Nursing Elites

1. The client diagnosed with thalassemia, a hereditary anemia, is to receive a transfusion of packed RBCs. The cross-match reveals the presence of antibodies that cannot be cross-matched. Which precaution should the nurse implement when initiating the transfusion?

• A. Start the transfusion at 10-15 mL per hour for 15-30 minutes
• B. Re-crossmatch the blood until the antibodies are identified
• C. Have the client sign a permit to receive uncrossmatched blood
• D. Have the unlicensed nursing assistant stay with the client

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Starting the transfusion slowly at 10-15 mL per hour for 15-30 minutes is the correct precaution to implement when the cross-match reveals the presence of antibodies that cannot be cross-matched. This allows the nurse to monitor for any adverse reactions due to the presence of antibodies. Re-crossmatching the blood until the antibodies are identified is not practical and may delay the transfusion, potentially compromising the patient's condition. Having the client sign a permit to receive uncrossmatched blood is not the best course of action as the focus should be on ensuring a safe transfusion. Having an unlicensed nursing assistant stay with the client does not address the specific precaution needed to manage a transfusion in the presence of antibodies.

2. What is the most crucial and most difficult management skill required of the M6 practical nurse?

• A. Preparing time schedules and task assignment rosters
• B. Inspecting equipment for damage and proper function
• C. Preparing reports and maintaining records
• D. Effectively managing personnel

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Effectively managing personnel. In a healthcare setting, managing personnel is crucial as it involves leading, motivating, and coordinating the healthcare team to ensure quality patient care. While tasks like preparing schedules, inspecting equipment, and maintaining records are important, managing personnel involves dealing with human factors, conflicts, and emotions, making it the most challenging skill for a practical nurse.

3. The client with chronic alcoholism has chronic pancreatitis and hypomagnesemia. What should the nurse assess when administering magnesium sulfate to the client?

• A. Deep tendon reflexes
• B. Arterial blood gases
• C. Skin turgor
• D. Capillary refill time

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Deep tendon reflexes. When administering magnesium sulfate to a client with chronic alcoholism, chronic pancreatitis, and hypomagnesemia, the nurse should assess deep tendon reflexes. Magnesium sulfate can depress the central nervous system and decrease deep tendon reflexes, so monitoring them is crucial. Choices B, C, and D are not directly related to the assessment needed when administering magnesium sulfate in this scenario. Arterial blood gases are not typically assessed specifically for magnesium sulfate administration; skin turgor and capillary refill time are more related to hydration status and perfusion, respectively.

4. The nurse on the medical/surgical unit cares for a client with a diagnosis of cerebrovascular accident (CVA). The nursing assessment of the client’s neurological status should include which of the following? (Select all that apply)

• A. Obtain the pulses in all four extremities
• B. Ask the client to grasp and squeeze two fingers on each of the nurse’s hands
• C. Determine the client’s orientation to person, place, and time
• D. B, C

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct choices are B and C. Assessing grasp strength and orientation to person, place, and time are essential components of a neurological assessment after a CVA. Pulse assessment in all four extremities is more relevant to circulatory assessment rather than neurological status. Therefore, option A is incorrect.

5. What are three major causes of atherosclerosis?

• A. Hyperthyroidism, underweight, and poor appetite
• B. High blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, and cigarette smoking
• C. Constipation, peptic ulcer disease, and pancreatitis
• D. Kidney failure, edema, and sodium retention

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: High blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, and cigarette smoking are three major causes of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is mainly attributed to the buildup of cholesterol-rich plaques in the arteries, high blood pressure causing damage to the arterial walls, and the harmful effects of cigarette smoking on blood vessels. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly relate to the primary causes of atherosclerosis.

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