Nursing Elites

1. When inspecting the ears for cerumen impaction, the nurse checks for which finding?

• A. Redness and swelling of the tympanic membrane
• B. An external auditory canal that is longer than normal
• C. The presence of edema in the external auditory canal
• D. A yellowish or brownish waxy material in the external auditory canal

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When inspecting the ears for cerumen impaction, the nurse should look for a yellowish or brownish waxy material in the external auditory canal. Cerumen, also known as ear wax, is a secretion that can become impacted due to various reasons. It is produced by the vestigial apocrine sweat glands in the external ear canal. Cerumen may partially obscure the eardrum or totally occlude the ear canal. The other options, redness and swelling of the tympanic membrane, an external auditory canal that is longer than normal, and the presence of edema in the external auditory canal, are not indicative findings of cerumen impaction.

2. While reviewing a client's health care record, a nurse notes documentation of the presence of borborygmus on abdominal assessment. Which finding does the nurse expect to note when auscultating the client's bowel sounds?

• A. Hypoactive bowel sounds
• B. Low-pitched bowel sounds
• C. Hyperactive bowel sounds
• D. An absence of bowel sounds

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Borborygmus, a type of hyperactive bowel sound, is fairly common. It indicates hyperperistalsis, and the client may describe it as a growling stomach. Hyperactive bowel sounds are loud, high-pitched, and rushing sounds. Hypoactive bowel sounds are low-pitched and may occur post-surgery or with peritoneal inflammation. Low-pitched bowel sounds are not typically associated with borborygmus. An absence of bowel sounds indicates a potentially serious issue like an ileus, where bowel motility is decreased or absent.

3. When a woman is receiving postpartum epidural morphine, the nurse should plan to observe for which of the following side effects to occur within the first 3 hours?

• A. nausea and vomiting
• B. itching
• C. urinary retention
• D. somnolence

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A side effect of postpartum epidural morphine is the onset of itching within 3 hours of injection and lasting up to 10 hours. Nausea and vomiting might occur 4-7 hours after injection. While urinary retention is a side effect of postpartum epidural morphine, it is not typically assessed within the first 3 hours. Somnolence is a rare side effect and not commonly observed within the first 3 hours. Therefore, itching is the most likely side effect to be observed within the initial 3 hours after administering postpartum epidural morphine.

4. Which of the following strategies should the nurse include when planning care for children of migrant workers?

• A. Delay immunizations due to acute illness.
• B. Provide parents with copies of medical records.
• C. Offer preventive services during acute illness visits.
• D. Emphasize the importance of having one primary care provider.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When planning care for children of migrant workers, providing parents with copies of medical records is essential. This helps ensure continuity of care, especially as migrant families may move frequently. Immunizations should not be delayed due to acute illness; preventive care, including immunizations, should be provided even during acute illness visits to ensure the child stays up to date. While it is important to offer preventive services during routine visits, it is not ideal to provide them only during acute illness visits. Emphasizing the importance of having one primary care provider is valuable in healthcare, but it may not be feasible for migrant families due to their mobility.

5. A 4-year-old client is unable to go to sleep at night in the hospital. Which nursing intervention best promotes sleep for the child?

• A. turning out the room light and closing the door
• B. tiring the child during the evening with quiet activities
• C. identifying the child's home bedtime rituals and following them
• D. encouraging visitation by friends during the evening

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For a 4-year-old client struggling to sleep in the hospital, it is essential to identify and replicate their home bedtime rituals. This familiarity can provide comfort and promote better sleep. Turning out the room light and closing the door (Choice A) might increase the child's fear by plunging the room into darkness, making it an incorrect choice. Tiring the child with quiet activities (Choice B) is incorrect as it may stimulate rather than calm the child. Encouraging visitation by friends (Choice D) can lead to increased excitement, hindering the child's ability to fall asleep instead of promoting a restful environment.

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