Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is asked to draw blood in the antecubital (AC) space. Which of the following veins are found in the AC?

• A. Cephalic
• B. Median cubital
• C. Basilic
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'All of the above.' All three of these veins - the cephalic, median cubital, and basilic veins - are located in the antecubital space, which is the area in front of the elbow on the arm. The cephalic vein runs along the outer side of the arm, the basilic vein runs along the inner side of the arm, and the median cubital vein is a connecting vein between the cephalic and basilic veins. Therefore, all three veins can be accessed when drawing blood from the antecubital space. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because each of these veins individually can be found in the antecubital space.

2. Which playroom activities should the nurse organize for a small group of 7-year-old hospitalized children?

• A. Sports and games with rules.
• B. Finger paints and water play.
• C. “Dress-up” clothes and props.
• D. Chess and television programs

Correct answer: Sports and games with rules.

Rationale: For 7-year-old children, play serves an important role in developing cooperation, logical reasoning, and social skills. Organizing sports and games with rules is beneficial as it helps children understand the importance of rules, promotes teamwork, and fosters social interactions. Finger paints and water play, while fun, may not target the specific developmental needs of this age group. Similarly, 'Dress-up' clothes and props can encourage imaginative play but may not necessarily promote cooperation and logical reasoning. Chess and television programs are more suited for older children and may not engage 7-year-olds as effectively in developing the desired skills.

3. The nurse is preparing to assess a patient’s abdomen by palpation. How should the nurse proceed?

• A. Avoid palpating reportedly “tender” areas as this may cause pain.
• B. Palpate tender areas quickly to minimize patient discomfort.
• C. Initiate the assessment with deep palpation while encouraging the patient to relax and take deep breaths.
• D. Begin the assessment with light palpation to detect surface characteristics and to acclimate the patient to touch.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct approach is to begin the assessment with light palpation to detect surface characteristics and to acclimate the patient to touch. This allows the nurse to first assess surface features before proceeding to deeper palpation. Starting with light palpation also helps the patient become more comfortable with being touched, creating a smoother examination experience. Palpating tender areas quickly, as suggested in choice B, can increase patient discomfort. Deep palpation, as in choice C, is typically performed after light palpation to avoid discomfort and ensure proper assessment. Avoiding palpation of tender areas first, as in choice A, helps prevent causing unnecessary pain and should be done towards the end of the assessment.

4. A patient has suddenly developed shortness of breath and appears to be in significant respiratory distress. After calling the physician and placing the patient on oxygen, which of these actions is the best for the nurse to take when further assessing the patient?

• A. Count the patient’s respirations.
• B. Bilaterally percuss the thorax, noting any differences in percussion tones.
• C. Call for a chest x-ray and wait for the results before beginning an assessment.
• D. Inspect the thorax for any new masses and bleeding associated with respirations.

Correct answer: Bilaterally percuss the thorax, noting any differences in percussion tones.

Rationale: In a situation where a patient is in significant respiratory distress, bilaterally percussing the thorax to note any differences in percussion tones is a crucial nursing intervention. Percussion provides instant feedback regarding changes in underlying tissue density, which can give important clues about the patient's physical status. This hands-on assessment technique is readily available and can be performed promptly. Counting the patient's respirations, while important, may not provide as much detailed information as percussion. Ordering a chest x-ray and waiting for the results can cause a delay in assessing and addressing the patient's immediate needs. Inspecting the thorax for new masses and bleeding, although relevant, may not offer as much real-time information about the patient's condition compared to percussion.

5. The healthcare professional notices that a colleague is preparing to check the blood pressure of a patient who is obese by using a standard-sized blood pressure cuff. How would this likely affect the blood pressure reading?

• A. Yield a falsely low blood pressure
• B. Yield a falsely high blood pressure
• C. Be the same, regardless of cuff size
• D. Vary as a result of the technique of the person performing the assessment

Correct answer: Yield a falsely high blood pressure

Rationale: Using a cuff that is too narrow for an obese patient would likely yield a falsely high blood pressure reading. This occurs because the standard cuff is too small for the arm's circumference, requiring more pressure to compress the artery. A tight cuff can lead to inaccurate and elevated blood pressure readings. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because using an improperly sized cuff would not yield a falsely low blood pressure, the blood pressure reading does vary with cuff size, and the technique of the person performing the assessment is not the primary factor affecting the reading in this situation.

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