Nursing Elites

1. Your patient who had AIDS/HIV has just died. Should you still use standard precautions as you provide post-mortem care?

• A. Yes, because the virus is still transmissible
• B. Yes, because respect must still be maintained
• C. No, because the virus is no longer transmissible
• D. No, because it is disrespectful

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Yes, you should still use standard precautions even after an HIV/AIDS patient has died. The virus can remain infectious after death, and healthcare workers need to protect themselves from potential exposure. Choice B is incorrect because while respect is important, the primary reason for using standard precautions is to prevent transmission of infectious diseases. Choice C is incorrect as the virus can still be transmissible even after the patient's death. Choice D is incorrect as using standard precautions is a matter of infection control, not a question of respect.

2. You have been assigned to take an apical pulse for one of the patients on the nursing unit. How will you do this?

• A. You will place the stethoscope over the heart and listen for any irregular beats.
• B. You will place the stethoscope over the heart and count the beats per minute.
• C. You will place your fingertip over the patient's wrist and feel for any irregular beats.
• D. You will place your fingertip over the patient's wrist and count the beats per minute.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To take an apical pulse accurately, you should place the stethoscope over the heart and count the number of beats per minute. This method provides a precise assessment of the heart rate. While listening for irregular beats is essential for assessing the heart's rhythm, the primary objective of taking an apical pulse is to determine the heart rate. Choices C and D are incorrect because the apical pulse is not taken at the wrist; instead, it is obtained by auscultating at the apex of the heart, usually at the point where the fifth intercostal space meets the midclavicular line.

3. Which of the following would be most important for the nurse to keep in mind regarding the use of side rails for a confused patient?

• A. A person of small stature is at increased risk for injury from entrapment.
• B. A history of a previous fall from a bed with raised side rails is significant.
• C. The desire to prevent a patient from wandering is not sufficient reason for the use of side rails.
• D. Creative use of alternative measures indicates respect for the patient's dignity.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When considering the use of side rails for a confused patient, it is crucial for the nurse to understand that individuals of small stature are at a higher risk for injury from entrapment. Studies have shown that people of small stature are more likely to slip through or between the side rails, making them vulnerable to harm. It is essential to prioritize patient safety and avoid potential risks associated with entrapment. Conversely, a history of previous falls from a bed with raised side rails is significant as it indicates a heightened risk for future serious incidents. The desire to prevent a patient from wandering alone does not justify the use of side rails; instead, alternative measures should be creatively employed to respect the patient's dignity and avoid more serious fall-related injuries.

4. Your patient has finished a 12-ounce can of iced tea and 8 ounces of fresh orange juice. What will you record on the Intake and Output form for this patient's intake?

• A. 20 cc
• B. 20 cm
• C. 600 cc
• D. 600 cm

Correct answer: C

Rationale: You will record 600 cc of fluid intake. There are 600 cc in 20 ounces (12 ounces of iced tea + 8 ounces of orange juice) of fluid intake. Choice A and B are incorrect as they do not reflect the correct conversion of fluid intake from ounces to cubic centimeters. Choice D is incorrect as it provides the measurement in cubic centimeters but does not account for the total fluid intake accurately.

5. A client is being seen for disrupted sleep patterns. The nurse encourages the client to verbalize feelings about sleep and inability to maintain adequate sleep habits. What is the rationale for this action?

• A. The client most likely has a mental illness that should be treated before addressing sleep issues
• B. The client may have unrecognized anxiety or fear that could be contributing to poor sleep habits
• C. The client may become tired once they start talking
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Clients experiencing disrupted sleep patterns may have underlying anxiety or fear contributing to their poor sleep habits. Encouraging clients to verbalize their feelings about sleep allows them to address any negative emotions that may be impacting their ability to sleep well. By working through these issues, clients may experience increased peace and relaxation, which can help promote better sleep. Option A is incorrect because assuming a mental illness without evidence can lead to mismanagement of the client's care. Option C is incorrect as it does not address the underlying emotional factors affecting the client's sleep patterns. Option D is incorrect as there is a specific rationale for encouraging the client to verbalize their feelings about sleep.

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