Nursing Elites

1. A 75-year-old man with a history of hypertension was recently changed to a new antihypertensive drug. He reports feeling dizzy at times. How would the nurse evaluate his blood pressure?

• A. Blood pressure and pulse should be recorded in the supine, sitting, and standing positions.
• B. The patient should be directed to walk around the room and his blood pressure assessed after this activity.
• C. Blood pressure and pulse are assessed at the beginning and at the end of the examination.
• D. Blood pressure is taken on the right arm and then 5 minutes later on the left arm.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Orthostatic vital signs should be taken when the person is hypertensive or is taking antihypertensive medications, when the person reports fainting or syncope, or when volume depletion is suspected. The blood pressure and pulse readings are recorded in the supine, sitting, and standing positions.

2. A resident brings several electronic devices to a nursing home. One of the devices has a two-pronged plug. What rationale should the nurse provide when explaining why an electrical device must have a three-pronged plug?

• A. Controls stray electrical currents.
• B. Promotes efficient use of electricity.
• C. Shuts off the appliance if there is an electrical surge.
• D. Divides the electricity among the appliances in the room.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A three-pronged plug functions as a ground to dissipate stray electrical currents. This helps prevent electrical shocks and ensures the safety of the user. Choice B is incorrect because the number of prongs on a plug does not impact the efficient use of electricity. Choice C is incorrect because a three-pronged plug does not shut off the appliance during an electrical surge; that role is typically fulfilled by surge protectors. Choice D is incorrect as a three-pronged plug does not divide electricity among appliances in a room; it primarily serves as a safety measure to handle excess electrical currents.

3. Rales and rhonchi are frequently noted during an examination of lung sounds. What is the difference between the two?

• A. Rales are louder.
• B. Rhonchi are noted only in infants.
• C. Rales occur on inspiration, rhonchi on expiration.
• D. Rales are noted only in infants.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is that rales occur on inspiration, while rhonchi occur on expiration. Rales are typically heard during inhalation when there is fluid in the alveoli or air passages. Rhonchi, on the other hand, are caused by air passing through obstructed airways during exhalation due to secretions in the respiratory tract. Choice A is incorrect because the loudness of the sounds is not the primary distinguishing factor between rales and rhonchi. Choice B is incorrect as rhonchi can be heard in individuals beyond infancy. Choice D is incorrect as rales can be present in patients of various age groups, not just infants.

4. An 86-year-old client with decreased visual acuity who uses a cane for mobility requires fall prevention education. What should the nurse teach this client to reduce the risk of falling at home?

• A. Take off shoes while in the house and wear only socks
• B. Limit activities to the lower level of the home
• C. Keep a lamp near the door of every room
• D. Install non-slip pads in the shower or bathtub

Correct answer: D

Rationale: To reduce the risk of falling at home for an elderly client with decreased visual acuity and using a cane for mobility, installing non-slip pads in the shower or bathtub is crucial. This measure helps prevent slips and falls in areas where water accumulation may occur. While taking off shoes and wearing socks may seem comfortable, it increases the risk of slipping. Limiting activities to the lower level of the home may restrict the client's independence and quality of life unnecessarily. Keeping a lamp near the door of every room may improve visibility but does not directly address the risk of falls associated with mobility and visual acuity issues.

5. Where is the pulse point located on the top of the foot?

• A. the dorsalis pedis
• B. This is the pulse point checked in patients with peripheral vascular problems.
• C. This pulse point may be absent in some patients due to a congenital anomaly.
• D. All of the above.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The pulse point located on the top of the foot is known as the dorsalis pedis pulse point. It is situated on the arch of the foot, slightly lateral to the midline. This pulse point is commonly examined in patients with peripheral vascular problems to assess blood flow adequacy. Additionally, some individuals may not have this pulse point due to a congenital anomaly. Therefore, all the given statements are correct in relation to the dorsalis pedis pulse point, making 'All of the above' the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are all individually valid characteristics of the dorsalis pedis pulse point, hence selecting 'All of the above' as the correct answer is appropriate.

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