Nursing Elites

1. Which risk factor places patients and residents at the greatest risk for falls?

• A. Old age
• B. Middle age
• C. Pneumonia
• D. COPD

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Old age is a significant risk factor for falls as elderly individuals are more prone to falls due to factors like decreased balance, muscle strength, and vision. Middle age is less associated with falls compared to old age. Pneumonia and COPD are medical conditions that are not direct risk factors for falls, unlike aging which significantly increases the risk of falls.

2. The family of a patient who is receiving therapeutic hypothermia states they do not understand why the patient is being kept so cold. What objective information can you provide to help address their concerns?

• A. Let them talk to another patient who has had the same therapy
• B. Provide research-based information about therapeutic hypothermia
• C. Connect them with the nurse manager
• D. Call the physician and ask him to talk to the family

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Providing research-based information about the benefits of therapeutic hypothermia for their loved one will provide evidence that this is an established therapy with generally positive outcomes. Families are certainly not expected to be familiar with critical care interventions, and their concerns should be addressed with evidence-based data whenever possible. Option A is not appropriate as sharing patient information violates privacy laws and does not address the family's concerns directly. Option C may not directly provide the detailed information the family needs to understand therapeutic hypothermia. Option D involves unnecessary escalation by immediately involving the physician, when providing education and information should be the initial step in addressing the family's concerns.

3. The chain of infection includes the ________________.

• A. germ, agent, reservoir, exit portal, mode of transmission, entry port, and susceptible host
• B. active natural, active artificial, passive natural, and passive artificial
• C. opportunism, weakness, immunity, and colonization
• D. intrinsic, extrinsic, internal, and external transmission

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The chain, or cycle, of infection includes the germ (microorganism), agent, reservoir, exit portal, mode of transmission, entry port, and susceptible host. This sequence describes how infections are passed from one person to another. Choice B is incorrect because it refers to types of immunity, not components of the chain of infection. Choice C is also incorrect as it lists terms unrelated to the chain of infection. Choice D is incorrect as it describes transmission types, not components of the chain of infection. Understanding the chain of infection is crucial in preventing the spread of infections by breaking one or more links in the chain, such as interrupting the mode of transmission through proper hand hygiene.

4. Mr. G has been admitted to the hospital with a head injury after a 12-foot fall. Which of the following nursing interventions is most appropriate when monitoring intracranial pressure?

• A. Administer hypotonic solutions
• B. Keep the head of the bed elevated
• C. Increase the client's core body temperature to 99.9 degrees
• D. Administer corticosteroids as ordered

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Administering corticosteroids as ordered is appropriate when monitoring intracranial pressure in clients at risk of increased pressure to reduce brain tissue swelling. Elevating the head of the bed helps in managing intracranial pressure by promoting venous drainage. Administering hypertonic solutions is used to reduce brain edema and control intracranial pressure. Increasing the client's core body temperature is not recommended as it can exacerbate brain injury. Corticosteroids are not routinely used for all head injuries but may be indicated in specific cases, such as certain types of brain injuries where swelling needs to be controlled.

5. A physician has written an order for '2.0 mg MS q 2-4 hr prn pain.' What is the nurse's appropriate response to this order?

• A. Give 2 mg of morphine sulfate to the client
• B. Give 20 mg of morphine sulfate to the client
• C. Contact the pharmacy to clarify the order
• D. Contact the physician to rewrite the order

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The physician's order contains several errors that could lead to potential harm to the client if not addressed. The use of '2.0' involves a trailing decimal point, which may lead to confusion regarding the intended dose of the drug. Additionally, the abbreviation 'MS' is considered a Do Not Use abbreviation by the Joint Commission, as it could refer to morphine sulfate or magnesium sulfate, leading to medication errors. While the order indicates the drug should be used for pain, the nurse should contact the physician to clarify the exact dose and specific drug to be administered, ensuring safe and accurate medication administration. Therefore, the correct response is to contact the physician to rewrite the order.

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