Nursing Elites

1. A charge nurse on a medical-surgical unit is planning assignments for a licensed practical nurse (LPN) who has been sent from the postpartum unit due to a staffing shortage for the shift. Which of the following client assignments should the nurse delegate to the LPN?

• A. A client who is postoperative following a bowel resection with an NGT set to continuous suction.
• B. A client who has fractured a femur yesterday and is experiencing shortness of breath.
• C. A client who sustained a concussion and has unequal pupils.
• D. A client who has an Hgb of 6.3 g/dl and a prescription for packed RBCs.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the LPN can care for stable clients with complex needs, such as managing an NGT set to continuous suction. Choices B, C, and D involve clients with more acute conditions that require a higher level of assessment and intervention, making them unsuitable for delegation to an LPN. Choice B requires prompt evaluation of the shortness of breath in a client with a recent femur fracture, which is beyond the LPN's scope. Choice C involves a head injury and unequal pupils, indicating the need for neurological assessment and close monitoring. Choice D relates to a critically low hemoglobin level and the need for blood transfusion, requiring careful monitoring and potential intervention beyond the LPN's role.

2. A client with IV fluids has developed redness and warmth at the IV site. What is the next step the nurse should take?

• A. Apply a cold compress to the IV site
• B. Discontinue the IV and notify the healthcare provider
• C. Monitor the IV site for signs of infection
• D. Increase the IV flow rate to improve circulation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client develops redness and warmth at the IV site, it is indicative of phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein. The next step for the nurse should be to discontinue the IV and notify the healthcare provider. Applying a cold compress may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue. Monitoring for infection is important, but in this case, the presence of redness and warmth suggests phlebitis, not infection. Increasing the IV flow rate can exacerbate the inflammation and should be avoided.

3. A nurse is reviewing the plan of care for a client undergoing radiation therapy for cancer. Which of the following instructions should the nurse reinforce with the client?

• A. Apply sunscreen before going outside
• B. Avoid using perfumed lotions
• C. Massage the area daily
• D. Take vitamin supplements with food

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction the nurse should reinforce with the client undergoing radiation therapy is to avoid using perfumed lotions. This is essential to reduce the risk of skin irritation, as perfumed lotions can exacerbate skin reactions during radiation therapy. Applying sunscreen before going outside is generally a good practice but not specifically related to radiation therapy. Massaging the area daily is contraindicated during radiation therapy as it can further irritate the skin. Taking vitamin supplements with food is important for overall health but is not a specific instruction related to radiation therapy.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who requests information about advance directives. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

• A. It's a living will outlining your funeral wishes
• B. It's a document that allows you to donate organs
• C. It includes end-of-life care instructions
• D. It provides legal guardianship rights

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct response is C: 'It includes end-of-life care instructions.' An advance directive is a legal document that outlines a client's preferences for medical treatment and end-of-life care in case they are unable to communicate. Choice A is incorrect because an advance directive focuses on healthcare decisions, not funeral arrangements. Choice B is incorrect as organ donation is a separate process from advance directives. Choice D is incorrect as advance directives do not provide legal guardianship rights, but rather specify healthcare wishes.

5. Which intervention should be included for a client with heart failure?

• A. Encourage increased fluid intake
• B. Weigh the client daily to monitor fluid balance
• C. Restrict fluid intake during meals
• D. Limit daily activity to prevent fatigue

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Weighing the client daily to monitor fluid balance is crucial for clients with heart failure. This intervention helps assess for fluid retention or depletion, providing valuable information for managing the condition effectively. Encouraging increased fluid intake (Choice A) is contraindicated in heart failure as it can worsen fluid overload. Restricting fluid intake during meals (Choice C) may lead to dehydration, which is harmful for clients with heart failure. Limiting daily activity (Choice D) is not recommended as appropriate activity levels should be encouraged for overall well-being, under guidance to prevent excessive fatigue.

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