Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a postoperative patient for signs of infection. Which finding is most concerning?

• A. Mild redness at the incision site.
• B. Increased drainage from the surgical site.
• C. Fever of 101°F.
• D. Normal white blood cell count.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A fever of 101°F is the most concerning finding when assessing a postoperative patient for signs of infection. Fever can indicate an inflammatory response to an infection, and in a postoperative patient, it can signal a surgical site infection or a systemic infection. Prompt attention is necessary to prevent complications such as sepsis. Mild redness at the incision site and increased drainage can be expected in the early postoperative period due to the normal healing process. A normal white blood cell count does not rule out infection as it can be influenced by various factors, and some infections may not initially cause a rise in white blood cells.

2. A healthcare provider is assessing a client who has carpal tunnel syndrome. The provider should expect which of the following findings?

• A. Positive Chvostek's sign
• B. Cool extremities
• C. Positive Phalen's sign
• D. Decreased radial pulse

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Phalen's sign is often positive in clients with carpal tunnel syndrome due to nerve compression. Chvostek's sign (Choice A) is related to hypocalcemia, cool extremities (Choice B) are not typically associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, and decreased radial pulse (Choice D) is not a common finding in carpal tunnel syndrome.

3. A healthcare provider is reviewing the medical record of a client who has a new prescription for cimetidine. Which of the following laboratory findings should the healthcare provider identify as the priority to report to the provider?

• A. Sodium 140 mEq/L
• B. WBC count 9,000/mm3
• C. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 50 units/L
• D. Fasting glucose 105 mg/dL

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An elevated AST level is indicative of liver damage, which is the priority finding to report to the provider when administering cimetidine. Elevated liver enzymes can be a sign of liver toxicity or damage. Monitoring liver function is crucial when using cimetidine, as it can sometimes lead to hepatotoxicity. The other laboratory findings are within normal ranges and not directly associated with cimetidine administration.

4. 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.

5. A healthcare provider is providing dietary teaching for a client who has a burn injury and adheres to a vegan diet. The healthcare provider should recommend which of the following foods as the best source of protein to promote wound healing?

• A. One cup of brown rice
• B. One cup of pureed avocado
• C. One cup of lentils
• D. One cup of orange juice

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Lentils are an excellent source of protein, suitable for a vegan diet, and promote wound healing. Brown rice (Choice A) is a carbohydrate-rich food and lacks sufficient protein for wound healing. Pureed avocado (Choice B) is a healthy fat source but low in protein. Orange juice (Choice D) is a source of vitamin C but lacks protein needed for wound healing.

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