Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is assessing a patient with pneumonia. Which finding is most concerning?

• A. Fever of 101°F.
• B. Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg.
• C. Heart rate of 95 beats per minute.
• D. Crackles heard in the lung bases.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Crackles heard in the lung bases are most concerning in a patient with pneumonia as they suggest fluid accumulation in the lungs, indicating possible severe infection or respiratory distress. Prompt intervention is required to prevent further complications.\n\nChoice A, fever of 101°F, is common in infections like pneumonia but may not be as immediately concerning as crackles indicating fluid in the lungs.\n\nChoice B, a blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg, is within normal limits and not directly indicative of pneumonia severity.\n\nChoice C, a heart rate of 95 beats per minute, is slightly elevated but not as critical as crackles suggesting fluid in the lungs.

2. Which principle is most important for maintaining medical asepsis in a healthcare setting?

• A. Sterilize instruments only when visibly contaminated.
• B. Use sterile gloves for all patient interactions.
• C. Disinfect patient areas only at the end of the day.
• D. Clean hands thoroughly before and after patient contact.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Clean hands thoroughly before and after patient contact. Hand hygiene is crucial for maintaining medical asepsis in a healthcare setting as it helps prevent the spread of infections between patients and healthcare workers. Choice A is incorrect because instruments should be sterilized regularly, not just when visibly contaminated. Choice B is incorrect as sterile gloves are not required for all patient interactions, only for specific procedures. Choice C is incorrect because patient areas should be disinfected regularly throughout the day, not just at the end of the day.

3. A patient receiving chemotherapy has developed neutropenia. What should be included in the care plan to reduce infection risk?

• A. Monitor temperature daily
• B. Limit visitors
• C. Administer antibiotics prophylactically
• D. Use reverse isolation precautions

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a patient receiving chemotherapy develops neutropenia, the priority is to reduce the risk of infection. Using reverse isolation precautions is crucial in this situation to protect the patient from exposure to pathogens. Monitoring temperature daily (Choice A) is important but is not as effective as isolating the patient. Limiting visitors (Choice B) can help reduce the risk of exposure, but reverse isolation is a more stringent measure. Administering antibiotics prophylactically (Choice C) is not recommended unless there is a specific indication, as it can contribute to antibiotic resistance.

4. Which question is essential during screening for alcohol use disorder?

• A. What is your current employment status?
• B. Have you experienced any blackouts or loss of consciousness?
• C. Have you been sleeping well over the past month?
• D. Do you have a family history of substance use?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The essential question during screening for alcohol use disorder is asking about blackouts or loss of consciousness, which can be indicative of excessive drinking and related to alcohol use disorder. Choices A, C, and D are not as directly related to screening for alcohol use disorder. Employment status (Choice A) is not a primary question in alcohol use disorder screening. Sleep quality (Choice C) and family history of substance use (Choice D) may be relevant but are not as crucial as inquiring about blackouts or loss of consciousness.

5. A patient is admitted with suspected pneumonia. What is the nurse's priority assessment?

• A. Auscultate the patient's lung sounds.
• B. Assess the patient's oxygen saturation.
• C. Monitor the patient's white blood cell count.
• D. Monitor the patient's skin integrity.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the patient's oxygen saturation. In suspected pneumonia, ensuring adequate oxygenation is critical to monitor respiratory function. Auscultating lung sounds is important but assessing oxygen saturation takes precedence as it directly reflects the patient's oxygen levels. Monitoring white blood cell count is more related to infection assessment rather than immediate respiratory status. Checking skin integrity is essential for overall patient care but is not the priority in a patient with suspected pneumonia.

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