Nursing Elites

1. The nurse observes a UAP taking a client's blood pressure in the lower extremity. Which observation of this procedure requires the nurse's intervention?

• A. The cuff wraps around the girth of the leg.
• B. The UAP auscultates the popliteal pulse with the cuff on the lower leg.
• C. The client is placed in a prone position.
• D. The systolic reading is 20 mm Hg higher than the blood pressure in the client's arm.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When obtaining blood pressure in the lower extremities, the popliteal pulse should be auscultated when the blood pressure cuff is applied around the thigh. The nurse should intervene when the UAP is auscultating the popliteal pulse with the cuff on the lower leg because this is incorrect placement. Option A, wrapping the cuff around the girth of the leg, ensures an accurate assessment. Option C, placing the client in a prone position, provides the best access to the artery. The systolic pressure in the popliteal artery is typically 10 to 40 mm Hg higher than in the brachial artery, so a systolic reading 20 mm Hg higher than the blood pressure in the client's arm is within the expected range and does not require intervention.

2. Which priority action would the nurse manager use to help the nurse who may be experiencing burnout?

• A. Transfer the nurse to another unit in the facility.
• B. Help the nurse choose a position on a low-stress unit.
• C. Encourage the nurse to attend educational programs.
• D. Help the nurse identify personal responses to job stress.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct priority action for the nurse manager to help a nurse experiencing burnout is to assist the nurse in identifying personal responses to job stress. This involves recognizing work stressors in the environment and evaluating coping strategies to determine their effectiveness. While transferring the nurse to another unit could be a solution, the initial focus should be on self-awareness and coping strategies. Choosing a position on a low-stress unit and attending educational programs can be beneficial in reducing burnout, but they are not the primary steps to address burnout when it occurs.

3. The nurse selects the best site for insertion of an IV catheter in the client's right arm. Which documentation should the nurse use to identify the placement of the IV access?

• A. Left brachial vein
• B. Right cephalic vein
• C. Dorsal side of the right wrist
• D. Right upper extremity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the right cephalic vein. The cephalic vein is a large and superficial vein commonly used for IV access. Documenting the specific anatomic name of the vein used for IV access, such as the cephalic vein, is essential for accurate medical records. Option A, the left brachial vein, is incorrect as the brachial vein is too deep to be accessed for IV infusion. Option C, the dorsal side of the right wrist, is not a recommended IV access site due to fragile veins and potential pain for the patient. Option D, right upper extremity, is too broad and lacks the specificity necessary for precise documentation of the IV access site.

4. A client who has undergone a mastectomy because of breast cancer is now undergoing chemotherapy, which has caused hair loss. The client states, 'I feel like I've lost my sense of power.' Which response would the nurse give?

• A. 'Hair does not empower a person.'
• B. 'Losing power seems important to you.'
• C. Knowledge is power; I'll give you some pamphlets to read.'
• D. 'Hair loss is common; it will grow back, so you should not worry.'

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct response is, 'Losing power seems important to you.' This response acknowledges the client's feelings and provides an opportunity for further discussion. Choice A is confrontational and dismissive, potentially shutting down communication. Choice C offers pamphlets, which may be seen as dismissing the client's concerns and avoiding engaging in a conversation. Choice D minimizes the client's feelings and may discourage further expression of emotions. By choosing option B, the nurse shows empathy and encourages the client to explore their emotions in a supportive environment.

5. The nurse transcribes the postoperative prescriptions for a client who returns to the unit following surgery and notes that an antihypertensive medication that was prescribed preoperatively is not listed. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Consult with the pharmacist about the need to continue the medication.
• B. Administer the antihypertensive medication as prescribed preoperatively.
• C. Withhold the medication until the client is fully alert and vital signs are stable.
• D. Contact the health care provider to renew the prescription for the medication.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse has noted that an antihypertensive medication prescribed preoperatively is missing from the postoperative prescriptions. It is essential to renew preoperative medications postoperatively. Therefore, the correct action for the nurse to take is to contact the health care provider to renew the prescription for the antihypertensive medication. Consulting with the pharmacist about the need to continue the medication is not appropriate in this situation as pharmacists do not prescribe or renew medications. Administering the antihypertensive medication as prescribed preoperatively without a current prescription poses a risk to the client's safety. Withholding the medication until the client is fully alert and vital signs are stable does not address the issue of the missing prescription and delays the client's necessary treatment.

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