Nursing Elites

1. While working the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift at the long-term care unit, the nurse gathers the nursing staff to listen to the 3 to 11 p.m. intershift report. The nurse notes that a staff member has an odor of alcohol on her breath, slurred speech, and an unsteady gait, suspecting alcohol intoxication. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?

• A. Contact the nursing supervisor.
• B. Tell the staff member that she is not allowed to administer medications.
• C. Ask the staff member how much alcohol she has consumed.
• D. Ask the staff member to rest in the nurses' lounge until the effects of the alcohol wear off.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a staff member reports to work showing signs of alcohol intoxication, the nurse should objectively note the symptoms and ask a second person to confirm these observations. It is crucial to contact the nursing supervisor immediately. An odor of alcohol, slurred speech, unsteady gait, and errors in judgment are indicators of intoxication, posing a risk to client safety. The staff member should be removed from the client care area. Detailed documentation of the incident is essential, including observations, actions taken, future plans, and the staff member's signature and date on the recorded incident memo. If the staff member refuses to sign, this should be noted by the nurse and a witness. Asking the staff member to rest in the nurses' lounge or restricting medication administration does not ensure client safety, as the staff member could still jeopardize it. Inquiring about the amount of alcohol consumed is confrontational and not relevant to the immediate need of ensuring safety.

2. Which sign might a healthcare professional observe in a client with a high ammonia level?

• A. coma
• B. edema
• C. hypoxia
• D. polyuria

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A high ammonia level can lead to hepatic encephalopathy, which includes symptoms like confusion, disorientation, and can progress to coma. Coma is a severe condition of unconsciousness. Edema is swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in body tissues, not typically associated with high ammonia levels. Hypoxia is a condition of inadequate oxygen supply to tissues and organs, not directly related to high ammonia levels. Polyuria is excessive urination, which is not a typical sign of high ammonia levels.

3. Ms. Petty is having difficulty falling asleep. Which of the following measures promote sleep?

• A. exercising vigorously for 20 minutes each night starting at 9:30 p.m.
• B. taking a cool shower and drinking a hot cup of tea
• C. watching TV nightly until midnight
• D. getting a back rub and drinking a glass of warm milk

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Getting a back rub and drinking a glass of warm milk are appropriate measures to promote sleep as they can help relax the body and induce sleepiness. Exercising vigorously, as suggested in choice A, can be counterproductive as it stimulates the body rather than relaxing it, making it harder to fall asleep. Choice B, taking a cool shower and drinking a hot cup of tea, may also increase alertness due to the temperature changes and the caffeine in tea, which can interfere with falling asleep. Watching TV until midnight, as in choice C, exposes the individual to blue light and mental stimulation, making it harder to fall asleep. Therefore, choice D is the best option to promote sleep in this scenario.

4. In a disaster situation, the nurse assessing a diabetic client on insulin assesses for all of the following except:

• A. diabetic signs and symptoms.
• B. nutritional status.
• C. bleeding problems.
• D. availability of insulin.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a disaster situation, when assessing a diabetic client on insulin, the nurse should assess for diabetic signs and symptoms to monitor the client's condition, nutritional status to ensure proper dietary management, and availability of insulin to maintain the client's medication regimen. Bleeding problems are not directly related to diabetes or insulin use, making it the exception in this assessment scenario. Therefore, bleeding problems would not be a typical focus of assessment in this context.

5. What should be the primary action for a client who has just vomited 300 cc of bright red blood?

• A. Document the vomiting.
• B. Increase IV fluids.
• C. Get a complete blood count.
• D. Check the blood pressure.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct first action for a client who has just vomited 300 cc of bright red blood is to check the blood pressure. This assessment is crucial to evaluate for hypotension, which could indicate significant blood loss and the need for immediate intervention. Documenting the vomiting is important for the client's medical record but not the initial priority. Increasing IV fluids and getting a complete blood count are necessary steps but should follow the assessment of the client's hemodynamic status.

Similar Questions