Nursing Elites

1. A client is post-operative day two from a total hip arthroplasty. The nurse notices the surgical wound is red and warm to the touch. What is the most appropriate action?

• A. Apply an ice pack to the incision site.
• B. Monitor the client's temperature.
• C. Document the findings and continue to monitor.
• D. Notify the healthcare provider.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action when a nurse notices redness and warmth at the surgical wound post total hip arthroplasty is to notify the healthcare provider. These signs may indicate an infection, and prompt evaluation by the healthcare provider is crucial to initiate appropriate treatment. Applying an ice pack (Choice A) may not address the underlying issue of a potential infection. Monitoring the client's temperature (Choice B) is important but not the priority when signs of infection are present. Documenting the findings and continuing to monitor (Choice C) is necessary but should be accompanied by notifying the healthcare provider for further assessment and intervention.

2. The home health nurse suspects elder abuse after observing fresh lacerations on the arms and legs of an older adult male client who lives with his daughter. Which action is most important for the nurse to take?

• A. Document the lacerations in the client's record
• B. Report findings to the supervisor for referral to adult protective services
• C. Ask the daughter who has been taking care of the client on a daily basis
• D. Apply dry dressings after cleansing the wounds

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In cases where elder abuse is suspected, the most critical action for the nurse to take is to report the findings to the supervisor for referral to adult protective services. This step is essential to protect the client from further harm and ensure their safety. Documenting the lacerations, as suggested in choice A, is important but not as urgent as ensuring immediate intervention by reporting the abuse. Asking the daughter for information, as in choice C, may not be effective if she is the abuser. Applying dressings, as in choice D, is a lower priority compared to taking action to address the suspected abuse.

3. All of the following are posture and body alignment problems EXCEPT:

• A. Kyphosis
• B. Scoliosis
• C. Thrombosis
• D. Lumbar lordosis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Thrombosis is a condition involving blood clots and is not related to posture or body alignment, unlike kyphosis, scoliosis, and lumbar lordosis, which are spinal alignment issues. Kyphosis refers to excessive outward curvature of the spine, scoliosis is characterized by a sideways curvature of the spine, and lumbar lordosis involves an exaggerated inward curve in the lower back. Thrombosis, on the other hand, is a condition where blood clots form in the blood vessels, not a posture or body alignment problem.

4. A registered nurse is preparing to hang the first bag of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solution. The client has a central line, and this is the first bag he will receive. Which of the following is the most essential piece of equipment to obtain prior to hanging the bag?

• A. Blood glucose meter
• B. Noninvasive blood pressure monitor
• C. Electronic infusion pump
• D. Urine test strips

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An electronic infusion pump is essential for administering TPN to ensure accurate delivery and avoid complications such as fluid overload or improper nutrient delivery. The pump helps regulate the flow rate precisely, which is crucial when infusing TPN. Monitoring the client's blood glucose is important but not immediately necessary before hanging the TPN bag. A noninvasive blood pressure monitor is not directly related to administering TPN and is not the most essential equipment needed for this procedure. Urine test strips are not required for administering TPN via a central line and are not essential equipment for this specific task.

5. When a woman in early pregnancy is leaving the clinic, she blushes and asks the nurse if it is true that sex during pregnancy is bad for the baby. What is the best response for the nurse to give?

• A. The baby is protected by the sac. Sex is perfectly alright.
• B. It is unlikely to harm the baby. What you do with your personal life is your concern.
• C. Intercourse during pregnancy is usually alright, but you need to ask the doctor if it is acceptable for you.
• D. In a normal pregnancy, intercourse will not harm the baby. However, many women experience a change in desire. How are you feeling?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Choice D is the best response as it reassures the patient that intercourse in a normal pregnancy will not harm the baby. It also shows empathy by acknowledging that many women experience changes in sexual desire during pregnancy. This response validates the patient's concerns and opens up a dialogue about her feelings. Choice A is incorrect as it lacks information about changes in sexual desire and oversimplifies the situation. Choice B is dismissive of the patient's concerns and does not provide adequate information. Choice C is not the best response as it suggests asking the doctor without offering immediate reassurance or addressing the patient's worries.

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