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 is expressing concern about extreme fatigue following an acute myocardial infarction. What is the best strategy to promote independence?

• A. Instruct the client to rest until fully recovered
• B. Encourage the client to gradually resume self-care tasks with frequent rest periods
• C. Assign assistive personnel to complete self-care tasks
• D. Ask the client's family to assist with self-care

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Encouraging the client to gradually resume self-care tasks with frequent rest periods is the best strategy to promote independence. This approach helps the client regain confidence and autonomy in performing self-care activities. Instructing the client to rest until fully recovered (Choice A) may lead to decreased muscle strength and independence. Assigning assistive personnel (Choice C) does not empower the client to actively participate in their care. Involving the client's family (Choice D) may provide support but does not directly encourage the client's independence.

3. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient with dehydration?

• A. Monitor skin turgor and check urine output
• B. Assess for jugular venous distention
• C. Auscultate lung sounds and monitor for fever
• D. Monitor for cyanosis and increased respiratory rate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: When assessing a patient for dehydration, healthcare professionals should monitor skin turgor, as it indicates the degree of dehydration, and check urine output, as decreased urine output can be a sign of dehydration. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly assess for dehydration. Assessing for jugular venous distention (B) is more relevant for heart failure, auscultating lung sounds and monitoring for fever (C) are more relevant for respiratory infections, and monitoring for cyanosis and increased respiratory rate (D) are more indicative of respiratory distress rather than dehydration.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving intermittent enteral tube feedings. Which of the following places the client at risk for aspiration?

• A. A history of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
• B. Receiving a formula with high osmolarity.
• C. Sitting in a high-Fowler's position during the feeding.
• D. A residual of 65 mL 1 hour postprandial.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: A history of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Clients with gastroesophageal reflux disease have a higher risk of aspiration during tube feeding due to the potential for reflux of stomach contents into the lungs. This increases the risk of aspiration pneumonia. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. High osmolarity formulas may cause diarrhea but do not directly increase the risk of aspiration. Sitting in a high-Fowler's position actually reduces the risk of aspiration by promoting proper digestion and reducing the chance of regurgitation. A residual of 65 mL 1 hour postprandial is within an acceptable range and does not directly indicate a risk for aspiration.

5. Which of the following actions should the nurse take for a client who has been diagnosed with dementia and is at risk for falls?

• A. Maintain the client's bed in the lowest position
• B. Use a bed exit alarm system
• C. Assist the client with ambulation every hour
• D. Raise all 4 side rails for safety

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Use a bed exit alarm system." For a client with dementia at risk for falls, a bed exit alarm system is beneficial as it alerts staff when the client is trying to get up, helping to reduce fall risks. Choice A, maintaining the client's bed in the lowest position, may not prevent falls as effectively as an alarm system. Choice C, assisting the client with ambulation every hour, may not be feasible and could disrupt the client's rest. Choice D, raising all 4 side rails for safety, can lead to restraint issues and is not recommended as a routine fall prevention measure.

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