Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a newborn immediately following birth. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Instill erythromycin ophthalmic ointment
• B. Place identification bracelets on the newborn
• C. Weigh the newborn
• D. Dry the newborn

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Drying the newborn is the first priority to prevent heat loss, which can occur rapidly in newborns due to their large surface area and lack of body fat. This helps maintain the newborn's body temperature and prevent hypothermia. Instilling erythromycin ophthalmic ointment, placing identification bracelets, and weighing the newborn can be important steps but should come after ensuring the newborn is dried to maintain their body temperature.

2. A nurse is caring for a group of patients. Which of the following clients should the nurse refer to a social worker?

• A. A patient who requests to secure an emergency notification system in the home.
• B. A client who requires placement in an assisted living facility.
• C. A patient who requests to get school assignments while hospitalized on a pediatric unit.
• D. A patient who is experiencing food insecurity.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because social workers are involved in arranging care services like placement in assisted living facilities. This client's need for placement in an assisted living facility requires the expertise and assistance of a social worker. Choices A, C, and D do not necessarily require the intervention of a social worker. Choice A can be addressed by a nurse or healthcare provider, choice C can be managed by hospital staff or educators, and choice D may involve a nutritionist or community outreach programs.

3. A nurse is assessing a client diagnosed with schizophrenia. The nurse asks the client to interpret the following statement: “When the cat’s away, the mice will play.” The client responds, “The mice come out when the cat is not around.” The nurse should document this finding as:

• A. Echolalia
• B. Associative looseness
• C. Neologisms
• D. Concrete thinking

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The client’s literal interpretation of the statement is an example of concrete thinking, a cognitive symptom often seen in schizophrenia where abstract thinking is impaired. Choice A, Echolalia, is the repetition of words spoken by others, which is not demonstrated in this scenario. Choice B, Associative looseness, refers to a disturbance in the logical progression of thoughts, leading to a disorganized thought process. Choice C, Neologisms, involves creating new words or phrases with unique meanings, which is not evident in the client's response.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who has an indwelling urinary catheter. What should the nurse identify as a sign of catheter occlusion?

• A. Bladder distention
• B. Frequent urination
• C. Dark urine
• D. Increased thirst

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Bladder distention is the correct sign of catheter occlusion. When a catheter is occluded, the urine cannot drain properly, leading to the buildup of urine in the bladder and subsequent distention. Frequent urination, dark urine, and increased thirst are not typical signs of catheter occlusion. Frequent urination can be a sign of conditions like urinary tract infection, dark urine may indicate dehydration or other issues, and increased thirst can be related to various factors like diabetes or medication side effects.

5. A client is prescribed digoxin and has a potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Administer digoxin without any modifications
• B. Administer the medication at a lower dose
• C. Monitor serum potassium levels
• D. Discontinue the medication if potassium levels rise

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. In this case, the nurse should administer the digoxin without any modifications. Lowering the dose (Choice B) may not be necessary if the potassium level is not critically low. Monitoring serum potassium levels (Choice C) is important but should not delay the administration of digoxin. Discontinuing the medication (Choice D) is not the initial action to take unless the potassium levels become severely low and life-threatening.

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