Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client receiving fluid through a peripheral IV catheter. Which of the following findings at the IV site should the nurse identify as infiltration?

• A. purulent exudate
• B. warmth
• C. skin blanching
• D. bleeding

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Infiltration occurs when the IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue instead of entering the bloodstream properly. Skin blanching, swelling, and coolness at the IV site are typical signs of infiltration. Purulent exudate (choice A) is associated with infection, warmth (choice B) can indicate phlebitis, and bleeding (choice D) may occur if the IV catheter punctures a blood vessel.

2. A patient has damage to the cerebellum. Which disorder is most important for the nurse to assess?

• A. Impaired balance
• B. Hemiplegia
• C. Muscle sprain
• D. Lower extremity paralysis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When the cerebellum is damaged, it leads to impaired balance. The cerebellum plays a crucial role in coordinating movements and maintaining balance. Therefore, assessing the patient's balance is essential in determining the extent of cerebellar damage. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because hemiplegia refers to paralysis of one side of the body, muscle sprain is a soft tissue injury, and lower extremity paralysis involves loss of function in the lower limbs. These conditions are not directly associated with damage to the cerebellum.

3. A patient has scaling of the scalp. Which term will the nurse use to report this finding to the oncoming staff?

• A. Dandruff
• B. Alopecia
• C. Pediculosis
• D. Xerostomia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct term the nurse will use to report scaling of the scalp is 'Dandruff.' Dandruff is characterized by scaling of the scalp that is often accompanied by itching. Choice B, 'Alopecia,' refers to hair loss, not scaling. Choice C, 'Pediculosis,' is the infestation of lice, not scaling. Choice D, 'Xerostomia,' pertains to dry mouth, which is unrelated to the described symptom of scaling of the scalp.

4. A client has a terminal diagnosis and their health is declining. The client requests information about advance directives. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

• A. Offering to discuss advance directives and provide brochures respects the client's request and provides information.
• B. Informing the client that advance directives are not necessary at this time is incorrect as they play a crucial role in end-of-life care.
• C. Scheduling a meeting with the family to discuss advance directives is not the most appropriate response as the client directly requested information.
• D. Directing the client to ask their provider about advance directives does not directly address the client's request for information.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a client with a terminal illness asks about advance directives, it is essential to provide the information they seek. Choice A is the correct response as it acknowledges the client's request and offers to discuss advance directives while providing additional resources in the form of brochures. This approach empowers the client to make informed decisions about their end-of-life care. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly address the client's request or provide the information the client is seeking. Choice B dismisses the importance of advance directives, which are crucial in end-of-life care planning. Choice C involves the family unnecessarily when the client directly requested information. Choice D deflects the responsibility back to the client to seek information from their provider instead of addressing their immediate request.

5. The LPN is preparing discharge instructions for a client who has begun to demonstrate signs of early Alzheimer's disease. The client lives alone. The client's adult children live nearby. According to the prescribed medication regimen, the client is to take medications six times throughout the day. What is the priority nursing intervention to assist the client with taking the medication?

• A. Contact the client's children and ask them to hire a private duty aide who will provide round-the-clock care.
• B. Develop a chart for the client, listing the times the medication should be taken.
• C. Contact the primary health care provider and discuss the possibility of simplifying the medication regimen.
• D. Instruct the client and client's children to put medications in a weekly pill organizer.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention in this scenario is to contact the primary health care provider and discuss the possibility of simplifying the medication regimen. Simplifying the medication regimen is crucial for a client with early Alzheimer's disease to ensure they can manage their medications independently and safely. This intervention focuses on optimizing the client's ability to adhere to the prescribed medication schedule. Choices A and D involve external assistance and may not address the core issue of simplifying the regimen. Choice B, while helpful, does not directly address the need to simplify the regimen to enhance the client's medication management.

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