Nursing Elites

1. Before a dressing change to his legs, which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

• A. Encourage the patient to stay at the bedside
• B. Use distraction techniques to reduce pain
• C. Maintain strict aseptic technique
• D. Place a drape over the burn area

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Maintaining strict aseptic technique is crucial before a dressing change for burn patients to prevent infection. Encouraging the patient to stay at the bedside, using distraction techniques, or placing a drape over the burn area are not as critical as ensuring asepsis in this situation.

2. A client with chronic heart failure is admitted with shortness of breath and a new onset of confusion. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Obtain a neurological assessment.
• B. Administer oxygen therapy.
• C. Monitor the client's urine output.
• D. Obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG).

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to obtain a neurological assessment. In a client with chronic heart failure presenting with confusion, the priority is to assess neurological status to rule out potential causes such as hypoxia or other complications. Administering oxygen therapy (Choice B) is important but assessing the neurological status takes precedence in this scenario. Monitoring urine output (Choice C) and obtaining an ECG (Choice D) may be necessary but are not the initial priority when a client presents with confusion alongside shortness of breath.

3. The mother of a one-month-old boy born at home brings the infant to his first well-baby visit. The infant was born two weeks after his due date and is described as a 'good, quiet baby' who almost never cries. To assess for hypothyroidism, what question is most important for the nurse to ask the mother?

• A. Has your son had any immunizations yet?
• B. Is your son sleepy and difficult to feed?
• C. Are you breastfeeding or bottle-feeding your son?
• D. Were any relatives born with birth defects?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Excessive sleepiness and difficulty feeding can be signs of hypothyroidism in infants. Asking about the infant's sleepiness and feeding pattern is crucial in assessing for hypothyroidism. Choice A is incorrect because immunizations are not directly related to hypothyroidism. Choice C is about feeding method and not specific to hypothyroidism. Choice D is unrelated as it asks about relatives with birth defects, which does not directly assess the infant's condition.

4. During a home visit, the nurse observed an elderly client with diabetes slip and fall. What action should the nurse take first?

• A. Give the client 4 ounces of orange juice
• B. Call 911 to summon emergency assistance
• C. Check the client for lacerations or fractures
• D. Assess client's blood sugar level

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take after an elderly client with diabetes slips and falls is to check the client for lacerations or fractures. This is crucial to assess for any immediate physical injuries that may need immediate attention. Giving orange juice or assessing the blood sugar level may be important later but checking for injuries takes precedence to ensure the client's safety and well-being. Calling 911 should be considered if there are severe injuries or if the client is in distress, but checking for lacerations or fractures is the priority at the moment.

5. A client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is admitted with hyperkalemia. Which laboratory value requires immediate intervention?

• A. Serum potassium of 6.5 mEq/L
• B. Serum sodium of 135 mEq/L
• C. Serum creatinine of 2.0 mg/dL
• D. Blood glucose of 150 mg/dL

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A serum potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L is most concerning in a client with CKD as it indicates severe hyperkalemia, requiring immediate intervention. Hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Serum sodium levels within the normal range (135 mEq/L) are not immediately concerning. Serum creatinine of 2.0 mg/dL may indicate impaired kidney function but does not require immediate intervention for hyperkalemia. Blood glucose of 150 mg/dL is within normal limits and does not directly correlate with hyperkalemia in this scenario.

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