Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare provider writes a medication order that seems excessively high for the patient's condition. What is the nurse's first step?

• A. Administer the medication immediately.
• B. Hold the medication and consult the provider.
• C. Reduce the dose without consulting the provider.
• D. Administer the medication after double-checking with another nurse.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first step for the nurse when encountering a medication order that appears excessively high for the patient's condition is to hold the medication and consult the provider. Administering the medication immediately (Choice A) without clarification could pose a risk to the patient's safety. Reducing the dose without consulting the provider (Choice C) is not recommended as it may lead to suboptimal treatment. Administering the medication after double-checking with another nurse (Choice D) is not sufficient; consulting the provider directly is crucial to ensure the accuracy and safety of the medication order.

2. A nurse manager assigns a new nurse to care for a client with unstable blood pressure. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Ask the charge nurse for assistance.
• B. Recheck the blood pressure before calling for help.
• C. Monitor the client's blood pressure closely.
• D. Administer antihypertensive medication immediately.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to recheck the blood pressure before calling for help. When caring for a client with unstable blood pressure, the nurse's priority is to ensure an accurate assessment. Rechecking the blood pressure will confirm the instability and guide further actions. Asking the charge nurse for assistance (Choice A) is important but should come after assessing the situation. Monitoring the client's blood pressure closely (Choice C) is essential, but the immediate action should be to recheck and confirm the current status. Administering antihypertensive medication immediately (Choice D) without a confirmed assessment can be dangerous and is not the initial priority.

3. A patient is receiving an opioid analgesic for pain management. What is the most important assessment for the nurse to perform?

• A. Monitor the patient's blood pressure.
• B. Assess the patient's respiratory rate.
• C. Monitor the patient's oxygen saturation.
• D. Assess the patient's heart rate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the patient's respiratory rate. When a patient is receiving opioids, it is crucial to monitor their respiratory rate as opioids can depress the respiratory system, leading to respiratory depression and potential respiratory failure. Monitoring blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and heart rate are important assessments as well, but the priority lies in assessing respiratory rate due to the risk of respiratory depression associated with opioid use.

4. A nurse is planning preoperative care for a client who will undergo surgery. Which of the following is the priority action by the nurse?

• A. Discuss whether family members will assist with postoperative care
• B. Review the client's current home environment
• C. Identify the client's usual coping mechanisms
• D. Determine what the client knows about the surgery

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the preoperative phase, determining what the client knows about the surgery is the priority. This action helps address misconceptions, provide necessary information, and ensure the client's understanding and cooperation. Choices A, B, and C are important aspects of preoperative care but assessing the client's knowledge about the surgery takes precedence to alleviate fears, enhance communication, and optimize outcomes.

5. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who has a new prescription for codeine for cough suppression. What is the priority instruction?

• A. Avoid driving
• B. Drink plenty of fluids
• C. Move slowly when standing up
• D. Take with food

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to 'Move slowly when standing up.' Codeine can cause orthostatic hypotension, a drop in blood pressure when changing positions, leading to dizziness or fainting. By advising the client to move slowly when standing up, the nurse helps prevent falls or injuries due to sudden drops in blood pressure. Choices A, B, and D are important instructions as well but not the priority when considering the risk of orthostatic hypotension associated with codeine.

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