Nursing Elites

1. A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who has full-thickness burns of the thorax and upper torso. After securing the client's airway, which of the following is the nurse's priority intervention?

• A. Providing pain management.
• B. Offering emotional support.
• C. Preventing infection.
• D. Initiating IV fluids.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After securing the airway, initiating IV fluids is the priority to prevent hypovolemic shock in clients with severe burns. IV fluids help maintain circulating volume and prevent a drop in blood pressure due to fluid loss. Providing pain management, offering emotional support, and preventing infection are important aspects of care but are secondary to ensuring adequate fluid resuscitation in clients with severe burns.

2. A nurse is preparing to administer a rectal suppository to a school-age child. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

• A. Insert the suppository 1 cm into the rectum
• B. Insert the suppository 2 cm into the rectum
• C. Insert the suppository past the anal sphincters
• D. Insert the suppository using two fingers

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Insert the suppository past the anal sphincters.' When administering a rectal suppository, it is essential to insert it past the anal sphincters to ensure proper placement and absorption. Choices A and B are incorrect because the suppository should be inserted further than just 1 or 2 cm into the rectum to reach the optimal absorption site. Choice D is incorrect as using two fingers is not necessary and may cause discomfort to the child.

3. How should a healthcare professional assess and manage a patient with dehydration?

• A. Assess skin turgor and monitor intake/output
• B. Encourage oral fluids only
• C. Administer IV fluids immediately
• D. Check for electrolyte imbalance and administer fluids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct way to assess and manage a patient with dehydration is to assess skin turgor and monitor intake/output. Skin turgor assessment helps in evaluating the degree of dehydration, while monitoring intake/output aids in maintaining fluid balance. Encouraging oral fluids only (Choice B) may not be sufficient for moderate to severe dehydration as patients may need intravenous fluids (IV) to rapidly rehydrate. Administering IV fluids immediately (Choice C) is not always the first step unless the patient is severely dehydrated. Checking for electrolyte imbalance and administering fluids (Choice D) is important but comes after assessing skin turgor and intake/output in the management of dehydration.

4. What are the complications of untreated Type 1 diabetes?

• A. Diabetic ketoacidosis and retinopathy
• B. Hypoglycemia and neuropathy
• C. Hypotension and kidney failure
• D. Infection and fluid overload

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Diabetic ketoacidosis and retinopathy are indeed common complications of untreated Type 1 diabetes. Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when the body starts breaking down fat for fuel, leading to a dangerous buildup of ketones in the blood. Retinopathy refers to damage to the blood vessels of the retina due to high blood sugar levels over time. The other choices, hypoglycemia and neuropathy (choice B), hypotension and kidney failure (choice C), and infection and fluid overload (choice D) are not typically the primary complications associated with untreated Type 1 diabetes.

5. What are the signs of hypovolemic shock and what is the nurse's role in management?

• A. Rapid pulse, low blood pressure; administer IV fluids
• B. Cold extremities, rapid breathing; administer oxygen
• C. Decreased urine output, sweating; administer diuretics
• D. Weak pulse, clammy skin; administer vasopressors

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct signs of hypovolemic shock are a rapid pulse and low blood pressure. Administering IV fluids helps to restore circulating volume, which is essential in managing hypovolemic shock. Choice B is incorrect because cold extremities and rapid breathing are not typical signs of hypovolemic shock. Choice C is incorrect as administering diuretics would further decrease circulating volume, worsening the condition. Choice D is incorrect as administering vasopressors may further compromise perfusion in hypovolemic shock.

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