Nursing Elites

1. A client with a closed head injury has their eyes open when pressure is applied to the nail beds, and they exhibit adduction of the arms with flexion of the elbows and wrists. The client also moans with stimulation. What is the client's Glasgow Coma Score?

• A. 4
• B. 7 (comatose)
• C. 9
• D. 10

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The client's Glasgow Coma Score is 7. This is calculated by assigning 2 points for eye-opening to pain, 2 points for incomprehensible sounds, and 3 points for flexion posturing. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A (4) would be the score if the client displayed decerebrate posturing instead of flexion posturing. Choice C (9) would be the score if the client exhibited eye-opening to speech, confused speech, and decorticate posturing. Choice D (10) would be the score if the client showed eye-opening spontaneously, oriented speech, and obeyed commands, which is not the case here.

2. While assessing four clients, which client data should be reported to the provider?

• A. Client with pleurisy who reports a pain level of 6 out of 10 when coughing
• B. Client with 110 mL of serosanguineous fluid from a JP drain
• C. Client 4 hours postoperative with a heart rate of 98 bpm
• D. Client undergoing chemotherapy with an absolute neutrophil count of 75/mm³

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An absolute neutrophil count of 75/mm³ is critically low and places the client at high risk for infection, necessitating immediate intervention. Neutropenia increases susceptibility to infections, making it essential to report this finding promptly. The other options, such as pain level in pleurisy, drainage amount from a drain, and heart rate postoperatively, are important but do not indicate an immediate life-threatening condition that requires urgent provider notification.

3. A nurse is caring for a client prescribed the HMG CoA reductase inhibitor, atorvastatin. Which of the following should be monitored while this medication is prescribed?

• A. Liver function test
• B. Renal function test
• C. Hearing screenings
• D. Visual acuity screenings

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Atorvastatin, an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor, can lead to hepatotoxicity. Therefore, monitoring liver function through regular tests is essential. Baseline liver function should be assessed, followed by tests at 12 weeks after starting therapy and periodically thereafter. This monitoring helps detect early signs of liver damage, including jaundice, nausea, and dark urine. Incorrect Choices Rationale: B) Renal function test is not directly affected by atorvastatin. C) Hearing screenings and D) Visual acuity screenings are not indicated for monitoring while on atorvastatin therapy.

4. In orienting new staff nurses to a pediatric intensive care unit, what is an important consideration in providing information to parents of a critically ill child?

• A. Making sure they receive complete information during each encounter
• B. Assessing parents' preferences regarding the amount of information
• C. Allowing parents to observe key aspects of their child's care
• D. Providing patient education brochures explaining ICU protocols

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Assessing parents' preferences about the amount of information is crucial because it allows for individualized care that respects their needs and emotional capacity during a stressful time. Choice A is not ideal as overwhelming parents with complete information during each encounter may not align with their preferences. Choice C, while valuable, may not always be feasible or appropriate due to privacy concerns or medical procedures. Choice D, providing brochures, may not address the specific needs or preferences of each set of parents, making it less effective than assessing individual preferences.

5. A nurse is assisting with mass casualty triage following an explosion at a local factory. Which of the following clients should the nurse identify as the priority?

• A. A client who has massive head trauma
• B. A client who has full-thickness burns to the face and trunk
• C. A client with indications of hypovolemic shock
• D. A client with an open fracture of the lower extremity

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a mass casualty situation, the nurse should prioritize the client with indications of hypovolemic shock. Hypovolemic shock is an immediate life-threatening condition resulting from severe blood loss, which can lead to organ failure and death. Prompt identification and treatment of hypovolemic shock are crucial to prevent further deterioration. While clients with massive head trauma, full-thickness burns, and open fractures require urgent care, hypovolemic shock takes precedence due to its rapid progression to a critical state.

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