Nursing Elites

1. A mother brings her child to the well-child clinic and expresses concern to the nurse because the child has been playing with another child diagnosed with hepatitis. The nurse prepares to perform an assessment on the child, knowing that which finding would be of least concern for hepatitis?

• A. Jaundice
• B. Hepatomegaly
• C. Dark-colored, frothy urine
• D. Left upper abdominal quadrant pain

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Assessment findings in a child with hepatitis typically include right upper quadrant tenderness and hepatomegaly. The child may also present with pale, clay-colored stools and dark, frothy urine. Jaundice, which can be observed in the sclerae, nail beds, and mucous membranes, is a common sign of hepatitis. Left upper abdominal quadrant pain is not a typical finding associated with hepatitis; therefore, it would be of least concern in this scenario. The other options are more commonly associated with hepatitis and are important signs to monitor for in a child with possible exposure to the virus.

2. The nurse is performing tuberculosis (TB) skin tests in a clinic that has many patients who have immigrated to the United States. Which question is most important for the nurse to ask before the skin test?

• A. Is there any family history of TB?
• B. How long have you lived in the United States?
• C. Do you take any over-the-counter (OTC) medications?
• D. Have you received the bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine for TB?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: It is crucial for the nurse to inquire about whether the patient has received the bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine for TB before performing the skin test. Patients who have received the BCG vaccine can have a positive Mantoux test, leading to the need for alternative screening methods, such as a chest x-ray, to determine TB infection. While family history of TB and length of time in the United States are relevant factors, they do not directly impact the decision to perform the TB skin test. Asking about over-the-counter medications, unless relevant to TB treatment, is not as critical as assessing BCG vaccination status.

3. A patient is found unconscious in their room with rhythmic jerking of all four extremities and heavy foaming at the mouth. The patient was on seizure precautions with bedrails up and padded. What is the priority action for the nurse to take?

• A. Administer Lorazepam (Ativan)
• B. Turn the patient to his/her side
• C. Call the physician
• D. Suction the patient

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse's priority action should be to turn the patient to his/her side. This position helps maintain an open airway and prevents aspiration of secretions or vomitus. Administering Lorazepam (Ativan) without ensuring a clear airway could lead to further complications. Calling the physician is important, but immediate interventions to protect the airway take precedence. Suctioning the patient may be necessary but should not be the initial action; positioning for airway protection is the priority.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. The oncologist uses the TNM staging system to classify this case as T2, N2, M0. The nurse understands that TNM stands for:

• A. Tumor, Necrosis, Metastasis
• B. Tumor, Node Involvement, Mastectomy
• C. Tumor, Node Involvement, Metastasis
• D. Therapy, Necrosis, Metastasis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The TNM staging system is a classification system for determining the size and extent of cancerous tissue. The TNM system helps providers to identify the most accurate forms of treatment. The T stands for tumor, the N stands for node involvement, and the M stands for metastasis. Choice A, 'Tumor, Necrosis, Metastasis,' is incorrect because it does not include the node involvement component. Choice B, 'Tumor, Node Involvement, Mastectomy,' is incorrect as it erroneously includes the treatment approach 'Mastectomy' instead of 'Metastasis.' Choice D, 'Therapy, Necrosis, Metastasis,' is incorrect because it includes 'Therapy' instead of the correct component 'Node Involvement.'

5. What is the likely cause of pericarditis in a young patient?

• A. Heart failure
• B. Acute MI
• C. Hypertension
• D. Infectious processes

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In younger patients, pericarditis is typically caused by an infection commonly triggered by viruses like the Coxsackie virus, streptococcus, staphylococcus, or Haemophilus influenzae. Infectious processes are the leading cause of pericarditis in younger individuals. Heart failure, Acute MI, and Hypertension are not common causes of pericarditis in young patients. In older adults, acute myocardial infarction (MI) is a more common cause of pericarditis.

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