Nursing Elites

1. At the beginning of the shift, a nurse receives report for her daily assignment. Which of the following situations should the nurse give first priority?

• A. A diabetic client with a blood glucose level of 195 mg/dL
• B. A family member of an elderly client who has questions
• C. A client with COPD with an oxygen saturation of 84%
• D. A client who requires assistance to use the bathroom

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When prioritizing the needs of clients, the nurse must begin with the unstable client or manage conditions that affect airway, breathing, or circulation first. The client with COPD has a condition that affects breathing and is exhibiting decreased oxygen saturation levels; therefore, this client should be the first priority. Option A, the diabetic client with a blood glucose level of 195 mg/dL, does not present an immediate threat to airway, breathing, or circulation. Option B, addressing questions from a family member, is important but can be addressed after addressing critical patient needs. Option D, assisting a client to use the bathroom, is a routine task that can be prioritized after addressing urgent medical needs.

2. A victim of a gunshot wound to the abdomen has been admitted to the hospital, accompanied by a police officer. When questioned, the officer states that the patient is a suspect in a homicide, which occurred as part of the same incident. A small child was killed as the result of a stray bullet. The patient is combative, yells that he's in pain and demands medication. What is your most appropriate response?

• A. Tell him you'll take care of him after your other patients
• B. Reinforce restraints
• C. Perform a pain assessment and administer pain medication
• D. Ask the officer for more details of the incident

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate and caring response is to perform a pain assessment and administer the pain medication that has been ordered. Regardless of personal feelings about any given situation, the nurse's responsibility is to provide unbiased, appropriate, and supportive care, as stated in the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics. Choice A is not appropriate as it disregards the patient's immediate need for pain relief. Choice B may escalate the situation and is not the priority in this case. Choice D is not the immediate action needed to address the patient's pain and distress.

3. Asepsis is defined as ________________.

• A. the absence of all microorganisms
• B. the absence of disease-causing germs
• C. a urinary infection
• D. a pathogenic infection

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Asepsis is defined as the absence of disease-causing germs. It is surgical asepsis that is defined as the absence of all microorganisms, including spores. A pathogenic infection is an invasion of the body by a pathogen, or disease-causing germ, and a urinary infection is only one type of infection.

4. A client is receiving education on cholesterol. Which of the following statements from the client indicates the need for further teaching?

• A. I would like my HDL levels to be over 50.
• B. It is better for me to have high HDL levels and low LDL levels.
• C. It is better for me to have high LDL levels and low HDL levels.
• D. My goal is to get my total cholesterol below 200.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is, 'It is better for me to have high LDL levels and low HDL levels.' This statement indicates a need for further teaching because high LDL levels contribute to atherosclerosis, while high HDL levels can protect against heart disease. The client should understand the importance of lowering LDL levels and increasing HDL levels to maintain good heart health. Choice A is correct as desiring HDL levels over 50 is a positive goal. Choice B is correct as it reflects the ideal scenario of high HDL and low LDL levels. Choice D is correct as a total cholesterol below 200 is a common goal for heart health. Therefore, Choice C is incorrect as it suggests an opposite and unhealthy relationship between LDL and HDL levels.

5. A client is preparing to undergo a cystoscopy for stones. Which of the following statements indicates that the client understands the procedure?

• A. I better drink a lot of fluid now because I won't be able to after the test.
• B. I will probably see a little blood when I urinate.
• C. I will be able to go home after 3 days in the hospital.
• D. I won't need any pain medicine; this probably will not hurt.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is, 'I will probably see a little blood when I urinate.' During a cystoscopy, a scope is inserted into the client's bladder to inspect structures or remove objects like stones. This procedure is usually performed under local or general anesthesia. It is common for clients to experience a small amount of blood in their urine (hematuria) or have pink-colored urine after the procedure. The other choices are incorrect because drinking a lot of fluid before the test, staying in the hospital for 3 days, and assuming no pain will be experienced are not accurate statements related to a cystoscopy procedure.

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