Nursing Elites

1. A client undergoing chemotherapy reports a sudden onset of severe back pain. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Administer pain medication as prescribed
• B. Assess the pain's nature and intensity
• C. Encourage the client to rest and apply a hot pack
• D. Notify the physician immediately

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse is to assess the nature and intensity of the pain. This initial assessment is crucial in determining the underlying cause of the pain, whether it is related to the chemotherapy or another issue. Understanding the pain's characteristics will guide the nurse in implementing appropriate interventions and seeking timely medical assistance if needed. Administering pain medication without a thorough assessment may mask important symptoms and delay necessary treatment. Encouraging rest and hot pack application may be appropriate interventions but should come after assessing the pain. Notifying the physician immediately can be important but should follow the initial assessment to provide comprehensive information to the healthcare provider.

2. Which client assessment falls within the scope of practice for the practical nurse?

• A. An agitated client with bilateral wrist restraints
• B. New admission of a client with deep vein thrombosis
• C. Return of a post-anesthesia client following a colon resection
• D. Transfer of a client with sepsis from a long-term care facility

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because assessing a new deep vein thrombosis (DVT) patient is within the scope of practical nursing. It involves monitoring and supporting the circulatory system health, which is a common responsibility for practical nurses. Choices A, C, and D involve scenarios that are typically beyond the initial assessment and care provided by practical nurses. An agitated client with bilateral wrist restraints may require immediate intervention by higher-level healthcare providers due to safety concerns and potential underlying issues. The return of a post-anesthesia client following a colon resection and the transfer of a client with sepsis involve more specialized care that goes beyond the typical responsibilities of a practical nurse, often requiring interventions from registered nurses or physicians.

3. The nurse is caring for a client postoperatively following a thyroidectomy. Which assessment finding should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately?

• A. Hoarseness of the voice.
• B. Slight swelling at the incision site.
• C. Tingling around the mouth.
• D. Mild fever.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Tingling around the mouth should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately as it may indicate hypocalcemia, a potential complication after thyroidectomy. Hoarseness of the voice is common postoperatively due to surgical manipulation, slight swelling at the incision site is a normal response, and a mild fever can be expected after surgery. However, tingling around the mouth suggests a potential calcium imbalance, which requires prompt attention to prevent serious complications.

4. A client is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which instruction about insulin administration should the nurse emphasize?

• A. Rotate injection sites to prevent tissue damage
• B. Inject insulin into the same site to increase absorption
• C. Only use insulin pens
• D. Mix different types of insulin in the same syringe

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to only use insulin pens. This is because insulin pens provide a convenient and accurate way to administer insulin. Rotating injection sites is important to prevent tissue damage and promote consistent insulin absorption, making choice A incorrect. Injecting insulin into the same site can lead to lipodystrophy and is not recommended, making choice B incorrect. Mixing different types of insulin in the same syringe can alter their action profiles and is generally not recommended, making choice D incorrect.

5. A client's daughter phones the charge nurse to report that the night nurse did not provide good care for her mother. What response should the nurse make?

• A. Explain that all staff are doing their best
• B. Ask for a description of what happened during the night
• C. Tell the daughter to talk to the unit's nurse manager
• D. Reassure the daughter that the mother will get better care

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct response for the nurse in this situation is to ask for a description of what happened during the night. This allows the nurse to gather specific information about the care provided and address the complaint appropriately. Choice A is incorrect because dismissing the concern by stating that all staff are doing their best does not address the specific complaint. Choice C is not the best immediate response as the charge nurse should first gather information before escalating the issue to the nurse manager. Choice D is incorrect as it focuses on reassurance without addressing the reported issue.

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