Nursing Elites

1. A client who sustained a pellet gun injury with a resulting comminuted skull fracture is admitted overnight for observation. Which assessment finding obtained two hours after admission necessitates immediate intervention?

• A. The client complains of a throbbing headache rated 10 (on a scale of 1 to 10)
• B. The client repeatedly falls asleep while talking with the nurse
• C. The entry site has a slow trickle of bright red blood
• D. The entry site appears reddened and edematous

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a client with a pellet gun injury and a comminuted skull fracture, repeatedly falling asleep while talking with the nurse is a concerning sign. It can indicate increased intracranial pressure or a deteriorating condition, requiring immediate intervention. The other options, such as a throbbing headache (choice A), slow trickle of bright red blood at the entry site (choice C), or reddened and edematous entry site (choice D), while important to monitor, do not directly indicate a need for immediate intervention as much as the client falling asleep repeatedly while talking does.

2. The unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) has applied a gown and gloves and secured the tops of the gloves over the gown sleeves. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Confirm that the gown is tied securely at the neck and waist
• B. Remind the UAP to wash hands frequently while in the room
• C. Assist the UAP with application of the face mask or face shield
• D. Help the UAP reposition the gown sleeve over the gloves edges

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Proper application of personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial to maintain infection control. In this scenario, the nurse should help the UAP reposition the gown sleeve over the gloves' edges. This action ensures that the gown properly covers the gloves, reducing the risk of contamination. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the primary concern is to address the improper application of PPE by repositioning the gown sleeves over the gloves, not checking other aspects of PPE or reminding about hand hygiene.

3. The healthcare provider explains through an interpreter the risks and benefits of a scheduled surgical procedure to a non-English speaking female client. The client gives verbal consent, and the healthcare provider leaves, instructing the nurse to witness the signature on the consent form. The client and interpreter then speak together in the foreign language for an additional 2 minutes until the interpreter concludes, 'She says it is OK.' What action should the nurse take next?

• A. Clarify the client’s consent through the use of gestures and simple terms
• B. Have the interpreter co-sign the consent to validate the client's understanding
• C. Ask for a full explanation from the interpreter of the witnessed discussion
• D. Have the client sign the consent form and the nurse witness the signature

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Having the interpreter co-sign the consent form is the most appropriate action in this scenario. By having the interpreter co-sign, it ensures an additional layer of verification of the client's understanding and consent, which is crucial when language barriers exist. This step adds a level of confirmation to safeguard that the client's consent is both valid and well-informed. Option A is not sufficient as gestures and simple terms may not fully clarify the client's understanding, especially for complex medical procedures. Option C is unnecessary since the interpreter has already confirmed the client's consent. Option D does not involve the interpreter in validating the client's understanding, which is essential in this situation to ensure effective communication and comprehension between the client and the healthcare team.

4. Several months after a foot injury, an adult woman is diagnosed with neuropathic pain. The client describes the pain as severe and burning and is unable to put weight on her foot. She asks the nurse when the pain will 'finally go away.' How should the nurse respond?

• A. Explain that healing from the injury can take many months.
• B. Assist the client in developing a goal of managing the pain.
• C. Encourage the client to verbalize her fears about the pain.
• D. Complete an assessment of the client’s functional ability.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Assist the client in developing a goal of managing the pain.' In cases of chronic neuropathic pain, complete resolution is often not achievable. Therefore, the most appropriate approach is to help the client develop strategies to manage the pain effectively. Choice A is incorrect because it may give false hope of immediate resolution, which is unlikely with neuropathic pain. Choice C is incorrect as it does not directly address the client's need for pain management. Choice D is incorrect as it focuses on functional ability assessment, which is not the priority when addressing the client's pain concerns.

5. After witnessing a preoperative client sign the surgical consent form, what are the legal implications of the nurse's signature on the client's form as a witness?

• A. The client voluntarily grants permission for the procedure to be done
• B. The surgeon has explained to the client why the surgery is necessary
• C. The client is competent to sign the consent without impairment of judgment
• D. The client understands the risks and benefits associated with the procedure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse's signature on the consent form signifies that the client is competent to sign the consent without impairment of judgment. This legal implication ensures that the client possesses the necessary capacity to make decisions about their healthcare. Choice A is incorrect because the nurse's signature does not imply the client's voluntary permission for the procedure. Choice B is incorrect as it pertains to the surgeon's responsibility, not the nurse's. Choice D is incorrect as the nurse's signature does not confirm the client's understanding of the risks and benefits associated with the procedure.

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