Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has an altered mental status and has become aggressive. Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse clarify with the provider prior to administration?

• A. Haloperidol
• B. Zolpidem
• C. Morphine
• D. Lorazepam

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Zolpidem. Zolpidem is a sedative-hypnotic medication that can worsen altered mental status, especially in clients who are already aggressive. Therefore, the nurse should clarify this prescription with the provider before administration to ensure it is safe for the client. Choice A, Haloperidol, is an antipsychotic commonly used to manage aggression in clients with altered mental status, making it an appropriate choice in this scenario. Choice C, Morphine, is an opioid analgesic and would not directly impact the client's altered mental status or aggression. Choice D, Lorazepam, is a benzodiazepine used to manage anxiety and agitation, which could be beneficial in this situation but does not have the same potential to exacerbate altered mental status as Zolpidem.

2. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to ensure the safety of a client using home oxygen?

• A. Allow smoking in designated areas
• B. Keep oxygen tanks upright at all times
• C. Store the oxygen equipment in a closet
• D. Keep oxygen tanks at least 10 feet away from heat sources

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Keep oxygen tanks upright at all times.' Oxygen tanks should be stored in an upright position to prevent leaks and accidents. Choice A is incorrect as smoking should never be allowed near oxygen due to the risk of fire. Choice C is incorrect as oxygen equipment should be stored in a well-ventilated area, not in a closet. Choice D is incorrect as oxygen tanks must be kept a minimum of 5 to 10 feet away from heat sources to prevent combustion. Therefore, the best practice is to keep oxygen tanks upright to ensure safety.

3. A nurse on an acute unit has received a change of shift report for 4 clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?

• A. A client who is 1 hr postoperative and has hypoactive bowel sounds.
• B. A client who has a fractured left tibia and pallor in the affected extremity.
• C. A client who had a cardiac catheterization 3 hr ago and has 3+ pedal pulses.
• D. A client who has an elevated AST level following the administration of azithromycin.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because pallor in an extremity after a fracture could indicate compromised circulation, making it a priority for assessment. Choice A is not the priority as hypoactive bowel sounds in a client 1 hr postoperative, while concerning, do not indicate a life-threatening condition. Choice C, a client who had a cardiac catheterization 3 hr ago and has 3+ pedal pulses, indicates good perfusion and does not require immediate attention. Choice D, a client with an elevated AST level following the administration of azithromycin, may require further assessment but is not as urgent as the client with potential compromised circulation in choice B.

4. A client diagnosed with dementia wanders the halls of the locked nursing unit during the day. To ensure the client's safety while walking in the halls, the nurse should do which of the following?

• A. Administer PRN haloperidol (Haldol) to decrease the need to walk
• B. Assess the client's gait for steadiness
• C. Restrain the client in a geriatric chair
• D. Administer PRN lorazepam (Ativan) to provide sedation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Assessing the client's gait for steadiness is the most appropriate action to ensure the safety of a client with dementia while walking. This allows the nurse to identify any issues that may increase the risk of falls or accidents. Administering PRN haloperidol or lorazepam is not indicated as the first-line approach in managing wandering behavior and can have adverse effects like increased risk of falls, confusion, or oversedation. Restraint use should be avoided whenever possible, as it can lead to physical and psychological harm to the client.

5. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client with oxygen therapy. What should the nurse emphasize?

• A. Avoid keeping oxygen tanks in an upright position
• B. Keep oxygen equipment at least 6 feet away from heat sources
• C. Allow family members to smoke in designated areas
• D. Restrict fluid intake while using oxygen therapy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Keep oxygen equipment at least 6 feet away from heat sources.' It is crucial to keep oxygen equipment away from heat sources to prevent fire hazards. Option A is incorrect as oxygen tanks should be stored in an upright position. Option C is wrong because smoking near oxygen equipment poses a significant fire risk. Option D is also incorrect as fluid intake should not be restricted while using oxygen therapy; in fact, it is important to maintain adequate hydration.

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