Nursing Elites

1. When assessing the skin of an immobilized patient, what should the nurse do?

• A. Assess the skin every 4 hours.
• B. Limit the amount of fluid intake.
• C. Use a standardized tool such as the Braden Scale.
• D. Have special times for inspection to not interrupt routine care.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When assessing the skin of an immobilized patient, it is essential to use a standardized tool like the Braden Scale. This tool helps in systematically evaluating the patient's risk of developing pressure ulcers. Assessing the skin every 4 hours (Choice A) may be too frequent or unnecessary unless there are specific concerns or orders. Limiting fluid intake (Choice B) is not directly related to skin assessment in an immobilized patient. Having special times for inspection to avoid interrupting routine care (Choice D) is not as crucial as using a standardized tool for consistent and comprehensive skin assessment.

2. When assessing a client's skin as part of a comprehensive physical examination, what finding should a nurse expect?

• A. Capillary refill less than 3 seconds
• B. 1+ pitting edema in both feet
• C. Pale nail beds in both hands
• D. Thick skin on the soles of the feet

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Capillary refill less than 3 seconds. This finding is considered normal and indicates good peripheral perfusion. Pitting edema (choice B) and pale nail beds (choice C) are abnormal findings that may suggest underlying health issues. Thick skin on the soles of the feet (choice D) is not an expected normal finding during a skin assessment and could be indicative of a callus or other skin condition.

3. A healthcare professional is caring for a child who has a prescription for a blood transfusion. The parents have refused the treatment due to religious beliefs. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take?

• A. Examine personal values about the issue.
• B. Respect the parents' decision and provide alternative treatment options.
• C. Seek a court order to proceed with the transfusion.
• D. Discuss the issue with the child.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Examining personal values about the issue is crucial for the healthcare professional to provide unbiased care while still respecting the parents' beliefs. Choice B is incorrect because respecting the parents' decision is essential, but providing alternative treatment options may not be warranted in this situation where the parents' decision is based on religious beliefs. Seeking a court order (Choice C) should only be considered as a last resort when the child's life is in immediate danger and all other options have been exhausted. Discussing the issue with the child (Choice D) may not be appropriate as the child may not fully comprehend the situation or the implications of going against the parents' beliefs.

4. A client who is postoperative has paralytic ileus. Which of the following abdominal assessments should the nurse expect?

• A. Absent bowel sounds with distention
• B. Hyperactive bowel sounds with pain
• C. Normal bowel sounds with cramping
• D. Diminished bowel sounds with tenderness

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Paralytic ileus is a condition where there is a temporary paralysis of the bowel, leading to absent bowel sounds and abdominal distention. This occurs because the bowel is not functioning properly to propel contents, resulting in a lack of bowel sounds. Absent bowel sounds with distention are typical findings in paralytic ileus. Hyperactive bowel sounds with pain are more indicative of increased motility and are not expected in paralytic ileus. Normal bowel sounds with cramping may be seen in other conditions, such as gastroenteritis. Diminished bowel sounds with tenderness are not typical findings in paralytic ileus.

5. A healthcare professional is obtaining the blood pressure in a client's lower extremity. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take?

• A. Place the bladder of the cuff over the posterior aspect of the thigh
• B. Use a smaller cuff designed for lower extremities
• C. Place the cuff around the client's ankle
• D. Ensure the cuff is positioned above the knee

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When measuring blood pressure in the lower extremity, the bladder of the cuff should be placed over the posterior aspect of the thigh. This positioning ensures an accurate measurement. Placing the cuff around the ankle (Choice C) or above the knee (Choice D) would not provide an accurate blood pressure reading in the lower extremity. Using a smaller cuff designed for lower extremities (Choice B) is not appropriate as the standard cuff size should be used with the bladder placed over the posterior aspect of the thigh.

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