Nursing Elites

1. For a patient with cirrhosis, which of the following nursing actions can the registered nurse (RN) delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

• A. Assessing the patient for jaundice
• B. Providing oral hygiene after a meal
• C. Palpating the abdomen for distention
• D. Assisting the patient to choose the diet

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Providing oral hygiene after a meal is an appropriate task to delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) as it falls within their scope of practice. UAP can assist with basic personal care activities like oral hygiene. Assessing the patient for jaundice and palpating the abdomen for distention involve making clinical assessments that require a higher level of education and training, typically performed by licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs) or registered nurses (RNs). Assisting the patient to choose the diet also requires specialized knowledge and would be more appropriate for a nurse to address, considering the complexity of dietary requirements in cirrhosis.

2. During a general survey of a patient, which finding is considered normal?

• A. Body mass index (BMI) of 20.
• B. When standing, the patient's base is narrow.
• C. The patient appears older than their stated age.
• D. Arm span (fingertip to fingertip) is greater than the height.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A body mass index (BMI) of 20 is considered normal as the range for a normal BMI is between 19-24. When standing, a patient's base should be wide for stability and proper weight distribution. An older appearance than the stated age may indicate a history of chronic illness or chronic alcoholism. In a general survey, the patient's arm span (fingertip to fingertip) should approximately equal the patient's height. An arm span greater than the height may suggest Marfan syndrome. Therefore, the correct choice is a normal BMI of 20, which falls within the healthy range. Choices B, C, and D all describe abnormal findings that may indicate underlying health conditions or syndromes.

3. When a nurse's hand comes in contact with a client's blood after providing wound care, what is the next action the nurse should take?

• A. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to disinfect the hands
• B. Wash hands with soap and water using appropriate technique
• C. Notify the appropriate personnel about the exposure to client's blood
• D. Sample some of the client's blood to determine the presence of diseases

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a nurse's hand comes in contact with a client's blood, it is important to follow appropriate infection control measures. Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is not sufficient in this scenario as the blood is a visible contaminant. The best practice is to wash hands with soap and water using appropriate technique to ensure thorough cleansing and removal of any potential pathogens. Notifying the appropriate personnel about the exposure is important for documentation and further evaluation, but immediate hand hygiene is crucial. Sampling the client's blood for disease determination is not within the nurse's scope of practice and is unnecessary in this situation.

4. When evaluating the temperature of older adults, what aspect should the healthcare provider remember about an older adult's body temperature?

• A. The body temperature of the older adult is lower than that of a younger adult.
• B. An older adult's body temperature is approximately the same as that of a young child.
• C. Body temperature varies based on the type of thermometer used.
• D. In older adults, body temperature can fluctuate widely due to less effective heat control mechanisms.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When evaluating the temperature of older adults, it is important to note that their body temperature is usually lower than that of younger adults, with a mean temperature of 36.2°C. Choice B is incorrect because an older adult's body temperature is not approximately the same as that of a young child. Choice C is incorrect because body temperature is a physiological parameter and does not vary based on the type of thermometer used. Choice D is incorrect because while older adults may have less effective heat control mechanisms, their body temperature is typically lower, not widely fluctuating.

5. The healthcare provider is preparing to perform a physical assessment. Which statement is true about the inspection phase of the physical assessment?

• A. Usually yields little information
• B. Takes time and reveals a surprising amount of information
• C. May be somewhat uncomfortable for the expert practitioner
• D. Requires a thorough examination of the patient's body before proceeding with palpation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During the inspection phase of a physical assessment, it is essential to take time as it can reveal a significant amount of information. Initially, it may feel uncomfortable for the examiner to focus solely on observing the patient without immediate action. Rushing through inspection is not recommended as it can lead to missing important cues. Train yourself to be thorough during inspection by observing carefully and taking the time needed to gather essential data. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because inspection typically provides valuable information, may feel uncomfortable at first but is necessary for a comprehensive assessment, and does not involve a quick glance but requires a focused and detailed observation.

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