Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following statements reflects the principles of sterile technique?

• A. Sterile objects that come in contact with unsterile objects are to be considered contaminated.
• B. Items in a sterile package must be used immediately once the package has been opened; otherwise, they are considered contaminated.
• C. Any part of a sterile field that hangs below the top of the table is sterile as long as it is not touched.
• D. The edge of a sterile field and a border 1 inch (2.5 cm) inward is unsterile.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct statement reflecting the principles of sterile technique is that sterile objects that come in contact with unsterile objects are considered contaminated. This principle is crucial in maintaining asepsis during medical procedures. Choice B is incorrect because items in a sterile package should only be used if they remain sterile; opening the package does not automatically contaminate the items. Choice C is incorrect as any part of a sterile field that hangs below the top of the table is considered unsterile. Choice D is incorrect as the edge of a sterile field and a border inward are typically considered unsterile to maintain the integrity of the sterile area.

2. How is the effectiveness of a diuretic in a patient with heart failure evaluated?

• A. Checking daily weights and lung sounds for improvement
• B. Assessing the patient's blood pressure and urine output
• C. Monitoring for weight loss and reduction in edema
• D. Measuring the patient's heart rate and lung sounds

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct way to evaluate the effectiveness of a diuretic in a patient with heart failure is by checking daily weights and lung sounds for improvement. Daily weights help to assess fluid retention changes, while improvement in lung sounds indicates reduced pulmonary congestion. Assessing blood pressure and urine output (Choice B) is important but does not directly evaluate the effectiveness of the diuretic. Monitoring for weight loss and reduction in edema (Choice C) are valid indicators of diuretic effectiveness, but direct observation of daily weights and lung sounds is more specific. Measuring heart rate and lung sounds (Choice D) is relevant but does not directly assess the impact of the diuretic on fluid balance and pulmonary status.

3. When teaching a patient about self-administration of insulin, what is the most important instruction to provide?

• A. Rotate injection sites to prevent tissue damage.
• B. Inject insulin at a 90-degree angle for proper absorption.
• C. Store insulin in the refrigerator to maintain potency.
• D. Teach the patient to administer insulin at the same time each day.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most important instruction to provide when teaching a patient about self-administration of insulin is to rotate injection sites to prevent tissue damage. Rotating injection sites helps prevent lipodystrophy (tissue damage) and ensures proper insulin absorption. Option B is incorrect because the angle of insulin injection varies depending on the patient's body composition. Injecting at a 90-degree angle is not always necessary. Option C is not the most crucial instruction; while storing insulin in the refrigerator is important, it is not the priority when teaching self-administration. Option D is also important for maintaining consistency but is not as critical as rotating injection sites to prevent tissue damage.

4. Which nursing action will best promote patient safety when administering medications?

• A. Check the patient's wristband before administering medications.
• B. Confirm the patient's allergies prior to administration.
• C. Document the medications immediately after administration.
• D. Prepare medications at the medication cart to minimize distractions.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Confirming the patient's allergies before administering medications is crucial for patient safety as it helps prevent adverse reactions. Checking the patient's wristband is important for identification but may not directly impact medication safety. Documenting medications after administration is necessary but does not primarily promote safety during administration. Preparing medications at the medication cart, rather than the nurse's station, is preferred to ensure accuracy and proper medication handling, but it is not directly related to confirming allergies for safety.

5. A parent of a child who is terminally ill tells a nurse that she wants to take her child home. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

• A. Your provider will be here later today.
• B. I can give you information on what that would involve.
• C. I understand how you feel. I felt the same way when my sister was terminally ill.
• D. I think you should speak with social services about your request.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should offer to explain the process of taking the child home and provide resources for the parent's decision. Choice B is the best response as it shows willingness to support the parent by offering information on what taking the child home would involve. Choices A, C, and D do not directly address the parent's request or provide the necessary information and support needed in this situation.

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