Nursing Elites

1. When providing care for a client receiving palliative care for terminal cancer, what should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Pain management
• B. Arranging family visits
• C. Discussing advance directives
• D. Providing nutritional support

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When caring for a client receiving palliative care for terminal cancer, the nurse should prioritize pain management. Effective pain management is crucial in enhancing the quality of life for terminally ill patients. While arranging family visits and discussing advance directives are important aspects of care, pain management takes precedence in providing comfort and alleviating suffering. Nutritional support is essential but may be of lesser priority compared to pain management in this context.

2. The nurse is caring for a client who has just returned from surgery with a urinary catheter in place. What is the most important action to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs)?

• A. Irrigate the catheter daily
• B. Ensure the catheter bag is always below bladder level
• C. Change the catheter every 48 hours
• D. Administer prophylactic antibiotics

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to ensure the catheter bag is always below bladder level. This positioning helps prevent backflow of urine, reducing the risk of CAUTIs. Choice A, irrigating the catheter daily, is not recommended as it can introduce pathogens into the bladder. Changing the catheter too frequently (Choice C) can increase the risk of introducing pathogens. Administering prophylactic antibiotics (Choice D) is not the primary intervention for preventing CAUTIs and can lead to antibiotic resistance.

3. Which nursing activity is within the scope of practice for the practical nurse?

• A. Complete an admission assessment in the normal newborn nursery
• B. Discontinue a central venous catheter that has become dislodged
• C. Observe a client rotate the subcutaneous site for an insulin pump
• D. Monitor a continuous narcotic epidural for a postoperative client

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Observe a client rotate the subcutaneous site for an insulin pump.' This activity is within the scope of practice for a practical nurse as it involves observing and ensuring proper technique for using an insulin pump, which aligns with their training and responsibilities. Choices A, B, and D are beyond the typical scope of practice for a practical nurse. Completing an admission assessment for a newborn nursery is usually performed by a registered nurse. Discontinuing a dislodged central venous catheter and monitoring a narcotic epidural require advanced skills and knowledge, usually carried out by registered nurses or advanced practice nurses.

4. A client with hypothyroidism is being treated with levothyroxine (Synthroid). What is the most important information for the nurse to provide to the client?

• A. Take the medication on an empty stomach
• B. Monitor for signs of hyperthyroidism
• C. Expect to see results within a week
• D. Avoid exposure to sunlight

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important information for the nurse to provide to a client with hypothyroidism being treated with levothyroxine is to monitor for signs of hyperthyroidism. Too much levothyroxine can lead to symptoms of hyperthyroidism, indicating an overdose. Choice A is incorrect as levothyroxine is usually taken on an empty stomach to ensure optimal absorption. Choice C is inaccurate as it may take weeks to months to see the full effects of levothyroxine therapy due to the need for dosage adjustments. Choice D is unrelated to levothyroxine therapy and is not a crucial concern for this specific medication.

5. The nurse is preparing to administer a subcutaneous injection of heparin. What is the correct angle of insertion?

• A. 15 degrees
• B. 30 degrees
• C. 45 degrees
• D. 90 degrees

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct angle of insertion for a subcutaneous injection, such as heparin, is 45 degrees. This angle is appropriate as it helps to ensure proper delivery of the medication into the subcutaneous tissue. Option A (15 degrees) is too shallow for a subcutaneous injection and may result in the medication being deposited into the muscle. Option B (30 degrees) is also too shallow for subcutaneous injections. Option D (90 degrees) is used for intramuscular injections, not subcutaneous injections.

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