Nursing Elites

1. When assessing a client with terminal cancer receiving a continuous intravenous infusion of morphine sulfate, what should the nurse check first?

• A. Temperature
• B. Respiratory status
• C. Pulse
• D. Urine output

Correct answer: Respiratory status

Rationale: When assessing a client with terminal cancer receiving morphine sulfate via continuous intravenous infusion, the nurse's priority should be checking the client's respiratory status first. Morphine sulfate can lead to respiratory depression, emphasizing the need for close monitoring of breathing. While temperature, pulse, and urine output are all essential components of the assessment, ensuring adequate respiratory function takes precedence due to the potential risk of respiratory depression associated with morphine sulfate. Promptly assessing respiratory status enables early identification of any signs of respiratory distress or depression, allowing for immediate intervention if needed.

2. During shift change, a nurse is giving report to the oncoming LPN. Which of these is an inappropriate way to give shift report?

• A. The nurse gives report to the oncoming LPN, checking a wound vac and dressing together.
• B. The nurse reports in SBAR format, noting that the client was noncompliant with their diet during the shift.
• C. The nurse reports in the hallway, in SBAR format, and alerts the oncoming LPN about how rude the client was throughout the shift.
• D. The nurse reports at bedside with the oncoming LPN and discusses the client’s concerns after the chart has been reviewed.

Correct answer: The nurse reports in the hallway, in SBAR format, and alerts the oncoming LPN about how rude the client was throughout the shift.

Rationale: The correct answer is 'The nurse reports in the hallway, in SBAR format, and alerts the oncoming LPN about how rude the client was throughout the shift.' This choice is inappropriate because shift report should be given at the bedside, in SBAR format, and in an objective way. It is important to maintain professionalism and focus on the client's condition and care needs, rather than personal opinions or subjective comments. Reporting in the hallway may compromise patient privacy and confidentiality. Choices A, B, and D demonstrate appropriate ways of giving shift report by focusing on relevant information, using SBAR format, and discussing client concerns after reviewing the chart, which promotes effective communication and continuity of care.

3. A client being treated for sickle cell disease has an order for pain medication. Morphine was ordered, but the nurse is having difficulty deciphering the dose. The nurse should ____.

• A. ask the attending physician to clarify the order, including the correct medication, dose, route, and frequency
• B. call the charge nurse to inform the attending physician and verify the order, including the correct medication, dose, route, and frequency
• C. call the attending physician to verbally verify the order, including the correct medication, dose, route, and frequency
• D. refrain from administering the medication until the charge nurse can assist in determining the correct dosage

Correct answer: call the attending physician to verbally verify the order, including the correct medication, dose, route, and frequency

Rationale: In this scenario, when a nurse encounters difficulties in deciphering an order, the appropriate action is to contact the attending physician directly to clarify and verify the medication, dose, route, and frequency. It is crucial for the nurse to have a clear understanding of the order before administering any medication to ensure patient safety and proper treatment. Option A is incorrect as it suggests asking the attending physician to clarify without specifying the urgency of the situation. Option B involves an unnecessary additional step by first contacting the charge nurse before reaching out to the attending physician, potentially delaying the clarification process. Option D is incorrect as it advises refraining from administering the medication, which may not be necessary if the correct dosage can be promptly verified by contacting the attending physician.

4. Which of the following tasks are appropriate for an LPN to perform? Select all that apply.

• A. Adjusting the cervical traction device of a 68-year-old client as instructed by the charge nurse.
• B. Teaching a 24-year-old first-time mother how to properly care for her new baby.
• C. Assessing a 36-year-old man newly admitted for chest pain.
• D. Obtaining an occult blood sample from a 16-year-old client with ulcerative colitis.

Correct answer: B, D

Rationale: Tasks appropriate for an LPN to perform include teaching, obtaining samples, and documenting. LPNs can educate clients on care practices, such as teaching a new mother how to care for her baby. Obtaining samples, like an occult blood sample, falls within the scope of an LPN's responsibilities. Assessments, especially initial assessments, should be conducted by a registered nurse or physician, making option C incorrect. Adjusting devices like a cervical traction device should be done based on direct orders from prescribing providers, not charge nurses, making option A inappropriate for an LPN's role.

5. The method of splinting is always dictated by:

• A. location of the injury and whether it is open or closed.
• B. the severity of the client’s condition and the priority decision.
• C. the number of available rescuers and the type of splints.
• D. all of the above.

Correct answer: the severity of the client’s condition and the priority decision.

Rationale: The correct answer is 'the severity of the client’s condition and the priority decision.' When determining the method of splinting, it is crucial to consider the severity of the client’s condition and make decisions based on their priority. Choice A is incorrect because while the location of the injury and whether it is open or closed are important factors, they do not always dictate the method of splinting. Choice C is incorrect as the number of available rescuers and the type of splints may impact the execution of splinting but do not solely dictate the method. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests that all the factors mentioned dictate the method, but in reality, the severity of the client’s condition and the priority decision are the primary factors.

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