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 nurse is reviewing the medication orders for a client with heart failure. Which of the following medications should the nurse clarify with the provider?

• A. Furosemide
• B. Spironolactone
• C. Digoxin
• D. Ibuprofen

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can worsen heart failure due to its effects on renal function and fluid retention. Therefore, the nurse should clarify the use of Ibuprofen with the provider. Choices A, B, and C (Furosemide, Spironolactone, and Digoxin) are commonly prescribed medications for heart failure that help manage symptoms and improve cardiac function, so they do not need clarification in this scenario.

3. What are the key nursing interventions for a patient experiencing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?

• A. Positioning the patient in a prone position
• B. Monitoring vital signs and lung sounds
• C. Preparing for mechanical ventilation
• D. Administering supplemental oxygen

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Positioning the patient in a prone position. Prone positioning is a key nursing intervention for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) as it helps improve oxygenation by allowing better lung ventilation. Choice B, monitoring vital signs and lung sounds, is important but not a key intervention specific to ARDS. Choice C, preparing for mechanical ventilation, may be necessary in severe cases of ARDS but is not a primary nursing intervention. Choice D, administering supplemental oxygen, is a common supportive measure but is not specific to ARDS interventions.

4. The nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of guided imagery for pain management in a patient with second- and third-degree burns requiring extensive dressing changes. Which finding best indicates the effectiveness of guided imagery?

• A. The patient's need for analgesic medication decreases during the dressing changes.
• B. The patient rates pain during the dressing change as a 6 on a scale of 0 to 10.
• C. The patient asks for pain medication during the dressing changes only once throughout the procedure.
• D. The patient's facial expressions remain stoic during the procedure.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A reduction in the need for analgesic medication indicates that guided imagery is effective in managing the patient's pain. Choices B, C, and D do not directly measure the effectiveness of guided imagery. A patient rating pain as 6 on a scale of 0 to 10, asking for pain medication once, or having stoic facial expressions may not necessarily reflect the impact of guided imagery on pain management.

5. The nurse has received a report from the emergency department that a patient with tuberculosis will be coming to the unit. Which items will the nurse need to care for this patient?

• A. N95 respirator, gown, gloves, eyewear
• B. Communication signs for droplet precautions
• C. Negative-pressure airflow in room
• D. Communication signs for airborne precautions

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Caring for a patient with tuberculosis requires the nurse to use an N95 respirator, gown, gloves, and eyewear to protect against airborne transmission of the disease. Choice B and D are incorrect because while communication signs for precautions are important, the essential items needed for caring for a patient with tuberculosis are personal protective equipment to prevent transmission. Choice C is also incorrect as negative-pressure airflow in the room is a facility-related requirement and not an item carried by the nurse.

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