Nursing Elites

1. A client complains of pain in the leg while in skeletal traction. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Increase the pain medication immediately
• B. Check for signs of infection
• C. Reposition the client's leg for comfort
• D. Notify the physician of the client's complaints

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Check for signs of infection. In skeletal traction, the priority action for the nurse when a client complains of pain in the leg is to first assess for signs of infection. Pain in skeletal traction can be a symptom of infection or other complications, so checking for signs of infection is crucial before considering other interventions. Increasing pain medication immediately (Choice A) may mask the symptoms of an underlying infection. Repositioning the client's leg for comfort (Choice C) may provide temporary relief but does not address the potential underlying issue. Notifying the physician of the client's complaints (Choice D) is important but assessing for infection should come first to ensure timely and appropriate intervention.

2. The nurse is preparing a care plan for a patient who is immobile. Which psychosocial aspect will the nurse assess for?

• A. Loss of weight
• B. Loss of bone mass
• C. Loss of hope
• D. Loss of strength

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a patient is immobile, the nurse should assess for psychosocial aspects, including a loss of hope and increased risk of depression. While issues like weight loss (choice A), loss of bone mass (choice B), and loss of strength (choice D) can also occur due to immobility, the primary concern in this scenario is the patient's mental and emotional well-being, making 'Loss of hope' the correct answer.

3. A healthcare provider orders a medication dose three times higher than usual. What is the nurse's first step?

• A. Administer the medication but monitor the patient closely.
• B. Verify the dosage with the prescribing provider.
• C. Administer a lower dose to minimize the risk.
• D. Hold the medication and wait for further clarification.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Verify the dosage with the prescribing provider. When faced with an unusual medication dose, the nurse's initial action should be to confirm the order with the healthcare provider who prescribed it. This step is crucial to prevent medication errors and ensure patient safety. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because administering the medication without clarification, administering a lower dose without approval, or holding the medication without consulting the provider can all pose risks to the patient's well-being.

4. A nurse suspects a colleague of diverting narcotics. What is the nurse's first course of action?

• A. Confront the colleague directly about the suspicion.
• B. Report the suspicion to the nurse manager.
• C. Ignore the situation unless there is clear evidence.
• D. Keep a record of the colleague's actions for future reference.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first course of action for a nurse suspecting a colleague of diverting narcotics is to report the suspicion to the nurse manager. Confronting the colleague directly may not be safe and could compromise the investigation. Ignoring the situation is not appropriate as it can pose risks to patient safety. Keeping a record of the colleague's actions is not the primary action to take when drug diversion is suspected; reporting to the nurse manager is crucial for proper investigation and ensuring patient safety.

5. The nurse is evaluating a client who had a cardiac catheterization with a left antecubital insertion site. Which of the following pulses should the nurse palpate?

• A. Brachial pulse in the right arm
• B. Radial pulse in the right arm
• C. Brachial pulse in the left arm
• D. Radial pulse in the left arm

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to palpate the radial pulse in the left arm. When the antecubital insertion site is on the left side, it is important to assess the radial pulse on the same side to monitor circulation accurately. Palpating the brachial pulse in the right or left arm or the radial pulse in the right arm would not provide direct information about the circulation related to the catheterization site.

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