Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 hr postoperative following rhinoplasty. Which of the following manifestations requires immediate action by the nurse?

• A. Increase in frequency of swallowing.
• B. Moderate sanguineous drainage on the drip pad.
• C. Bruising to the face.
• D. Absent gag reflex.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increase in frequency of swallowing. After rhinoplasty, an increase in frequency of swallowing may indicate possible bleeding, which requires immediate action by the nurse. The client could be experiencing postoperative bleeding, and prompt intervention is necessary to prevent complications. Choice B, moderate sanguineous drainage on the drip pad, is expected in the immediate postoperative period and does not require immediate action unless it becomes excessive. Choice C, bruising to the face, is a common postoperative finding and does not require immediate action unless it is excessive or affects the airway. Choice D, absent gag reflex, would not be expected immediately following rhinoplasty and would require intervention, but the manifestation of increased swallowing frequency is a higher priority due to its association with potential bleeding.

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. Which of the following situations can be identified as an ethical dilemma?

• A. A nurse demonstrates signs of chemical impairment
• B. A family has conflicting feelings about tube feeding for their terminally ill father
• C. A nurse overhears a colleague threatening to restrain a patient if they do not stay in bed
• D. A client with terminal cancer hesitates to name their spouse as power of attorney

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Ethical dilemmas involve conflicting values or feelings. In this situation, the family is conflicted about tube feeding for their terminally ill father, which presents a moral and ethical challenge. Choices A, C, and D do not represent ethical dilemmas. Choice A involves a nurse's impairment, which is a different issue. Choice C involves a nurse's observation of a colleague's threat, which is a patient safety concern. Choice D involves a client's hesitation in naming a spouse as power of attorney, which is a legal and decision-making issue, not necessarily an ethical dilemma.

4. A nurse is collecting data from a client who delivered a full-term newborn 16 hr ago. The nurse notes excessive lochia discharge. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Administer oxytocin
• B. Perform fundal massage
• C. Administer IV fluids
• D. Call the provider

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Performing fundal massage is the priority action in this scenario. Fundal massage helps contract the uterus, which is essential in reducing excessive lochia postpartum. Administering oxytocin may be indicated later, but fundal massage should be the initial intervention to address the issue. Administering IV fluids may not directly address the cause of excessive lochia, and calling the provider should come after implementing immediate nursing interventions.

5. What is the role of the nurse in the care of a patient with a pressure ulcer?

• A. Clean the wound and apply a protective dressing
• B. Assess the wound and reposition the patient frequently
• C. Apply pressure to the ulcer and monitor for signs of healing
• D. Provide pain relief and administer antibiotics as needed

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess the wound and reposition the patient frequently. When caring for a patient with a pressure ulcer, it is crucial for the nurse to assess the wound regularly to monitor its progress and prevent complications. Additionally, repositioning the patient frequently helps to relieve pressure on the affected area, prevent further damage, and promote healing. Choice A is incorrect because while cleaning the wound is important, applying a protective dressing is not the primary role of the nurse in managing a pressure ulcer. Choice C is incorrect as applying pressure to the ulcer is harmful, and monitoring for signs of healing should not involve applying pressure. Choice D is incorrect as providing pain relief and administering antibiotics may be necessary but are not the primary interventions for managing a pressure ulcer.

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