Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is MOST LIKELY to increase the risk of a medication error?

• A. Not using abbreviations for medications
• B. Errors in the calculation of medication dosages
• C. Barcoding medication orders
• D. Utilizing unit dose dispensers

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Errors in the calculation of medication dosages are a significant risk factor for medication errors. When dosage calculations are incorrect, it can lead to administering the wrong amount of medication, posing serious harm to the patient. Avoiding abbreviations for medications, barcoding medication orders, and utilizing unit dose dispensers are all strategies aimed at reducing medication errors by enhancing accuracy and safety. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they are practices that help decrease, rather than increase, the risk of medication errors.

2. The PN notes that a UAP is ambulating a male client who had a stroke and has right-sided weakness. The UAP is walking on the client's left side. Which action should the PN take?

• A. Instruct the UAP to walk on the client's affected side
• B. Take over the ambulation and provide guidance to the UAP immediately
• C. Provide the client with an assistive device, such as a cane or walker
• D. Tell the UAP to take the client back to his room

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the PN to take is to instruct the UAP to walk on the client’s affected side. This is essential to provide the necessary support and prevent falls, especially when the client has weakness on one side due to a stroke. Walking on the affected side helps provide stability and assistance to the weaker side. Choice B is incorrect because it would be more appropriate for the PN to provide immediate guidance and correct the UAP's positioning rather than taking over the task completely. Choice C is incorrect because while assistive devices may be beneficial, the immediate concern is the UAP's positioning during ambulation, not providing the client with an assistive device. Choice D is incorrect as there is no indication to return the client to his room unless it is necessary for his safety or well-being.

3. A client who is at full-term gestation is in active labor and complains of a cramp in her leg. Which intervention should the PN implement?

• A. Massage the calf and foot
• B. Elevate the leg above the heart
• C. Check the pedal pulse in the affected leg
• D. Extend the leg and flex the foot

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During labor, muscle cramps are common due to prolonged muscle tension. The correct intervention to alleviate a cramp in the leg is to extend the leg and flex the foot. This action helps relieve the muscle spasm by stretching and contracting the muscles. Massaging the calf and foot (Choice A) may not be as effective in relieving the cramp as extending and flexing the leg. Elevating the leg above the heart (Choice B) is not necessary and may not directly address the cramp. Checking the pedal pulse (Choice C) is important for assessing circulation, but it does not directly address the muscle cramp.

4. A nurse is assessing a day-old infant for jaundice. Which of the following is the best method for this?

• A. Applying pressure over a bony area such as the forehead and evaluating the skin color after the pressure is removed
• B. Assessing the color of the infant’s hands and feet
• C. Assessing the infant’s tongue
• D. Assessing the infant’s arms and legs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Applying pressure over a bony area and evaluating the skin color after the pressure is removed is the most accurate method for assessing jaundice in a day-old infant. This technique helps in identifying any yellowing of the skin, which is a key indicator of jaundice. Choices B, C, and D are less effective methods for assessing jaundice in a newborn. Assessing the color of the hands and feet may not give a reliable indication of jaundice, while evaluating the tongue, arms, and legs are not as specific or accurate as applying pressure over a bony area.

5. The nurse is preparing to provide wound care for a client. Which step should be done first?

• A. Don procedural gloves
• B. Remove the dressing
• C. Apply prescribed medications to the wound
• D. Don a pair of sterile gloves

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to don procedural gloves first. Donning procedural gloves is essential to protect the nurse from contaminants while removing the old dressing. This step helps maintain aseptic technique and prevents the transfer of microorganisms. Removing the dressing (choice B) should follow after wearing gloves to prevent the spread of pathogens. Applying prescribed medications (choice C) should be done after the wound is cleaned and dressed. Donning a pair of sterile gloves (choice D) is not necessary for initial wound care; procedural gloves are sufficient for standard wound care.

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