Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is 4 hours postoperative following an open reduction and internal fixation of the left tibia. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Serous drainage on the dressing
• B. Capillary refill of 2 seconds
• C. Heart rate of 62/min
• D. Left foot is cool to the touch

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A cool left foot indicates impaired circulation, which could be a sign of compartment syndrome or impaired blood flow. This finding should be reported to the provider promptly for further evaluation and intervention. Serous drainage on the dressing is expected postoperatively and is not a concerning finding. A capillary refill of 2 seconds is within the normal range (less than 3 seconds is normal), indicating adequate peripheral perfusion. A heart rate of 62/min is also within the normal range for an adult, suggesting no immediate concern related to the surgery.

2. How should signs of dehydration in an elderly patient be assessed?

• A. Monitor skin turgor
• B. Check for dry mucous membranes
• C. Monitor for sunken eyes
• D. Check capillary refill

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Monitoring skin turgor is a reliable method to assess dehydration in elderly patients. Skin turgor refers to the skin's elasticity or the skin's ability to return to its normal position after being pinched. In dehydration, the skin loses its elasticity, becoming less flexible and slower to return to its original state. Checking for dry mucous membranes (Choice B), monitoring for sunken eyes (Choice C), and checking capillary refill (Choice D) are all relevant assessments in dehydration but are not as specific or sensitive as monitoring skin turgor. Dry mucous membranes and sunken eyes are indicators of dehydration, while capillary refill is more related to circulatory status and less specific to dehydration.

3. A client who is 1 day postpartum plans to breastfeed. Which statement indicates an understanding of the teaching provided by the nurse?

• A. I will breastfeed every 4 hours.
• B. I will feed my baby from each breast for 5 minutes.
• C. I will use both breasts at each feeding.
• D. I will pump my breasts if my baby does not wake up to feed.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Using both breasts at each feeding helps ensure adequate milk production and consumption. Option A is incorrect because breastfeeding should be done on demand rather than following a strict schedule. Option B is incorrect as limiting feeding time to 5 minutes per breast may not provide the baby with enough milk. Option D is also incorrect as pumping should not replace direct breastfeeding unless there is a specific medical reason to do so.

4. How should a healthcare provider respond to a patient refusing a blood transfusion for religious reasons?

• A. Respect the patient's beliefs
• B. Educate the patient on the importance of the transfusion
• C. Notify the healthcare provider
• D. Persuade the patient to accept the transfusion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a patient refuses a blood transfusion for religious reasons, the healthcare provider should respect the patient's beliefs. It is crucial to uphold the patient's autonomy and right to make decisions about their care, even if the provider disagrees. Educating the patient on the importance of the transfusion may be appropriate in some cases, but the initial response should always be to respect the patient's decision. Notifying the healthcare provider is not necessary as the decision lies with the patient. Persuading the patient to accept the transfusion goes against the principle of respecting the patient's autonomy and beliefs.

5. What is the best nursing action for a patient experiencing shortness of breath?

• A. Administer oxygen
• B. Administer bronchodilators
• C. Reposition the patient
• D. Provide IV fluids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering oxygen is the best nursing action for a patient experiencing shortness of breath as it helps alleviate the symptoms and improve oxygenation. Providing oxygen addresses the primary issue of inadequate oxygen levels in the body, which can be a life-threatening situation. Administering bronchodilators (choice B) may be appropriate for specific respiratory conditions like asthma but is not the initial intervention for all causes of shortness of breath. Repositioning the patient (choice C) can sometimes help improve breathing, but in a patient experiencing significant shortness of breath, immediate oxygen therapy is crucial. Providing IV fluids (choice D) is not indicated as the first-line intervention for shortness of breath unless there is a specific underlying cause such as dehydration.

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