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. Mrs. Peterson complains of difficulty falling asleep, awakening earlier than desired, and not feeling rested. She attributes these problems to leg pain that is secondary to her arthritis. What is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis for her?

• A. Sleep Pattern Disturbances (related to chronic leg pain)
• B. Fatigue (related to leg pain)
• C. Knowledge Deficit (regarding sleep hygiene measures)
• D. Sleep Pattern Disturbances (related to chronic leg pain)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing diagnosis for Mrs. Peterson is 'Sleep Pattern Disturbances (related to chronic leg pain).' Mrs. Peterson's sleep issues are directly linked to her chronic leg pain, which is a result of her arthritis. This nursing diagnosis addresses the primary cause of her sleep disturbances and allows for interventions that focus on managing the pain to improve her sleep. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Choice A correctly identifies the relationship between sleep disturbances and chronic leg pain, addressing the root cause. Choice B is incorrect as it only focuses on fatigue and does not encompass the broader sleep issues. Choice C is not relevant as there is no indication that Mrs. Peterson lacks knowledge about sleep hygiene measures.

3. While taking care of a client, the nurse thinks that physical therapy in the hospital might be beneficial to their condition. The following is the ideal referral process EXCEPT?

• A. Transport the client to the physical therapy room for treatment after receiving an official referral.
• B. Provide the physical therapist with the client's medical record after the referral.
• C. Contact the client's primary care provider to suggest a physical therapy referral.
• D. Request the client to self-refer to the physical therapist.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The ideal referral process for a client to receive physical therapy in the hospital starts with the nurse contacting the client's primary care provider to discuss and suggest a physical therapy referral. The primary care provider should provide an official referral, which is crucial for initiating the treatment process. After obtaining the official referral, the nurse should provide the physical therapist with the client's medical record. This step is essential for the therapist to assess the client's condition and customize the treatment plan accordingly. Once the physical therapist is informed and prepared, the nurse can then transport the client to the physical therapy room for treatment. Therefore, the correct sequence is to first contact the primary care provider (Choice C), then provide the medical record (Choice B), and finally transport the client for treatment (Choice A). Choice D, suggesting the client self-refer to the physical therapist, is incorrect as the referral process should involve healthcare professionals to ensure proper assessment and treatment planning.

4. The nurse uses prioritization to determine all of the following except:

• A. time allotment for certain tasks.
• B. appropriate interventions.
• C. treatment procedures.
• D. the need for client education.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "treatment procedures." Prioritization in nursing involves determining the order of importance or urgency of tasks. Treatment procedures are standards of care that need to be followed as defined by the facility or nursing unit. They are not typically subject to prioritization but are mandatory based on established protocols. Time allotment for certain tasks, appropriate interventions, and the need for client education are all aspects that can be influenced by prioritization. For instance, prioritizing tasks helps in managing time effectively, selecting the most suitable interventions, and identifying the necessity for client education as part of the care plan.

5. What is the correct instruction to give a client undergoing mammography?

• A. Do not use underarm deodorant.
• B. Wear comfortable clothing.
• C. Avoid caffeine prior to the procedure.
• D. Bring a list of current medications.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client undergoing mammography is not to use underarm deodorant. Underarm deodorant can cause confusing shadows on the X-ray film, affecting the accuracy of the mammogram. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. While wearing comfortable clothing is advisable, it is not the primary instruction for mammography. Avoiding caffeine and bringing a list of current medications are not specific instructions related to mammography preparation and are therefore not the correct answers.

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