Nursing Elites

1. Which preventive measure can be employed to decrease the risk of compartment syndrome?

• A. The administration of a potassium-sparing diuretic for heart failure
• B. A bivalve cast for a skeletal fracture
• C. A cerebral diuretic to decrease intracranial pressure after a head injury
• D. A chest tube to restore normal intrathoracic pressure after a pneumothorax

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. A bivalve cast can help decrease the risk of compartment syndrome by providing space for swelling, thus preventing the build-up of pressure within the muscles. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they are not directly related to preventing compartment syndrome. Choice A is more focused on managing heart failure, choice C on reducing intracranial pressure, and choice D on restoring intrathoracic pressure after a pneumothorax, which are not relevant to preventing compartment syndrome.

2. Which statement about appendicitis is accurate and true?

• A. Appendicitis is more common among females than males.
• B. A high fiber diet is a risk factor associated with appendicitis.
• C. Left lower quadrant pain is suggestive of appendicitis.
• D. McBurney's point tenderness is suggestive of appendicitis.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: McBurney's point tenderness is suggestive of appendicitis. McBurney's point is located in the right lower abdomen and tenderness at this point is a classic sign of appendicitis. Choice A is incorrect as appendicitis is slightly more common in males than females. Choice B is incorrect as a high fiber diet is actually considered to be protective against appendicitis. Choice C is incorrect as appendicitis typically presents with pain in the right lower quadrant, not the left.

3. The doctor has ordered 20 cc per hour of normal saline intravenously for your pediatric patient. You will be using pediatric intravenous tubing that delivers 60 cc per drop. How many drops per minute will you administer using this pediatric intravenous set?

• A. 30 drops per minute
• B. 25 drops per minute
• C. 20 drops per minute
• D. 22 drops per minute

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To calculate the drops per minute, first convert the ordered amount to drops per minute. 20 cc per hour equals 20 drops per hour with 60 cc per drop tubing, which is equivalent to 20 drops per hour * 60 cc per drop = 1200 drops per hour. To find drops per minute, divide 1200 by 60 (minutes in an hour), which equals 20 drops per minute. Therefore, the correct answer is 20 drops per minute. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the correct calculation based on the provided information.

4. Nurses on an inpatient care unit are working to help reduce unit costs. Which of the following actions is appropriate to include in the cost-containment plan?

• A. Store opened bottles of normal saline in a refrigerator for up to 48 hours.
• B. Return unused supplies from the bedside to the unit's supply stock.
• C. Wait to dispose of sharps containers until they are completely full.
• D. Use clean gloves rather than sterile gloves for colostomy care.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Using clean gloves rather than sterile gloves for colostomy care is a cost-effective measure without compromising care quality. This choice helps in reducing costs without compromising patient safety. Storing opened bottles of normal saline in a refrigerator for up to 48 hours (Choice A) may lead to contamination risks. Returning unused supplies to the unit's supply stock (Choice B) can be inefficient and lead to potential waste. Waiting to dispose of sharps containers until they are completely full (Choice C) may pose safety hazards and not directly impact cost savings.

5. A charge nurse is making staff assignments on a medical-surgical unit. Which of the following tasks should the nurse plan to delegate to an assistive personnel?

• A. Measuring oxygen saturation for a client who has dyspnea
• B. Inserting a rectal suppository for a client who is vomiting
• C. Performing nasal hygiene for a client who has an NG tube
• D. Pouching a client's ostomy bag for a new colostomy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Pouching a new colostomy is a task that can be safely and appropriately delegated to an assistive personnel as it falls within their scope of practice. Measuring oxygen saturation (Choice A) requires a higher level of training and assessment, making it unsuitable for delegation. Inserting a rectal suppository (Choice B) and performing nasal hygiene (Choice C) involve invasive procedures that are typically performed by licensed nursing staff due to the associated risks and complexities, making them inappropriate for delegation to assistive personnel.

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