Nursing Elites

1. A home health nurse is teaching a new caregiver how to care for a client who has had a tracheostomy for 1 year. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Use tracheostomy covers when going outdoors.
• B. Maintain sterile technique when performing tracheostomy care.
• C. Do not remove the outer cannula for routine cleaning.
• D. Clean around the stoma with normal saline.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to use tracheostomy covers when going outdoors. This instruction is important as it helps protect the airway from dust and other particles, reducing the risk of infection or irritation. Choice B is incorrect because maintaining sterile technique is crucial during tracheostomy care to prevent infections, but it is not the most pertinent instruction in this scenario. Choice C is incorrect as removing the outer cannula is not a routine cleaning procedure and should only be done by healthcare professionals when necessary. Choice D is incorrect because cleaning around the stoma with normal saline is not recommended as it can cause irritation to the skin and stoma site.

2. A mother of a child with a neural tube defect asks the nurse what she can do to decrease the chances of having another baby with a neural tube defect. What is the best response by the nurse?

• A. Folic acid should be taken before and after conception.
• B. Multivitamin supplements are recommended during pregnancy.
• C. A well-balanced diet promotes normal fetal development.
• D. Increased dietary iron improves the health of mother and fetus.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Folic acid should be taken before and after conception.' Folic acid supplementation before and during early pregnancy has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Choice B is incorrect because while multivitamin supplements are beneficial during pregnancy, the specific focus for preventing neural tube defects is on folic acid. Choice C is a general statement about a well-balanced diet and does not specifically address neural tube defects. Choice D is incorrect as it focuses on dietary iron, which is important for overall health but not specifically proven to prevent neural tube defects.

3. Before starting an intensive exercise program, what instruction is most important for the nurse to provide to the client?

• A. Be sure to have a complete physical examination before beginning your planned exercise program.
• B. Be careful that the exercise program doesn't simply add to your stress level, making you want to eat more.
• C. Increased exercise helps to reduce stress, so you may not need to spend money on a stress management class.
• D. Make sure to monitor your weight loss regularly to provide a sense of accomplishment and motivation.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Before starting an intensive exercise program, it is crucial for the client to have a complete physical examination. This examination ensures that the client is physically fit to engage in such activities and helps in identifying any underlying health issues that could be exacerbated by the exercise regimen. Choice B is incorrect because it focuses on stress levels related to eating habits rather than the importance of a physical examination for safety. Choice C is incorrect as exercise and stress management classes can complement each other rather than being mutually exclusive. Choice D is incorrect as monitoring weight loss, while important, is not as critical as ensuring the client's physical readiness for the exercise program.

4. A healthcare professional is assessing postoperative circulation of the lower extremities for a client who had knee surgery. The healthcare professional should test which of the following?

• A. Range of motion
• B. Skin color
• C. Edema
• D. Skin temperature

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Assessing skin color is crucial to evaluate perfusion and circulation postoperatively. Skin color changes can indicate compromised circulation, such as pallor or cyanosis. Edema may suggest fluid retention but is not a direct indicator of circulation status. Range of motion is more related to joint function and mobility, not specifically circulation.

5. When caring for a client at the end of life, which statement by the client’s partner reflects effective coping?

• A. I am relying on support from our family during this time.
• B. I am feeling overwhelmed but don’t want to talk about it.
• C. I am managing everything on my own without help.
• D. I prefer to stay alone with my partner.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'I am relying on support from our family during this time.' When a client is at the end of life, relying on support from family can be an effective coping mechanism. It allows the partner to share the emotional burden, seek comfort, and prevent feelings of isolation. Choice B reflects a reluctance to express feelings, which can hinder coping mechanisms by internalizing stress. Choice C suggests handling everything alone, which can lead to burnout and emotional strain due to the overwhelming responsibilities. Choice D, preferring to stay alone with the partner, may limit access to external support that could provide additional emotional and practical assistance during this challenging time, making it a less effective coping strategy.

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