Nursing Elites

1. Once the nurse has made initial rounds and checked all of the assigned clients, which client should be cared for first?

• A. A client who is scheduled for surgery at 1 p.m.
• B. A client in skeletal traction who has just received pain medication
• C. A client scheduled for physical therapy at 11 a.m.
• D. A client who is able to perform activities of daily living independently

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority should be given to the client who is scheduled for surgery at 1 p.m. Preparing a client for surgery involves various tasks such as physical and emotional preparation, following healthcare provider instructions, and potential last-minute changes in the surgical schedule. It is crucial to ensure the client is adequately prepared. Providing care to a client who just received pain medication can wait until the medication takes effect. Clients who are independent in performing daily activities and those scheduled for physical therapy later in the morning are not as high a priority as preparing a client for an upcoming surgery. Therefore, the client scheduled for surgery should be cared for first to ensure all necessary preparations are completed.

2. A nurse and a nursing assistant enter a client's room to provide care and find the client lying on the floor. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Ask the nursing assistant to complete an incident report
• B. Check the client's level of consciousness and vital signs
• C. Contact the unit secretary on the intercom and ask that the client's health care provider be called
• D. Ask the nursing assistant to assist in getting the client back to bed

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client sustains a fall, the nurse must first assess the client. The nurse should check the client's level of consciousness and vital signs to determine the severity of the situation and provide appropriate care promptly. This immediate assessment is crucial in ensuring the client's immediate needs are addressed. Asking the nursing assistant to complete an incident report (choice A) is not the priority as the client's condition needs immediate attention. Contacting the unit secretary to call the client's health care provider (choice C) can be done after the initial assessment has been completed. Asking the nursing assistant to assist in getting the client back to bed (choice D) should only be considered after ensuring the client is stable and safe to move.

3. How often should physical restraints be released?

• A. Every 2 hours
• B. Between 1 and 3 hours
• C. Every 30 minutes
• D. At least every 4 hours

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to release physical restraints every 2 hours. Releasing restraints every 2 hours helps prevent complications associated with prolonged immobilization. Releasing restraints every 30 minutes (choice C) may be too frequent and disruptive to the client's care. Releasing restraints between 1 and 3 hours (choice B) introduces variability that could lead to inconsistencies in care. Releasing restraints at least every 4 hours (choice D) does not adhere to the recommended frequency of every 2 hours.

4. In a community hospital, a nurse is employed as a staff nurse and is supervised by a nurse manager. The nurse understands that in this position, the term authority most appropriately refers to which description?

• A. Accepting responsibility for the actions of others
• B. The official power to ensure that an organizational decision is enforced
• C. Bearing the legal responsibility for others' performance of tasks
• D. Taking responsibility for what staff members do

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The term authority refers to the official power of an individual to approve or command an action or to ensure that a decision is enforced. In the context of the nurse's position supervised by a nurse manager, having authority means having the official power to ensure that organizational decisions are carried out. Choice A, accepting responsibility for the actions of others, is more related to accountability rather than authority. Choice C, bearing the legal responsibility for others' performance of tasks, is more about legal liability rather than authority. Choice D, taking responsibility for what staff members do, is similar to choice A and is more about accountability rather than having the official power to enforce decisions. Therefore, the correct answer is B as it directly relates to the concept of authority in the context described.

5. The healthcare professional seeks to assess the renal function of an elderly client who is about to receive a nephrotoxic medication. Which of the following labs provides the best indicator for renal function?

• A. urinalysis
• B. creatinine and blood urea nitrogen
• C. chemistry of electrolytes
• D. creatinine clearance

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the context of an elderly client, assessing renal function before administering a nephrotoxic medication is crucial. While urinalysis and blood urea nitrogen provide valuable information on hydration status and overall health clues, they are not specific indicators of renal function. The chemistry of electrolytes may show abnormalities in renal failure, but it does not directly measure the kidneys' ability to eliminate waste. Creatinine clearance, on the other hand, is considered the best indicator for renal function in the elderly. This test accounts for decreases in lean body mass that can affect blood creatinine levels and is widely used to estimate the glomerular filtration rate, reflecting the kidneys' filtration capability. Therefore, creatinine clearance is the most appropriate lab test to assess renal function in this scenario.

Similar Questions