Nursing Elites

1. In which order should the nurse take the following actions for an older patient with new onset confusion who is normally alert and oriented?

• A. Obtain the oxygen saturation, Check the patient's pulse rate, Notify the health care provider, Document the change in status
• B. Obtain the oxygen saturation, Check the patient's pulse rate, Document the change in status, Notify the health care provider
• C. Document the change in status, Notify the health care provider, Check the patient's pulse rate, Obtain the oxygen saturation
• D. Document the change in status, Check the patient's pulse rate, Obtain the oxygen saturation, Notify the health care provider

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct order of actions for the nurse in this scenario is to first obtain the oxygen saturation to assess the patient's airway and oxygenation status. Next, checking the patient's pulse rate helps in evaluating circulation. Subsequently, documenting the change in the patient's status is important for maintaining an accurate record of care. Finally, notifying the health care provider is crucial to ensure timely intervention and further management. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because assessing oxygen saturation should precede checking the pulse rate to address potential physiological causes of confusion. Additionally, documentation should follow patient assessment and notification of the healthcare provider for appropriate record-keeping and communication.

2. A home care nurse instructs the mother of a 5-year-old child with lactose intolerance about dietary measures for her child. The nurse should tell the mother that it is necessary to provide which dietary supplement in the child's diet?

• A. Fats
• B. Zinc
• C. Protein
• D. Calcium

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In lactose intolerance, the inability to digest lactose, the sugar in dairy products, can lead to calcium deficiency if dairy products are removed from the diet. Calcium is crucial for bone health and other bodily functions, so alternative calcium sources like fortified non-dairy milks or leafy greens must be included to prevent deficiency. While fats and proteins are important nutrients, they are not typically deficient in lactose intolerance. Zinc, although an essential mineral, is not the primary concern in this case.

3. The infant has a diagnosis of bladder exstrophy. To protect the exposed bladder tissue, what intervention should the nurse plan?

• A. Cover the bladder with petroleum jelly gauze.
• B. Cover the bladder with a non-adhering plastic wrap.
• C. Apply sterile distilled water dressings over the bladder mucosa.
• D. Keep the bladder tissue dry by covering it with dry sterile gauze.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Bladder exstrophy is a condition where the bladder is exposed and external to the body. To protect the exposed bladder tissue from drying out while allowing urine drainage, it is best to cover the bladder with a non-adhering plastic wrap. Using petroleum jelly gauze should be avoided as it can dry out, adhere to the mucosa, and damage delicate tissue upon removal. Applying sterile distilled water dressings can also dry out and cause damage when removed. Keeping the bladder tissue dry with sterile gauze is not ideal as maintaining a moist environment is important for tissue protection in this case.

4. A patient is suspected to have sustained a spinal cord injury. What best describes the overarching principles used to guide the care for this type of condition?

• A. Immobilize the cervical area to prevent further injury
• B. Monitor the patient's level of consciousness to prevent neurologic deterioration
• C. Help the patient with activities of daily living and provide emotional and physical support to help them adjust to their injury
• D. Facilitate tissue perfusion to the spinal cord while maintaining airway and breathing

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to facilitate tissue perfusion to the spinal cord while maintaining airway and breathing. In the acute phase of a spinal cord injury, ensuring proper tissue perfusion to the spinal cord is crucial to prevent further damage. Maintaining airway, breathing, and circulation is essential in guiding the overall care for a patient with a spinal cord injury. Choices A, B, and C, while important in certain aspects of care, are not the overarching principles that guide the immediate management of a suspected spinal cord injury.

5. Which finding indicates to the nurse that a patient's transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placed 3 months ago has been effective?

• A. Increased serum albumin level
• B. Decreased indirect bilirubin level
• C. Improved alertness and orientation
• D. Fewer episodes of bleeding varices

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Fewer episodes of bleeding varices.' A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is used to reduce pressure in the portal venous system, thus decreasing the risk of bleeding from esophageal varices. This outcome would indicate the effectiveness of the TIPS procedure. The other choices are incorrect because: Increased serum albumin level and decreased indirect bilirubin level are not direct indicators of TIPS effectiveness. Improved alertness and orientation could be influenced by various factors and may not directly correlate with the effectiveness of the TIPS procedure. Additionally, TIPS can actually increase the risk of hepatic encephalopathy, which contradicts the choice of improved alertness and orientation.

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