Nursing Elites

1. The nurse receives change-of-shift report on the following four patients. Which patient should the nurse assess first?

• A. A 23-year-old patient with cystic fibrosis who has pulmonary function testing scheduled
• B. A 46-year-old patient on bed rest who is complaining of sudden onset of shortness of breath
• C. A 77-year-old patient with tuberculosis (TB) who has four antitubercular medications due in 15 minutes
• D. A 35-year-old patient who was admitted the previous day with pneumonia and has a temperature of 100.2 F (37.8 C)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the 46-year-old patient on bed rest who is complaining of sudden onset of shortness of breath. Patients on bed rest who are immobile are at high risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Sudden onset of shortness of breath in a patient with a DVT suggests a pulmonary embolism, which requires immediate assessment and action such as oxygen administration to maintain adequate oxygenation. The other patients should also be assessed as soon as possible, but they do not present with an immediate life-threatening condition that requires urgent intervention like the patient experiencing sudden shortness of breath.

2. Which body plane divides the body into right and left sides?

• A. Frontal Plane
• B. Medial Plane
• C. Median Plane
• D. Transverse Plane

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is the Median Plane, also known as the sagittal plane. It divides the body into right and left sides. The Frontal Plane, or coronal plane, divides the body into front and back sections. The Transverse Plane divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) sections. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not specifically divide the body into right and left sides.

3. Which of the following is the most likely cause of constipation in a client?

• A. Postponing bowel movement when the urge to defecate occurs
• B. Intestinal infection
• C. Antibiotic use
• D. Food allergies

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to postpone bowel movement when the urge to defecate occurs. Clients who delay bowel movements by ignoring the urge to defecate or not evacuating promptly, such as in situations where they are not near a bathroom, are at higher risk of developing constipation. This behavior leads to a decrease in bowel movement frequency, slowed intestinal motility, and increased fecal water absorption, resulting in hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. Intestinal infection (choice B), antibiotic use (choice C), and food allergies (choice D) are less likely to be direct causes of constipation compared to postponing bowel movements.

4. What is the minimum amount of personal protective equipment for a nurse when working with a newborn immediately after a high-risk delivery in a client's room?

• A. Sterile gown, gloves
• B. Mask, gown, shoe covers
• C. Gloves
• D. Hat, mask, gloves, gown, shoe covers

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is gloves. When attending a high-risk delivery and handling a newborn immediately after birth, the minimum personal protective equipment required for a nurse includes gloves. This is essential to protect the nurse from potential exposure to the mother's blood or body fluids that may be present on the newborn's skin. Choices A, B, and D include additional protective equipment that is not necessary for this specific scenario. Wearing gloves is crucial for infection control and to prevent the transmission of pathogens.

5. One of your patients is dependent on a mechanical ventilator for their respiratory needs. The patient cannot breathe on their own. Suddenly, the lights in the patient's room and the entire nursing unit go off. You realize that the electric power has been lost. What is the first thing that you should do for this patient?

• A. Plug the ventilator into the red outlet in the room.
• B. Plug the ventilator into the blue outlet in the room.
• C. Use an Ambu bag to ventilate the patient.
• D. Call the doctor about this emergency.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In healthcare facilities, emergency generators are in place in case of power outages. The red outlets in patient rooms are connected to the emergency generator and provide power during such situations. By plugging the ventilator into the red outlet, you ensure that the patient's mechanical ventilation needs are met despite the power loss. Using an Ambu bag or calling the doctor should be secondary actions after ensuring the ventilator is powered correctly. Plugging the ventilator into the blue outlet is incorrect and can result in the ventilator not functioning during a power outage.

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