Nursing Elites

1. Which techniques should be used to administer an intradermal (ID) injection for a Mantoux test to screen for tuberculosis (TB)? Select all that apply.

• A. Observe for an intradermal bleed after the antigen is injected
• B. Select an ID site using the volar surface of the forearm
• C. Use a 26 or 27-gauge needle with a length of 1/4 to 5/8 inches on a 1 ml calibrated syringe
• D. Ensure that the needle is inserted into the skin with the bevel up

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Observing for an intradermal bleed after the antigen is injected is a proper technique for an ID injection. This is important to confirm the correct placement of the injection. Choice B is correct because the recommended site for an ID injection for a Mantoux test is the volar surface of the forearm. Choice C is incorrect because the standard needle size for an ID injection is usually 26 or 27 gauge with a length of 1/4 to 5/8 inches, not 25 gauge with a length of 1/2 inch. Choice D is incorrect because the needle should be inserted into the skin with the bevel facing up, not down.

2. The nurse is evaluating a client who has had a mastectomy and is experiencing pain and swelling in the arm on the affected side. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Assess for signs of lymphedema
• B. Encourage the client to perform arm exercises
• C. Provide pain relief through medication
• D. Recommend wearing a compression sleeve

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Assessing for signs of lymphedema is crucial in this situation as it is a common complication following mastectomy. Lymphedema presents as swelling and pain in the affected arm due to compromised lymphatic drainage. By assessing for lymphedema, the nurse can identify the condition early and implement appropriate interventions such as compression sleeves, manual lymphatic drainage, and exercises. Encouraging arm exercises (Choice B) may exacerbate the symptoms if lymphedema is present. While providing pain relief through medication (Choice C) is important, assessing for the underlying cause of pain and swelling takes precedence. Recommending a compression sleeve (Choice D) may be suitable but should come after a thorough assessment for lymphedema to ensure the most effective management plan.

3. The healthcare provider believes that a client who frequently requests pain medication may have a substance abuse problem. Which intervention reflects the healthcare provider's value of client autonomy over veracity?

• A. Administer the prescribed analgesic when requested
• B. Refer the client to a substance abuse program
• C. Collaborate with the healthcare provider to provide a placebo
• D. Document the frequency of medication requests

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering the prescribed analgesic when requested is the most appropriate intervention that reflects the healthcare provider's value of client autonomy over veracity. This action respects the client's right to manage their pain and avoids deception. Referring the client to a substance abuse program (Choice B) assumes a diagnosis without evidence and does not respect the client's autonomy. Collaborating to provide a placebo (Choice C) would involve deception, which goes against the value of veracity. Documenting the frequency of medication requests (Choice D) is important for the client's care but does not directly address the issue of respecting client autonomy over veracity.

4. A client complains of paresthesia in the fingers and toes and experiences hand spasms when the blood pressure cuff is inflated. Which serum laboratory finding should the nurse expect to find when assessing the client?

• A. Elevated serum calcium
• B. Low serum magnesium
• C. Low serum calcium
• D. Elevated serum potassium

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Low serum calcium. Hand spasms and paresthesia are indicative of potential hypocalcemia, which is characterized by low serum calcium levels. Elevated serum calcium (Choice A) is not consistent with the symptoms described. Low serum magnesium (Choice B) and elevated serum potassium (Choice D) are not typically associated with hand spasms and paresthesia.

5. After successful resuscitation, a client is given propranolol and transferred to the Intensive Coronary Care Unit (ICCU). On admission, magnesium sulfate 4 grams IV in 250 ml D5W at one gram/hour. Which assessment findings require immediate intervention by the nurse?

• A. Dark amber urine draining via an indwelling catheter at a rate of 40 ml per hour
• B. Serum calcium of 9.0 mg/dl (2.2 mmol/L SI) and magnesium of 1.8 mg/dl or Eq/L (0.74 mmol/L SI)
• C. Sinus rhythm at 72 beats/minute and peripheral blood pressure of 99/62
• D. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A low respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute is indicative of possible magnesium toxicity, which can be a serious condition requiring immediate intervention. It is a critical finding that needs prompt attention to prevent further complications. The other options are not as urgent: A - dark amber urine may indicate dehydration but does not require immediate intervention, B - serum calcium and magnesium levels are within normal limits, C - sinus rhythm and blood pressure values are also within normal range and do not require immediate action.

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