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. How can a healthcare professional help prevent pressure ulcers in an immobile patient?

• A. Ensuring proper nutrition and hydration
• B. Using moisture barriers to protect the skin
• C. Turning the patient every 2 hours to prevent pressure
• D. Providing special mattresses or padding

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Ensuring proper nutrition and hydration is crucial in preventing pressure ulcers in immobile patients. Adequate nutrition supports tissue health and repair, while hydration helps maintain skin elasticity. While turning the patient every 2 hours is important to prevent pressure injuries, it is not the primary way to address prevention. Using moisture barriers and providing special mattresses or padding are essential components of pressure ulcer prevention, but they are not as fundamental as ensuring proper nutrition and hydration.

3. During a home visit with an older adult client, a nurse should address which of the following observations to promote a safe environment?

• A. Loud volume of the television set
• B. Wall-to-wall carpet in the living room
• C. Low chairs without armrests
• D. Use of indirect lighting

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Low chairs without armrests. This observation should be addressed by the nurse to promote a safe environment for the older adult client. Low chairs without armrests increase the risk of falls as they can be challenging for older adults to sit down on or get up from. Addressing this issue can help prevent falls and promote safety. Choices A, B, and D are not as crucial for promoting a safe environment compared to the risk posed by low chairs without armrests.

4. Which nursing action is essential when administering a blood transfusion?

• A. Ensure the blood is administered within 4 hours.
• B. Check the patient's vital signs every 30 minutes during the transfusion.
• C. Administer the transfusion at a slow rate for the first 15 minutes.
• D. Document the transfusion in the patient's medical record immediately after administration.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer the transfusion at a slow rate for the first 15 minutes. This practice is crucial as it helps in detecting any adverse reactions early on. Checking the patient's vital signs every 30 minutes (choice B) is important but not as essential as ensuring a slow rate at the beginning. Administering blood within 4 hours (choice A) is a standard practice but not directly related to the initial administration. Documenting the transfusion immediately (choice D) is necessary but does not directly impact the safety of the initial administration.

5. The healthcare provider is assessing an immobile patient for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). What should the healthcare provider do?

• A. Lightly rub the lower leg to check for redness and tenderness.
• B. Apply elastic stockings every 4 hours.
• C. Measure the calf circumference of both legs.
• D. Flex the foot while assessing for patient discomfort.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Measuring the calf circumference of both legs is crucial when assessing for DVT in an immobile patient. A significant increase in the circumference of one calf compared to the other suggests the presence of a deep vein thrombosis. Option A is incorrect because rubbing the lower leg may dislodge a clot if present. Option B is incorrect as elastic stockings should not be removed frequently as this can increase the risk of clot formation. Option D is incorrect as dorsiflexing the foot can lead to pain and should not be done to assess for DVT.

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