Nursing Elites

1. A new head nurse on a unit is distressed about the poor staffing on the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift. What should she do?

• A. Complain to her fellow nurses
• B. Wait until she knows more about the unit
• C. Discuss the problem with her supervisor
• D. Inform the staff that they must volunteer to rotate

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the new head nurse should discuss the problem with her supervisor. This is the most appropriate action as the supervisor is in a position to address staffing concerns effectively and make necessary changes. Complaining to fellow nurses may not lead to a solution, waiting may exacerbate the issue, and demanding staff rotation without proper discussion is not a collaborative approach to resolving the problem.

2. What is the term for the body's ability to defend itself against specific invading agents such as bacteria, toxins, viruses, and foreign bodies?

• A. Hormones
• B. Secretion
• C. Immunity
• D. Glands

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Immunity. Immunity refers to the body's ability to protect itself against specific invading agents like bacteria, toxins, viruses, and foreign bodies by recognizing and destroying them. It is a crucial defense mechanism that helps maintain health and prevent infections and diseases. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because hormones are chemical messengers, secretion is the process of releasing substances, and glands are organs that produce and release substances, none of which specifically relate to the body's defense against invading agents.

3. The physician orders a maintenance dose of 5,000 units of subcutaneous heparin (an anticoagulant) daily. Nursing responsibilities for Mrs. Mitchell now include:

• A. Reviewing daily activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time.
• B. Reporting an APTT above 45 seconds to the physician
• C. Assessing the patient for signs and symptoms of frank and occult bleeding
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. When a physician orders a maintenance dose of subcutaneous heparin, nursing responsibilities include reviewing daily activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time to monitor the patient's coagulation status, reporting an APTT above 45 seconds to the physician as it may indicate a risk of bleeding, and assessing the patient for signs and symptoms of frank and occult bleeding, which are potential adverse effects of anticoagulant therapy. Therefore, all the options listed are essential nursing responsibilities when a patient is on subcutaneous heparin therapy.

4. What is the appropriate needle gauge for intradermal injection?

• A. 20G
• B. 22G
• C. 25G
• D. 26G

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Intradermal injections require a very fine needle to be used to deliver the medication into the dermis layer of the skin. A 26G needle is typically used for intradermal injections as it is thin enough to penetrate the skin's surface and deposit the medication accurately.

5. What is the best description of Back Care?

• A. Caring for the back by means of massage
• B. Washing the back
• C. Applying a cold compress to the back
• D. Applying a hot compress to the back

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Caring for the back by means of massage. Back Care involves activities like massage, exercises, maintaining proper posture, and using ergonomic practices to keep the spine healthy and prevent injuries. While washing the back is a hygiene practice, applying cold or hot compresses may provide relief for back pain but do not encompass the comprehensive approach of back care like massage does.

Similar Questions