Nursing Elites

1. The nurse instructs a client 5 days after a lumbar laminectomy with spinal fusion about how to move from a supine position to standing at the left side of the bed with a walker. Which of the following directions by the nurse is BEST?

• A. Raise the head of the bed so you are sitting straight up, bend your knees, and swing your legs to the side and then to the floor
• B. Rock your body from side to side, going further each time until you build up enough momentum to be lying on your right side, and then raise your trunk toward your toes
• C. Reach over to the left side rail with your right hand, pull your body onto its side, bend your upper leg so the foot is on the bed, and push down to elevate your trunk
• D. Focus on using your arms, the left elbow as a pivot with the left hand grasping the mattress edge and the right hand pushing on the mattress above the elbow, then slide your legs over the side of the mattress

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C is the best direction provided by the nurse. This method involves reaching over to the left side rail with the right hand, pulling the body onto its side, bending the upper leg so the foot is on the bed, and pushing down to elevate the trunk. This approach helps maintain spinal alignment while moving from a lying to a standing position, reducing strain on the back. Choices A, B, and D involve movements that are not suitable for a client recovering from a lumbar laminectomy with spinal fusion and could potentially cause harm or discomfort.

2. The hypertonicity of the muscles in an infant with cerebral palsy causes scissoring of the legs. The nurse teaches the mother that the preferred way to carry the infant is in a sitting position:

• A. Astride one of her hips
• B. Strapped in an infant seat
• C. Wrapped tightly in a blanket
• D. Under the arm using a football hold

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Carrying the infant astride one of her hips helps keep the legs apart and can help reduce muscle tightness. This position allows for better support and alignment, preventing further muscle contractures. Strapping the infant in an infant seat, wrapping tightly in a blanket, or using the football hold under the arm would not provide the same benefits and may even exacerbate muscle tightness in a child with cerebral palsy.

3. What is a good source of potassium and can be related to increased excretion?

• A. Potassium
• B. Increased excretion
• C. Broccoli
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Broccoli is a good source of potassium and can contribute to increased excretion. While potassium itself is a mineral and increased excretion can be related to dietary intake, the specific relationship mentioned in the text is about broccoli being a good source of potassium and having a potential impact on excretion.

4. What is the COMMZ level hospital whose principal mission is to treat and rehabilitate those patients who can return to duty within the stated theater evacuation policy?

• A. FSB
• B. CSH
• C. GH
• D. FH

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: GH (General Hospital). General Hospitals have the principal mission of treating and rehabilitating patients who can return to duty within the theater evacuation policy. FSB (Forward Surgical Hospital), CSH (Combat Support Hospital), and FH (Field Hospital) do not focus on treating and rehabilitating patients for duty within the theater evacuation policy, making them incorrect choices.

5. During a physical assessment of a newborn, which of the following findings should the nurse prioritize reporting?

• A. Head circumference of 40 cm
• B. Chest circumference of 32 cm
• C. Acrocyanosis and edema of the scalp
• D. Heart rate of 160 bpm and respirations of 40/min

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A head circumference of 40 cm is abnormally large for a newborn and could indicate conditions like hydrocephalus or other abnormalities, making it a crucial finding to report. Choices B, C, and D are within normal parameters for a newborn and do not pose immediate concerns. Chest circumference of 32 cm is a normal finding. Acrocyanosis and edema of the scalp are common in newborns due to physiological adaptations. A heart rate of 160 bpm and respirations of 40/min may be within the normal range for a newborn.

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