Nursing Elites

1. A client is 24 hours postoperative following an inguinal hernia repair. The client is tolerating clear liquids well, has active bowel sounds, and is expressing a desire for “real food.” The nurse tells the client, “I will call the surgeon and ask for a change in diet.” The surgeon hears the nurse’s report and prescribes a full liquid diet. The nurse used which of the following levels of critical thinking?

• A. Basic
• B. Commitment
• C. Complex
• D. Integrity

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse demonstrated complex critical thinking by assessing the client's condition, evaluating the need for a change, and making a recommendation to the surgeon. In this scenario, the nurse went beyond simply following instructions or making routine decisions (basic critical thinking). There was a depth of analysis and decision-making involved, showing a higher level of critical thinking than basic or commitment levels. Integrity is about adherence to ethical principles and honesty, not directly related to the critical thinking process.

2. A client has right-sided paralysis following a cerebrovascular accident. Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse anticipate to prevent a plantar flexion contracture of the affected extremity?

• A. Ankle-foot orthotic
• B. Continuous passive motion machine
• C. Abduction splint
• D. Sequential compression device

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An ankle-foot orthotic is the correct choice to prevent a plantar flexion contracture in a paralyzed limb. An ankle-foot orthotic helps maintain proper alignment of the foot and ankle, preventing the foot from being permanently fixed in a pointed-down position. Continuous passive motion machines are typically used to promote joint movement after surgery and would not address the prevention of contractures in this case. Abduction splints are used to keep the legs apart and would not address the specific issue described. Sequential compression devices are used to prevent deep vein thrombosis by promoting circulation in the lower extremities and are not indicated for preventing plantar flexion contractures.

3. During assessment, what is a nurse monitoring when assessing body alignment?

• A. The relationship of one body part to another in different positions
• B. The coordination between musculoskeletal and nervous systems
• C. The force opposing movement direction
• D. The ability to move freely

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a nurse assesses body alignment, they are observing the relationship of one body part to another in various positions. This involves evaluating the positioning of joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles while a person is standing, sitting, or lying down. Choice B is incorrect because it refers more to the coordination between the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, which is not specifically related to body alignment assessment. Choice C is incorrect as it describes the force opposing movement rather than body alignment. Choice D is incorrect as it defines the ability to move freely, which is not directly related to monitoring body alignment.

4. A client with pneumonia is receiving antibiotic therapy. Which finding indicates that the treatment is effective?

• A. Decreased white blood cell count
• B. Decreased respiratory rate
• C. Increased breath sounds
• D. Increased heart rate

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Increased breath sounds. When a client with pneumonia is receiving antibiotic therapy, increased breath sounds indicate that the lungs are clearing and the pneumonia is resolving. This improvement in breath sounds suggests that the antibiotics are effectively treating the infection. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because a decreased white blood cell count, decreased respiratory rate, and increased heart rate are not specific indicators of the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy in treating pneumonia. While these parameters may change in response to treatment, they do not directly reflect the resolution of the pneumonia infection.

5. Which patient will lead the nurse to select a nursing diagnosis of Impaired physical mobility for a care plan?

• A. A patient who is completely immobile
• B. A patient who is not completely immobile
• C. A patient at risk for single-system involvement
• D. A patient who is at risk for multisystem problems

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the nursing diagnosis of Impaired physical mobility is appropriate for a patient who has some limitations in mobility but is not completely immobile. Choice A is incorrect as a patient who is completely immobile would not have impaired physical mobility but rather no physical mobility at all. Choices C and D are also incorrect as they do not directly relate to the defining characteristics of Impaired physical mobility, which involve limitations in movement and physical activity.

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