Nursing Elites

1. In an emergency department following a community disaster, a healthcare provider is performing triage for multiple clients. To which of the following types of injuries should the provider assign the highest priority?

• A. Below-the-knee amputation.
• B. Fractured tibia.
• C. 95% full-thickness body burn.
• D. 10 cm laceration to the forearm.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During disaster triage, clients with severe injuries that are immediately life-threatening and have a high likelihood of mortality without intervention are assigned the highest priority. A below-the-knee amputation falls into this category as it indicates a critical injury that requires immediate attention to prevent further complications or loss of life. Fractured tibia, a 95% full-thickness body burn, and a 10 cm laceration to the forearm, while serious, do not pose the same level of immediate life-threatening risk as a below-the-knee amputation in the context of disaster triage.

2. A patient is diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Massage the affected extremity every 2 hours.
• B. Encourage the patient to ambulate as soon as possible.
• C. Apply warm compresses to the affected extremity.
• D. Elevate the affected extremity.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Elevating the affected extremity is crucial in managing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) as it helps reduce swelling and promotes venous return, thereby preventing further complications such as pulmonary embolism. Massaging the affected extremity can dislodge a clot and lead to serious consequences. While ambulation is important, in DVT, early ambulation without elevation can potentially dislodge the clot. Warm compresses can increase blood flow to the area and worsen the condition by promoting clot dislodgement.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Prealbumin level of 20 mg/dL
• B. Serum albumin level of 3.5 g/dL
• C. Serum sodium level of 138 mEq/L
• D. Blood glucose level of 120 mg/dL

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because a blood glucose level of 120 mg/dL falls within the normal range. A low serum albumin level, as mentioned in choice B, should be reported as it may indicate malnutrition. Choices A and C are within normal ranges and would not typically require immediate reporting.

4. What is the most important assessment for a patient with respiratory distress?

• A. Monitor oxygen saturation
• B. Check for abnormal breath sounds
• C. Check for pitting edema
• D. Perform a neurological exam

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Monitoring oxygen saturation is crucial in assessing a patient with respiratory distress because it helps determine if the patient is receiving adequate oxygen. Oxygen saturation levels provide immediate feedback on the efficiency of oxygen delivery to the tissues. Checking for abnormal breath sounds (Choice B) is relevant in respiratory assessments, but it is secondary to assessing oxygen saturation. Pitting edema (Choice C) and performing a neurological exam (Choice D) are not directly related to assessing respiratory distress and are not the primary focus when managing a patient with breathing difficulties.

5. A client with asthma is being taught how to use a peak flow meter by a nurse. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Blow as hard as possible into the mouthpiece.
• B. Exhale quickly and forcefully after taking a deep breath.
• C. Inhale as deeply as possible and then blow into the mouthpiece.
• D. Take a deep breath and hold it for 5 seconds before exhaling.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the client should exhale quickly and forcefully into the peak flow meter after taking a deep breath to measure peak expiratory flow. Choice A is incorrect as blowing as hard as possible may not provide an accurate reading. Choice C is incorrect because inhaling deeply before blowing can affect the results. Choice D is incorrect as holding the breath before exhaling is not part of using a peak flow meter.

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