Nursing Elites

1. When assessing a client with signs of delirium, which factor should be the nurse's priority in determining the cause?

• A. Medication history
• B. Fluid and electrolyte imbalances
• C. Psychosocial stressors
• D. Environmental factors

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a nurse assesses a client with signs of delirium, the priority in determining the cause should be focusing on fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Delirium can often be linked to imbalances in these essential elements, making it crucial to address them promptly. While medication history, psychosocial stressors, and environmental factors can also contribute to delirium, they should be assessed after addressing fluid and electrolyte imbalances due to their immediate impact on cognitive function.

2. A nurse is preparing to apply a transdermal nicotine patch for a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Shave hairy areas of skin prior to application.
• B. Wear gloves to apply the patch to the client's skin.
• C. Apply the patch within 1 hr of removing it from the protective pouch.
• D. Remove the previous patch and place it in a tissue.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to wear gloves when applying the transdermal nicotine patch to prevent the nurse from absorbing nicotine through the skin. Choice A is incorrect because shaving hairy areas of skin is not necessary for applying a transdermal patch. Choice C is incorrect as transdermal patches should be applied immediately after removal from the protective pouch, not necessarily within 1 hour. Choice D is incorrect because the previous patch should be disposed of properly following institutional guidelines, not placed in a tissue.

3. What are the complications of untreated deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

• A. Pulmonary embolism and stroke
• B. Kidney failure and hypertension
• C. Liver failure and electrolyte imbalance
• D. Fluid overload and bradycardia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Untreated DVT can lead to complications such as pulmonary embolism and stroke. Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot from the leg travels to the lungs, potentially blocking blood flow and causing respiratory distress. Stroke can occur if a blood clot dislodges from the leg veins, travels to the brain, and obstructs a blood vessel, leading to brain tissue damage. Both of these complications are life-threatening if not managed promptly. The other choices (B, C, D) do not represent common complications of untreated DVT and are therefore incorrect.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who has pneumonia and new onset confusion. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Increase the client's oxygen flow rate
• B. Obtain the client's vital signs
• C. Administer an antibiotic
• D. Notify the provider

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: Increasing the client's oxygen flow rate should be the nurse's first action. Hypoxia is a common complication of pneumonia and can lead to confusion. Providing adequate oxygenation is essential in addressing hypoxia and improving the client's condition.\nOption B: Obtaining vital signs is important but addressing hypoxia takes precedence in the setting of new onset confusion.\nOption C: Administering an antibiotic is important for treating pneumonia but addressing hypoxia and confusion is the priority.\nOption D: Notifying the provider may be necessary but addressing the immediate physiological need of oxygenation should come first.

5. What is the proper technique for obtaining a blood specimen from a central venous line?

• A. Use sterile gloves and discard the first 10 mL of blood
• B. Flush the line with heparin and then draw the specimen
• C. Draw the specimen and then administer heparin
• D. Use non-sterile gloves to reduce contamination risk

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct technique for obtaining a blood specimen from a central venous line is to use sterile gloves and discard the first 10 mL of blood. This practice helps ensure that the blood sample collected is not contaminated. Choice B is incorrect because flushing the line with heparin before drawing the specimen can contaminate the sample. Choice C is incorrect as administering heparin before drawing the specimen can affect the accuracy of the blood sample. Choice D is incorrect as using non-sterile gloves increases the risk of contamination, which is not recommended when obtaining a blood specimen from a central venous line.

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