Nursing Elites

1. A client has applied a cold pack to their arm to help decrease swelling and inflammation after an injury. Which of the following signs indicates that the cold pack should be removed?

• A. The skin on the arm appears mottled
• B. The cold pack has been in place for 10 minutes
• C. The client complains of feeling nauseated
• D. The capillary refill in the area distal to the arm is 2 seconds

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When using a cold pack for therapeutic purposes, it is essential to monitor the site to prevent tissue damage. Prolonged use of cold therapy can lead to pale, mottled skin with a bluish appearance. This change in skin color indicates poor circulation, and the cold pack should be removed immediately to prevent tissue injury. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the duration of cold pack application, client complaints of nausea, and capillary refill time do not specifically indicate the need for the cold pack to be removed due to potential tissue damage.

2. The healthcare provider is preparing to use an otoscope for an examination. Which statement is true regarding the otoscope?

• A. Often used to direct light into the sinuses
• B. Used to examine the structures of the internal ear
• C. Uses a short, broad speculum to help visualize the ear
• D. Directs light into the ear canal and onto the tympanic membrane

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The otoscope is a tool used to examine the ear canal and tympanic membrane, which separates the external and middle ear. It is not intended to direct light into the sinuses or examine the internal structures of the ear. The otoscope typically uses a short, narrow speculum to aid in visualizing the ear canal and tympanic membrane, not a short, broad speculum as mentioned in choice C.

3. A nurse is preparing to change a client's dressing for a burn wound on his foot. Which of the following interventions is appropriate for this process?

• A. Wash the wound with cleanser, rinse, and pat dry
• B. Bind the wound tightly, secure with tape, and elevate the foot
• C. Contact the physician after the dressing change is complete
• D. Provide analgesics for the client after the procedure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When changing the dressing for a burn wound, it is essential to follow appropriate interventions to prevent infection, reduce pain, and support healing. In this scenario, after removing the old dressing, it is crucial to wash the wound gently with a suitable cleanser, rinse the area thoroughly, and then pat it dry. This process helps in maintaining cleanliness, reducing the risk of infection, and providing a conducive environment for healing. Binding the wound tightly (Choice B) can impede circulation and delay healing. Contacting the physician after the dressing change (Choice C) may be necessary in specific situations but is not a standard step in routine dressing changes. Providing analgesics after the procedure (Choice D) is important for pain management but is not directly related to the dressing change itself.

4. What procedure examines a portion of the large intestine with an endoscope?

• A. Colposcopy
• B. Sigmoidoscopy
• C. Upper GI
• D. Cardiac catheterization

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Sigmoidoscopy is the correct answer because it specifically examines the sigmoid colon located in the descending colon using an endoscope inserted through the rectum. This procedure captures video and images of the large intestine's lining, helping in the diagnosis of conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer. Colposcopy, on the other hand, is a procedure for examining the cervix and vagina, not the large intestine. Upper GI involves capturing images of the esophagus and stomach, focusing on the upper gastrointestinal tract, not the large intestine. Cardiac catheterization is a procedure that involves threading a thin instrument through the femoral artery to the heart, used for cardiac interventions and not related to examining the large intestine.

5. A newly admitted patient with major depression has lost 20 pounds over the past month and has suicidal ideation. The patient has taken an antidepressant medication for 1 week without remission of symptoms. Select the priority nursing diagnosis.

• A. Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements
• B. Chronic low self-esteem
• C. Risk for suicide
• D. Hopelessness

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing diagnosis in this scenario is 'Risk for suicide.' When a patient presents with major depression, significant weight loss, suicidal ideation, and lack of symptom improvement despite medication, the immediate concern is to address the risk of suicide. 'Risk for suicide' takes precedence as it involves a direct threat to the patient's life. 'Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements' may be a concern but does not take priority over the risk of suicide. 'Chronic low self-esteem' and 'Hopelessness' are relevant issues in depression but are not as urgent as addressing the immediate risk of suicidal behavior.

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