen are not retroperitoneal organs. The thymus is located in the mediastinum, the small intestines are intraperitoneal, and the spleen is intraperitoneal and located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen.

2. During change-of-shift report, the nurse learns about the following four patients. Which patient requires assessment first?

• A. 40-year-old with chronic pancreatitis who has gnawing abdominal pain
• B. 58-year-old who has compensated cirrhosis and is complaining of anorexia
• C.
• D. 36-year-old recovering from a laparoscopic cholecystectomy who has severe shoulder pain

Correct answer: C

Rationale:

3. A client on the nursing unit is terminally ill but remains alert and oriented. Three days after admission, the nurse observes signs of depression. The client states, 'I'm tired of being sick. I wish I could end it all.' What is the most accurate and informative way to record this data in a nursing progress note?

• A. Client appears to be depressed, possibly suicidal
• B. Client reports being tired of being ill and wants to die
• C. Client does not want to live any longer and is tired of being ill
• D. Client states, 'I'm tired of being sick. I wish I could end it all.'

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Subjective data includes thoughts, beliefs, feelings, perceptions, and sensations that are apparent only to the person affected and cannot be measured, seen, or felt by the nurse. This information should be documented using the client's exact words in quotes. The other options indicate that the nurse has drawn the conclusion that the client no longer wishes to live. From the data provided, the cues do not support this assumption. A more complete assessment should be conducted to determine if the client is suicidal.

4. 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.

5. What is the minimum amount of personal protective equipment for a nurse when working with a newborn immediately after a high-risk delivery in a client's room?

• A. Sterile gown, gloves
• B. Mask, gown, shoe covers
• C. Gloves
• D. Hat, mask, gloves, gown, shoe covers

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is gloves. When attending a high-risk delivery and handling a newborn immediately after birth, the minimum personal protective equipment required for a nurse includes gloves. This is essential to protect the nurse from potential exposure to the mother's blood or body fluids that may be present on the newborn's skin. Choices A, B, and D include additional protective equipment that is not necessary for this specific scenario. Wearing gloves is crucial for infection control and to prevent the transmission of pathogens.

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