Nursing Elites

1. A client requires rectal temperature monitoring, and a nurse has a thermometer with a long, slender tip at the bedside. What is the appropriate action for the nurse to take?

• A. Obtain a thermometer with a short, blunt insertion end
• B. Use the available thermometer as is
• C. Request a new thermometer
• D. Measure the temperature orally instead

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When monitoring rectal temperature, it is crucial to use a thermometer with a short, blunt insertion end to prevent injury and ensure accurate readings. Using a thermometer with a long, slender tip can pose a risk of perforation or discomfort for the client. Therefore, the appropriate action for the nurse to take is to obtain a thermometer with a short, blunt insertion end. Using the available thermometer as is would not address the safety concerns. Requesting a new thermometer is unnecessary when a suitable one is available by just obtaining it. Measuring the temperature orally instead would not provide the required rectal temperature monitoring.

2. While documenting in a client’s medical record, which of the following entries should the nurse record?

• A. “Incision without redness or drainage”
• B. “Drank adequate amounts of fluid with meals”
• C. “Administered pain medication”
• D. “Oral temperature slightly elevated at 0800”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because documenting specific observations, such as an oral temperature being slightly elevated at a specific time, is crucial for monitoring the client's health status accurately. This type of information helps in assessing trends and changes in the client's condition over time. Choice A is incorrect as it lacks specificity and does not provide measurable data about the client's condition. Choice B is incorrect because it is a general statement related to client behavior rather than a specific health observation. Choice C is incorrect as it reflects an action taken by the nurse and not a direct client's condition or observation.

3. A client who is unstable and requires frequent vital signs has an electronic blood pressure machine automatically measuring his blood pressure every 15 min. However, the machine is reading the client’s blood pressure at more frequent intervals, and the readings are not similar. The nurse checks the machine settings and observes the additional readings, but the problem continues. Which of the following is the appropriate nursing action?

• A. Notify the manufacturer
• B. Disconnect the machine, and measure the blood pressure manually every 15 min
• C. Adjust the machine settings again
• D. Ignore the extra readings

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action in this scenario is to disconnect the electronic blood pressure machine and measure the client's blood pressure manually every 15 minutes. Given that the machine is malfunctioning and providing inconsistent readings, relying on manual measurements ensures accuracy and maintains the quality of care. Notifying the manufacturer (Choice A) may be necessary in the long run, but the immediate concern is the accuracy of the vital signs. Adjusting the machine settings again (Choice C) without resolving the underlying issue would not address the problem. Ignoring the extra readings (Choice D) could lead to incorrect assessment and compromise patient care. Therefore, the best course of action is to disconnect the machine and opt for manual blood pressure measurements until the issue is resolved.

4. A client is being admitted to a same-day surgery center for an exploratory laparotomy procedure. The surgeon asks the nurse to witness the signing of the preoperative consent form. In signing the form as a witness, the nurse affirms that:

• A. The client understands the procedure
• B. The signature on the preoperative consent form is the client’s
• C. The procedure has been explained
• D. The client is aware of potential complications

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because as a witness, the nurse's primary responsibility is to confirm that the signature on the preoperative consent form belongs to the client. The nurse is not confirming the client's understanding of the procedure (Choice A), but rather the authenticity of the signature. Choice C is incorrect because the nurse is not responsible for verifying that the procedure has been explained, but rather confirming the client's signature. Similarly, Choice D is incorrect because the nurse's role as a witness is not to ensure the client is aware of potential complications, but to verify the signature.

5. A healthcare professional is preparing for change of shift. Which document or tool should the healthcare professional use to communicate?

• A. SBAR
• B. SOAP
• C. DAR
• D. PIE

Correct answer: A

Rationale: SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) is a structured method for communicating critical information during shift changes or handoffs. It helps to ensure important details about a patient's condition and care are effectively communicated. Choice B, SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan), is a note-taking format used in healthcare to document patient encounters, but it is not specifically designed for shift handoffs. Choice C, DAR (Data, Action, Response), and choice D, PIE (Problem, Intervention, Evaluation), are not commonly used communication tools during shift changes in healthcare settings. Therefore, the correct choice is SBAR for effective communication during shift handoffs.

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