Nursing Elites

1. A client with cervical cancer is hospitalized for insertion of a sealed internal cervical radiation implant. What action should the nurse take when finding the radiation implant in the bed?

• A. Call radiation therapy for assistance
• B. Place the implant in a lead container using long-handled forceps
• C. Leave the implant in the bed and notify the provider
• D. Dispose of the implant in the nearest sharps container

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when finding the radiation implant in the bed is to use long-handled forceps to place the implant in a lead container. This procedure is crucial in reducing radiation exposure to both the patient and healthcare providers. Calling radiation therapy for assistance (Choice A) may delay the immediate need for safe handling of the implant. Leaving the implant in the bed and notifying the provider (Choice C) is unsafe and can lead to increased radiation exposure. Disposing of the implant in a sharps container (Choice D) is incorrect as the implant should be placed in a lead container, not a sharps container, to contain the radiation.

2. A client with diabetes mellitus is prescribed metformin. What teaching should the nurse include?

• A. Take the medication with meals to reduce gastrointestinal upset.
• B. Monitor renal function regularly due to the risk of lactic acidosis.
• C. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking this medication.
• D. Check blood glucose levels regularly to ensure proper management.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct teaching for a client prescribed metformin includes monitoring renal function regularly due to the risk of lactic acidosis, especially in clients with impaired kidney function. While taking metformin with meals can reduce gastrointestinal upset, it is not the highest priority teaching point. Avoiding alcohol is generally recommended but not the most critical teaching point in this scenario. Checking blood glucose levels regularly is important for diabetes management but not specifically related to metformin use.

3. A client is receiving external beam radiation to the mediastinum for treatment of bronchial cancer. Which of the following should take priority in planning care?

• A. Esophagitis
• B. Leukopenia
• C. Fatigue
• D. Skin irritation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Leukopenia. Leukopenia, or a low white blood cell count, is a critical concern in clients undergoing radiation therapy due to the increased risk of infection. While esophagitis, fatigue, and skin irritation are also potential side effects of radiation therapy, leukopenia poses a higher risk as it compromises the body's ability to fight infections effectively.

4. A nurse is working with a new graduate nurse on the delegation of tasks to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which task would the new nurse need more teaching about delegating?

• A. Taking a client's blood pressure
• B. Providing oral hygiene for a client
• C. Assessing a client's pain level
• D. Assisting a client with ambulation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Assessing a client's pain level. This task involves clinical judgment and interpretation, which are within the scope of a licensed nurse's practice. Delegating pain assessment to unlicensed personnel could lead to errors in pain management and inappropriate interventions. Choices A, B, and D involve tasks that can be safely delegated to unlicensed assistive personnel as they do not involve interpretation or nursing judgment. Taking a client's blood pressure, providing oral hygiene, and assisting with ambulation are all routine tasks that can be appropriately assigned to UAP under the supervision of a licensed nurse.

5. A client with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed methotrexate. What is the most important teaching point for the nurse to provide?

• A. Take the medication with food to avoid gastrointestinal upset.
• B. Monitor for signs of infection, such as a sore throat.
• C. Increase fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
• D. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent photosensitivity.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most important teaching point for a client prescribed methotrexate is to avoid direct sunlight to prevent photosensitivity. Methotrexate can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn and skin damage. Choices A, B, and C are important aspects of client care but are not specifically related to the side effect of photosensitivity caused by methotrexate.

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