Nursing Elites

1. A client in a long-term care facility has developed reddened skin over the sacrum, which has cracked and started to blister. The nurse confirms that the client has not been assisted with turning while in bed. Which stage of pressure ulcer is this client exhibiting?

• A. Stage I
• B. Stage II
• C. Stage III
• D. Stage IV

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The client is exhibiting a stage II pressure ulcer. A stage II pressure ulcer develops as a partial thickness wound that affects both the epidermis and the dermal layers of skin. This stage can present with red skin, blisters, or cracking, appearing shallow and moist. However, the ulcer does not extend to the underlying tissues at this stage. Choice A (Stage I) is incorrect as Stage I ulcers involve non-blanchable redness of intact skin. Choices C (Stage III) and D (Stage IV) are incorrect as they involve more severe tissue damage, extending into deeper layers of the skin and underlying tissues, which is not the case in this scenario.

2. The nurse is reviewing percussion techniques with a new graduate nurse. Which action performed by the graduate nurse while percussing requires the nurse to intervene?

• A. Percussing twice over each area
• B. Striking with the fingertip, not the finger pad
• C. Using the wrist to make the strikes, not the arm
• D. Quickly lifting the striking finger after each stroke

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to percuss twice over each area, not once. This technique helps ensure a more accurate assessment. Striking with the fingertip instead of the finger pad is correct because the tip of the finger produces clearer sounds. Using the wrist to make the strikes instead of the arm is appropriate as it allows for more controlled and precise percussion. Quickly lifting the striking finger after each stroke is also correct to prevent damping off vibrations. Therefore, percussing once over each area (Choice A) is incorrect as it does not follow the standard percussion technique.

3. A healthcare professional is asked to draw blood in the antecubital (AC) space. Which of the following veins are found in the AC?

• A. Cephalic
• B. Median cubital
• C. Basilic
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'All of the above.' All three of these veins - the cephalic, median cubital, and basilic veins - are located in the antecubital space, which is the area in front of the elbow on the arm. The cephalic vein runs along the outer side of the arm, the basilic vein runs along the inner side of the arm, and the median cubital vein is a connecting vein between the cephalic and basilic veins. Therefore, all three veins can be accessed when drawing blood from the antecubital space. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because each of these veins individually can be found in the antecubital space.

4. The NFPA diamond has four colors. The blue diamond:

• A. indicates hazards to health.
• B. designates that it is safe to use water to put out this type of fire.
• C. indicates that ice is necessary to treat an injury with this type of chemical.
• D. indicates that the chemical may be incinerated upon disposal.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) uses a safety diamond to communicate the level of threat posed by a specific chemical. The blue diamond in the NFPA diamond system signifies potential health hazards associated with the use of that chemical. Choice B is incorrect because the blue diamond does not indicate anything about using water to extinguish fires. Choice C is incorrect as the NFPA diamond does not provide information on treating injuries. Choice D is also incorrect as the blue diamond does not suggest incineration upon disposal; it pertains to health hazards.

5. Which of the following would be most important for the nurse to keep in mind regarding the use of side rails for a confused patient?

• A. A person of small stature is at increased risk for injury from entrapment.
• B. A history of a previous fall from a bed with raised side rails is significant.
• C. The desire to prevent a patient from wandering is not sufficient reason for the use of side rails.
• D. Creative use of alternative measures indicates respect for the patient's dignity.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When considering the use of side rails for a confused patient, it is crucial for the nurse to understand that individuals of small stature are at a higher risk for injury from entrapment. Studies have shown that people of small stature are more likely to slip through or between the side rails, making them vulnerable to harm. It is essential to prioritize patient safety and avoid potential risks associated with entrapment. Conversely, a history of previous falls from a bed with raised side rails is significant as it indicates a heightened risk for future serious incidents. The desire to prevent a patient from wandering alone does not justify the use of side rails; instead, alternative measures should be creatively employed to respect the patient's dignity and avoid more serious fall-related injuries.

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