Nursing Elites

1. An Asian family has an elderly member with the latest stage of Alzheimer's disease. The physician has recommended placement in a long-term care facility, but the family refuses. Which of the following is an appropriate response by the nurse?

• A. "You really need to listen to what the physician says."?
• B. "You will get too tired to take care of him at home."?
• C. "What can I do to assist you to care for him at home?"?
• D. "You are too busy to be taking care of an elderly person."?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is, "What can I do to assist you to care for him at home?"? This response shows cultural sensitivity and respect for the family's values. In many Asian cultures, there is a strong tradition of caring for elders at home rather than in a long-term care facility. By offering assistance to the family in caring for their elderly member at home, the nurse shows understanding and support. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not acknowledge or respect the family's cultural beliefs and values regarding caring for elderly family members.

2. A client scheduled for a left mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection is wearing a wedding band on her left ring finger. The nurse should take which action?

• A. Tape the wedding band in place
• B. Ask the client to sign a release freeing the hospital of responsibility if the wedding band is lost during surgery
• C. Explain to the client why the wedding band must be removed
• D. Ask the client whether she would like to remove the wedding band or wear it to surgery

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In most situations, a wedding band may be taped in place and worn during a surgical procedure. However, if there is a possibility that the client will experience swelling of the hand or fingers, the wedding band should be removed. On admission to a healthcare facility, the client is usually asked to sign a form that releases the agency from responsibility if a client's valuables are lost. After a mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection, the client is at risk for lymphedema, which can result in swelling of the arm and hand on the affected side. Therefore, the appropriate nursing action is to ask the client to remove the wedding band and explain why. This ensures the client's safety and prevents potential complications. Option A is incorrect because taping the wedding band may not be sufficient if swelling occurs. Option B is incorrect as it does not address the immediate need to remove the wedding band. Option D is incorrect because it fails to provide the client with the necessary information about the potential risks of wearing the wedding band during surgery.

3. Which of these clients should the LPN/LVN see first?

• A. a client with a newly placed NG tube who is complaining of pain around the face and a plugged nose
• B. a post-op prostatectomy client who complains of bladder spasms and blood in his foley bag
• C. a client in an arm cast who is 2 days post-op and reports feelings of numbness and tingling in her affected arm
• D. a client newly diagnosed with Hepatitis A who reports stomach pain and itchy skin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Numbness and tingling hours or days after a cast is applied may indicate compartment syndrome and should be reported to a medical provider right away. This is a potential emergency situation that requires immediate attention to prevent complications. The other options present expected or typical symptoms related to their diagnosis, which do not require immediate intervention. Complaints related to a newly placed NG tube such as pain around the face and a plugged nose may require assessment and intervention but are not as urgent as potential compartment syndrome. Bladder spasms and blood in the foley bag post-prostatectomy are common postoperative issues that can be addressed after the client in the arm cast with potential compartment syndrome is seen. Stomach pain and itchy skin in a client with Hepatitis A are common symptoms of the condition and do not indicate an emergency situation.

4. When placing a Foley catheter in a female client, what is the correct order of steps?

• A. E, A, F, B, C, G, D
• B. A, E, B, F, G, D, C
• C. A, E, F, B, C, G, D
• D. E, A, F, B, C, G, D

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct order for placing a Foley catheter in a female client is as follows: E. Place the client in a supine position with flexed knees, A. Prepare the sterile field, F. Place lubricant on the catheter, B. Separate labia with the non-dominant hand, C. Clean the urinary meatus using cleansing solutions and forceps, G. Place the catheter in the meatus with the dominant (sterile) hand, and D. Inflate the catheter balloon. This sequence ensures proper hygiene, patient comfort, and reduces the risk of infection. Incorrect sequences could compromise sterility, cause discomfort, and increase the risk of infection. Therefore, the correct answer is E, A, F, B, C, G, D.

5. Which is the correct order regarding the hierarchy of members of the nursing team from least authority to highest authority?

• A. LPN, staff nurse, charge nurse, nurse manager
• B. Staff nurse, LPN, nurse manager, charge nurse
• C. LPN, staff nurse, charge nurse, nurse manager
• D. LPN, staff nurse, charge nurse, nurse manager

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct hierarchy order from least to highest authority in the nursing team is LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), staff nurse, charge nurse, and nurse manager. LPNs have the least authority, followed by staff nurses who are supervised by charge nurses. Nurse managers oversee the charge nurses, making them the highest authority in this hierarchy. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not follow the correct order of authority within the nursing team.

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