Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has a surgical wound. Which of the following laboratory values places the client at risk for poor wound healing?

• A. Serum albumin 3 g/dL
• B. Total lymphocyte count 2400/mm3
• C. HCT 42%
• D. HGB 16 g/dL

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Serum albumin 3 g/dL. Low levels of serum albumin indicate poor nutritional status and can impair wound healing. Total lymphocyte count, HCT, and HGB levels are not directly related to wound healing and do not pose a significant risk for poor wound healing in this context. Total lymphocyte count reflects the immune status, HCT measures the percentage of red blood cells in blood, and HGB measures the amount of hemoglobin in blood.

2. While caring for a client who begins to experience a generalized seizure while standing in her room, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Place a pad under the client’s head
• B. Hold the client’s limbs tightly to prevent injury
• C. Lift the client into bed with the help of other staff members
• D. Insert a bite block into the client’s mouth

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During a seizure, the priority is to protect the client's head and ensure their safety. The nurse should guide the client to the ground if possible and place a soft pad or a folded cloth under the head to prevent injury. Restraining the client's limbs can result in injury and should be avoided. Lifting the client can also lead to injuries during a seizure. Inserting a bite block is contraindicated as it can cause damage to the teeth, oral tissues, and obstruct the airway. Therefore, the correct action is to place a pad under the client's head to protect them during the seizure.

3. The client is advised to take dexamethasone (Decadron) with food or milk. What is the physiological basis for this advice?

• A. Inhibits pepsin production
• B. Stimulates hydrochloric acid production
• C. Delays stomach emptying time
• D. Reduces hydrochloric acid production

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Stimulates hydrochloric acid production. Dexamethasone can stimulate the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which may lead to irritation of the stomach lining. Taking dexamethasone with food or milk helps to neutralize or buffer the acid, reducing the risk of stomach irritation. Choice A is incorrect because dexamethasone does not inhibit pepsin production. Choice C is incorrect as dexamethasone does not slow stomach emptying time. Choice D is incorrect as dexamethasone does not reduce hydrochloric acid production.

4. The patient is admitted to a skilled care unit for rehabilitation after the surgical procedure of fixation of a fractured left hip. The patient's nursing diagnosis is Impaired physical mobility related to musculoskeletal impairment from surgery and pain with movement. The patient is able to use a walker but needs assistance ambulating and transferring from the bed to the chair. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate for this patient?

• A. Obtain assistance and physically transfer the patient to the chair.
• B. Assist with ambulation and measure how far the patient walks.
• C. Give pain medication after ambulation so the patient will have a clear mind.
• D. Bring the patient to the cafeteria for group instruction on ambulation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing intervention for this patient is to assist with ambulation and measure how far the patient walks. This intervention helps quantify the patient's progress in mobility and rehabilitation. Choice A is incorrect because physically transferring the patient does not focus on promoting independence or assessing progress. Choice C is inappropriate as pain medication should be given based on scheduled times or as needed, not specifically after ambulation. Choice D is not suitable as group instruction on ambulation is not as individualized or focused on the patient's current needs and abilities.

5. A visitor comes to the nursing station and tells the nurse that a client and his relative had a fight, and that the client is now lying unconscious on the floor. What is the most important action the LPN/LVN needs to take?

• A. Ask the client if he is okay.
• B. Call security from the room.
• C. Find out if there is anyone else in the room.
• D. Ask security to make sure the room is safe.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most critical action for the LPN/LVN to take in this situation is to ask security to ensure the room is safe. This step is crucial to prevent any further harm to the unconscious client or others. While it is important to assess the client's condition, ensuring safety takes precedence. Calling security from the room may expose the LPN/LVN to potential danger without confirming the safety of the environment first. Finding out if anyone else is in the room can wait until safety is established to avoid unnecessary risks.

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