Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assigned to care for four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?

• A. A client scheduled for a colonoscopy
• B. A client with a tracheostomy who is receiving humidified oxygen via a tracheostomy mask
• C. A client preparing for discharge after surgery
• D. A client requiring a tube feeding through a gastrostomy tube

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is a client with a tracheostomy who is receiving humidified oxygen via a tracheostomy mask. Airway management is always the priority in nursing care. Assessing this client first ensures that their airway is clear and oxygenation is adequate. Clients with compromised airways need immediate attention to prevent respiratory distress or failure. The other clients do not have immediate airway concerns and represent lower priorities in this scenario. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize assessing the client with the tracheostomy and oxygen therapy to maintain airway patency and adequate oxygenation.

2. In which situation is the nurse upholding the ethical principle of fidelity?

• A. Providing complete information regarding treatment options to a client with newly diagnosed cancer
• B. Allowing a client to decide when to receive daily hygiene care
• C. Inserting a 19-gauge intravenous catheter into a client requiring a blood transfusion
• D. Contacting the health care provider about the client's request to incorporate complementary therapies for pain into the treatment plan

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Fidelity is the ethical principle of keeping promises made to clients, families, and other healthcare professionals. Contacting the health care provider about the client's request to incorporate complementary therapies for pain into the treatment plan exemplifies fidelity. By advocating for the client's preferences and ensuring their requests are addressed, the nurse demonstrates a commitment to fulfilling promises made to the client. Allowing a client to decide when to receive daily hygiene care relates to respecting autonomy, not fidelity. Inserting a 19-gauge intravenous catheter into a client needing a blood transfusion aligns with beneficence, as it involves taking action to provide necessary treatment. Providing complete information to a client with newly diagnosed cancer about treatment options reflects justice, promoting fairness and equity in healthcare by offering equal access to information and treatment choices.

3. Which of the following is least important to test when assessing the client’s motor skills?

• A. strength
• B. knowledge of ergonomics
• C. balance
• D. coordination

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When assessing a client’s motor skills, it is crucial to evaluate their strength, balance, and coordination as these directly impact their motor abilities. Strength is essential to perform tasks, balance is required for stability, and coordination is necessary for smooth movements. However, knowledge of ergonomics, while beneficial for overall understanding, is not directly related to assessing motor skills. The focus should be on physical abilities rather than theoretical knowledge of ergonomics. Therefore, testing the client’s knowledge of ergonomics is the least important when evaluating their motor skills.

4. Once the nurse has made initial rounds and checked all of the assigned clients, which client should be cared for first?

• A. A client who is scheduled for surgery at 1 p.m.
• B. A client in skeletal traction who has just received pain medication
• C. A client scheduled for physical therapy at 11 a.m.
• D. A client who is able to perform activities of daily living independently

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority should be given to the client who is scheduled for surgery at 1 p.m. Preparing a client for surgery involves various tasks such as physical and emotional preparation, following healthcare provider instructions, and potential last-minute changes in the surgical schedule. It is crucial to ensure the client is adequately prepared. Providing care to a client who just received pain medication can wait until the medication takes effect. Clients who are independent in performing daily activities and those scheduled for physical therapy later in the morning are not as high a priority as preparing a client for an upcoming surgery. Therefore, the client scheduled for surgery should be cared for first to ensure all necessary preparations are completed.

5. The nurse uses prioritization to determine all of the following except:

• A. time allotment for certain tasks.
• B. appropriate interventions.
• C. treatment procedures.
• D. the need for client education.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "treatment procedures." Prioritization in nursing involves determining the order of importance or urgency of tasks. Treatment procedures are standards of care that need to be followed as defined by the facility or nursing unit. They are not typically subject to prioritization but are mandatory based on established protocols. Time allotment for certain tasks, appropriate interventions, and the need for client education are all aspects that can be influenced by prioritization. For instance, prioritizing tasks helps in managing time effectively, selecting the most suitable interventions, and identifying the necessity for client education as part of the care plan.

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