Nursing Elites

1. A client with a spinal cord injury is preparing to return home from the rehabilitation unit. Which of the following statements by a family member indicates a need for further teaching regarding autonomic dysreflexia?

• A. "I should raise him to a sitting position."?
• B. "I should check for a fecal impaction."?
• C. "I should look for a kink in the urinary catheter tubing."?
• D. "I should observe whether symptoms worsen."?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: If the client develops signs or symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia, they need to be addressed immediately. If the family member is not able to relieve them, a healthcare provider needs to be notified immediately. The statement 'I should observe whether symptoms worsen' indicates a passive approach and does not address the urgency of the situation. Choices A, B, and C are correct as they involve active measures to address autonomic dysreflexia, such as raising the client to a sitting position, checking for a fecal impaction, and looking for a kink in the urinary catheter tubing.

2. An example of a process standard on a med-surg unit is:

• A. a procedure for changing IV tubing.
• B. a policy for staffing.
• C. the job description of the CEO (chief executive officer).
• D. a procedure for checking waveforms on a client being treated with an intra-aortic balloon pump.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Process standards define the actions and behaviors required by staff to provide care on a med-surg unit. A procedure for changing IV tubing is a critical psychomotor skill necessary for safe and effective patient care in this setting. Choice B, a policy for staffing, pertains more to organizational management rather than specific care processes on the unit. Choice C, the job description of the CEO, delineates the responsibilities of the organization's top executive and is not a process standard for frontline staff. Choice D, a procedure for checking waveforms on a client with an intra-aortic balloon pump, is more specific to a cardiac care unit and not typically performed on a med-surg unit.

3. What is the most common cause of injury from a house fire?

• A. Explosion
• B. Falls from second-story windows
• C. Thermal damage to skin and body surfaces
• D. Inhalation injury

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Inhalation injury is the most common cause of injury from a house fire. When a fire occurs, the smoke produced contains harmful gases and particles that can be inhaled, leading to serious respiratory issues. This makes inhalation injury the primary concern during a house fire. Choices A, B, and C are less likely to be the primary cause of injury. While explosions may occur in some cases, inhalation of smoke and toxic fumes is generally the most prevalent danger. Falls from windows and thermal damage to the skin are also significant risks but typically occur after inhalation injuries in the sequence of events during a house fire.

4. A nurse planning care for her assigned clients understands that which aspect is the purpose of the hospital's standards of care?

• A. Identify methods of treatment.
• B. Provide direction for care based on the client's diagnosis.
• C. Identify new care methods based on current medical research.
• D. Provide direction for the practice of nursing

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The purpose of the hospital's standards of care is to provide a broad direction for the overall practice of nursing that applies to all nursing situations, across specialty areas, and across the country. These standards guide the practice of nursing by outlining the expected level of care and professional performance. While identifying methods of treatment is important, it is usually specific to individual client needs and not the overarching goal of standards of care. Providing direction for care solely based on the client's diagnosis is limited to a particular patient's treatment plan and does not encompass the broader scope of nursing practice. Identifying new care methods based on current medical research is essential for advancing healthcare practices but is not the primary purpose of the hospital's standards of care.

5. A nurse is planning task assignments for the day. Which task should the nurse assign to the nursing assistant?

• A. Suctioning a client who requires periodic suctioning
• B. Assessing a client who has undergone an arteriogram and requires close monitoring
• C. Performing colostomy irrigation on a client with an ostomy
• D. Assisting a client who needs frequent ambulation with a walker

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When delegating tasks, a nurse must consider the staff member's education and competency level. Noninvasive tasks like helping a client ambulate with a walker are usually suitable for nursing assistants. Suctioning a client and colostomy irrigation are invasive procedures that require a licensed nurse's skills. Assessing a client post-arteriogram for any complications or changes in condition also necessitates the expertise of a licensed nurse. Therefore, the most appropriate task to assign to a nursing assistant is assisting a client who needs frequent ambulation with a walker.

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