Nursing Elites

1. Mrs. D is a pregnant client who is 33 weeks' gestation and is admitted for bright red vaginal bleeding. Her physician suspects placenta previa. All of the following nursing interventions are appropriate for this client except:

• A. Institute complete bed rest for the client
• B. Assess uterine tone to determine condition
• C. Perform a vaginal exam to assess cervical dilation
• D. Measure and record blood loss each shift

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A client with placenta previa has part of the placenta covering some or all of the cervical opening. Performing a vaginal exam for placenta previa may cause significant bleeding and should be avoided unless directed by a physician, and preparations are made for emergency delivery. **Choice A** is correct as complete bed rest is essential to decrease the risk of further bleeding. **Choice B** is appropriate as assessing uterine tone helps in determining the condition of the uterus and can provide important information for the healthcare team. **Choice D** is also a necessary intervention as monitoring and recording blood loss is crucial in assessing the client's condition and response to treatment.

2. When considering the structural organization of the human body, what is the basic unit of life?

• A. Chemicals
• B. Atoms
• C. Molecules
• D. Cells

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The basic unit of life is the cell. Cells are considered the fundamental unit of life because they are capable of carrying out all the processes necessary for life, such as growth, reproduction, responding to stimuli, and more. While chemicals, atoms, and molecules are essential components of cells and living organisms, they are not considered the basic unit of life. Chemicals are general substances, atoms are the smallest units of matter, and molecules are combinations of atoms. Therefore, the correct answer is cells, as they are the building blocks of all living organisms.

3. An older adult patient brought to the emergency department by a family member is wandering outside, saying, "I can't find my way home."? The patient is confused and unable to answer questions. What is the nurse's best action?

• A. Document the patient's mental status and obtain other assessment data from the family member.
• B. Record the patient's answers to questions on the nursing assessment form.
• C. Ask an advanced practice nurse to perform the assessment interview.
• D. Call for a mental health advocate to maintain the patient's rights.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the patient is confused and unable to answer questions. When the patient is unable to provide information, it is important to use secondary sources such as family members. The nurse's best action is to document the patient's mental status and obtain additional assessment data from the family member. This approach will help gather relevant information about the patient's condition. Asking an advanced practice nurse to perform the assessment interview is not necessary as it is within the staff nurse's scope of practice. Calling for a mental health advocate is also unnecessary at this point as the priority is to assess the patient's condition and gather information from the family member.

4. Which of these techniques uses the sense of touch to assess texture, temperature, moisture, and swelling when assessing a patient?

• A. Palpation
• B. Inspection
• C. Percussion
• D. Auscultation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Palpation. Palpation involves using the sense of touch to assess texture, temperature, moisture, and swelling in a patient. This technique allows the nurse to feel for abnormalities and changes in the patient's tissues. Inspection primarily relies on visual assessment, while percussion involves tapping on the body to produce sounds and assess underlying structures. Auscultation, on the other hand, involves listening to sounds within the body using a stethoscope. Therefore, in the context of assessing texture, temperature, moisture, and swelling, palpation is the most appropriate technique.

5. A physician's order instructs a nurse to take a temperature at the axilla. Where would the nurse place the thermometer?

• A. In the rectum
• B. In the mouth
• C. On the temples
• D. In the armpit

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a physician's order specifies taking a temperature at the axilla, the nurse should place the thermometer in the armpit. The axilla is the anatomical area of the armpit located under the arms, proximal to the trunk. Placing the thermometer in the rectum (Choice A) is used for rectal temperature measurements, in the mouth (Choice B) for oral temperature measurements, and on the temples (Choice C) is not a common site for temperature assessment. Therefore, the correct placement based on the given instruction is in the armpit.

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