Nursing Elites

1. Nurses caring for clients who have cancer and are taking opioids need to assess for all of the following except:

• A. tolerance.
• B. constipation.
• C. sedation.
• D. addiction.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When caring for clients with cancer who are taking opioids, nurses need to assess for tolerance, constipation, and sedation as these are common side effects of opioid use. Addiction, however, is not a primary concern when treating pain in terminally ill clients. Terminally ill patients are usually not at risk of developing addiction to opioids due to their short life expectancy and the focus on pain management rather than the potential for addiction. Therefore, the correct answer is 'addiction.' Choices A, B, and C are essential considerations when managing clients on opioids for pain control.

2. A client is complaining of difficulty walking secondary to a mass in the foot. The nurse should document this finding as:

• A. Plantar fasciitis.
• B. Hallux valgus.
• C. Hammertoe.
• D. Morton's neuroma.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma is a small mass or tumor in a digital nerve of the foot, causing symptoms such as pain and difficulty walking. Hallux valgus is commonly known as a bunion and involves the deviation of the big toe towards the other toes. Hammertoe is a condition where one or more toes are bent in a claw-like position. Plantar fasciitis is characterized by pain and inflammation in the arch of the foot, not typically associated with a mass causing difficulty walking.

3. A client has experienced a CVA with right hemiparesis and is ready for discharge from the hospital to a long-term care facility for rehab. To provide optimal continuity of care, the nurse should do all of the following except:

• A. document the current functional status
• B. have the physician fax a report to the receiving facility
• C. copy appropriate parts of the medical record for transport to the receiving facility
• D. phone a report to the facility

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To ensure optimal continuity of care for a client transitioning to a long-term care facility for rehab after a CVA, the nurse plays a crucial role in communication. Documenting the current functional status is essential for the receiving facility to plan appropriate care. Copying relevant parts of the medical record for transport provides important background information. Phoning a report directly to the facility is a direct and effective way to communicate the client's condition and care plan. However, having the physician fax a report to the receiving facility introduces an extra step that may delay essential information transfer and increase the risk of miscommunication. Therefore, it is not the optimal choice for ensuring seamless continuity of care.

4. An advance directive is written and notarized according to law in the state of Colorado. This document is legal and binding:

• A. internationally.
• B. in the state of Colorado only.
• C. in the continental United States.
• D. in the county of origination only.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'in the state of Colorado only.' Advance directive protocols and documents are specific to each state's laws and regulations. Choice A is incorrect as advance directives are not universally recognized internationally. Choice C is incorrect as the legal validity of an advance directive is limited to the state in which it was created. Choice D is incorrect as the legal reach of an advance directive typically extends throughout the state of origination, not just the county.

5. A client has been placed in isolation because he is diagnosed with a contagious illness. The nurse should be aware that:

• A. Linens from the client's bed should be double-bagged.
• B. Meals should be served on washable dishes.
• C. Extensive isolation rarely causes psychological problems.
• D. Paper trays and plastic utensils do not prevent disease transmission.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Isolation techniques are used to prevent or limit the spread of infection. Special handling of articles and linens soiled by any body fluid is essential. Linens should be placed in impervious bags before being removed from the client's bedside to prevent exposure of personnel and contamination of the environment. Double-bagging is required if the outside of the bag becomes contaminated. This practice ensures that potentially infectious materials are properly contained and disposed of. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the focus in this scenario is on proper handling and disposal of soiled linens to prevent the spread of infection, not on serving meals, psychological effects of isolation, or the use of paper trays and plastic utensils.

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