Nursing Elites

1. A client reports severe pain unrelieved by pain medication in a limb with traction. What is the nurse's priority?

• A. Increase the dosage of pain medication.
• B. Assess for compartment syndrome.
• C. Wait for the healthcare provider to address the issue.
• D. Reposition the client to alleviate the pain.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess for compartment syndrome. Severe unrelieved pain in a limb with traction can be a sign of compartment syndrome, a surgical emergency. Prompt assessment is crucial to prevent potential complications. Increasing pain medication dosage without addressing the underlying cause may delay necessary interventions. Waiting for the healthcare provider may lead to a critical delay in treatment. Repositioning the client may not alleviate the pain if it is due to compartment syndrome, and it is crucial to assess for this condition first.

2. Which of the following statements reflects the principles of sterile technique?

• A. Sterile objects that come in contact with unsterile objects are to be considered contaminated.
• B. Items in a sterile package must be used immediately once the package has been opened; otherwise, they are considered contaminated.
• C. Any part of a sterile field that hangs below the top of the table is sterile as long as it is not touched.
• D. The edge of a sterile field and a border 1 inch (2.5 cm) inward is unsterile.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct statement reflecting the principles of sterile technique is that sterile objects that come in contact with unsterile objects are considered contaminated. This principle is crucial in maintaining asepsis during medical procedures. Choice B is incorrect because items in a sterile package should only be used if they remain sterile; opening the package does not automatically contaminate the items. Choice C is incorrect as any part of a sterile field that hangs below the top of the table is considered unsterile. Choice D is incorrect as the edge of a sterile field and a border inward are typically considered unsterile to maintain the integrity of the sterile area.

3. Which intervention is essential when caring for a patient with a nasogastric (NG) tube?

• A. Suction the NG tube every 4 hours.
• B. Check the placement of the NG tube before each feeding.
• C. Flush the NG tube with water before and after each medication administration.
• D. Remove the NG tube once the patient feels comfortable.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Checking the placement of the NG tube before each feeding is crucial to ensure it is correctly positioned and safe to use. Option A is incorrect as routine suctioning can lead to complications and should only be done as needed. Option C is not necessary unless there are specific instructions for flushing. Option D is incorrect as the NG tube should only be removed by healthcare professionals based on medical criteria, not solely based on the patient's comfort.

4. A patient has an ankle restraint applied. Upon assessment, the nurse finds the toes a light blue color. Which action will the nurse take next?

• A. Immediately do a complete head-to-toe neurological assessment.
• B. Take the patient's blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiratory rate.
• C. Place a blanket over the feet.
• D. Remove the restraint.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to remove the restraint (Choice D). Cyanosis of the toes, indicated by a light blue color, suggests impaired circulation. The priority action is to ensure proper circulation by removing the restraint to prevent further compromise. Choices A and B are not the immediate actions needed for cyanosis related to impaired circulation. Choice C, placing a blanket over the feet, does not address the underlying issue of impaired circulation and could delay appropriate intervention.

5. A healthcare provider writes a prescription for a medication dose three times the normal range. What should the nurse do?

• A. Administer the medication as prescribed
• B. Question the prescription with the provider
• C. Consult with the pharmacist about the dosage
• D. Delay the medication until verification can be made

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse in this situation is to question the prescription with the provider. Administering a medication dose three times the normal range without clarification could pose serious risks to the client. Consulting with the pharmacist about the dosage or delaying the medication until verification can be made are not the initial steps to take; the nurse should first clarify the prescription with the healthcare provider to ensure patient safety.

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