Nursing Elites

1. A client's chest tube insertion site has crepitus (crackling sensation) upon palpation. What is the nurse's next step?

• A. Apply a pressure dressing to the chest tube site.
• B. Administer an oral antihistamine.
• C. Assess the client for allergies to cleaning agents.
• D. Measure the area of swelling and crackling.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct next step for the nurse is to measure the area of crepitus. Crepitus indicates subcutaneous emphysema, which is a serious condition requiring monitoring. Applying a pressure dressing (Choice A) could worsen the condition by trapping air under the skin. Administering an oral antihistamine (Choice B) is not indicated for crepitus. Assessing for allergies to cleaning agents (Choice C) is not the priority when dealing with crepitus and subcutaneous emphysema.

2. An older client is brought to the ED with a sudden onset of confusion that occurred after experiencing a fall at home. The client's daughter, who has power of attorney, has brought the client's prescriptions. Which information should the nurse provide first when reporting to the healthcare provider using SBAR communication?

• A. The client has been taking multiple medications
• B. The client is experiencing increasing confusion
• C. The client's vital signs are stable
• D. The client fell at home and has sustained bruises

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When utilizing the SBAR communication method, the nurse should prioritize reporting the client's increasing confusion to the healthcare provider first. Sudden onset of confusion in an older adult following a fall can indicate serious underlying conditions like a head injury, medication reaction, or infection. Addressing the confusion as the primary concern ensures prompt assessment and appropriate treatment. Choices A, C, and D are not as urgent as the client's increasing confusion and may be addressed after ensuring immediate attention to the potential critical issue.

3. The nurse leading a medical-surgical unit care team assigns client care to a PN and a UAP. Which task should the nurse delegate to the UAP?

• A. Assess a client's pain level post-surgery
• B. Turn and reposition a client with a total hip replacement
• C. Administer a dose of insulin per sliding scale
• D. Change a postoperative dressing

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Turning and repositioning a client is within the scope of practice of a UAP. This task helps prevent pressure ulcers and assists in maintaining the client's comfort and mobility. Assessing pain level post-surgery requires clinical judgment and interpretation, making it appropriate for a PN or RN. Administering medication like insulin involves critical thinking and potential adjustments based on the client's condition, which is the responsibility of a licensed nurse. Changing postoperative dressings involves wound assessment, infection control, and knowledge of aseptic techniques, tasks that fall under the purview of a PN or RN.

4. 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.

5. A client with cirrhosis is experiencing ascites and peripheral edema. What is the nurse's priority intervention?

• A. Administer furosemide as prescribed.
• B. Administer albumin to increase oncotic pressure.
• C. Elevate the client's legs to reduce swelling.
• D. Administer a sodium-restricted diet.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer furosemide as prescribed. Administering furosemide, a loop diuretic, is the priority intervention in a client with cirrhosis experiencing ascites and peripheral edema. Furosemide helps promote diuresis and reduce fluid buildup in the body. Choice B, administering albumin to increase oncotic pressure, may be beneficial in some cases but is not the priority intervention for immediate fluid removal. Elevating the client's legs (Choice C) and administering a sodium-restricted diet (Choice D) are important aspects of managing edema and ascites but are not the priority interventions in this situation.

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