Nursing Elites

1. A patient with a urinary tract infection (UTI) requires treatment. What is the most appropriate intervention?

• A. Encourage the patient to increase fluid intake.
• B. Administer antibiotics as prescribed.
• C. Recommend the patient take over-the-counter pain relievers.
• D. Encourage the patient to limit physical activity.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer antibiotics as prescribed. Antibiotics are the primary treatment for urinary tract infections as they help eliminate the bacteria causing the infection. Encouraging the patient to increase fluid intake (Choice A) is a supportive measure to help flush out the bacteria but doesn't directly treat the infection. Over-the-counter pain relievers (Choice C) may help with discomfort but do not address the underlying infection. Limiting physical activity (Choice D) may be recommended for some conditions but is not the primary intervention for treating a UTI.

2. A county public health nurse is developing a list of interventions to address the three core functions of public health. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include as part of the assurance function?

• A. Use surveillance to investigate outbreaks of foodborne illness
• B. Monitor the incidence rates of varicella every 2 months
• C. Organize an immunization clinic for at-risk members of the community
• D. Educate the community about the health risks of alcohol use

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Organize an immunization clinic for at-risk members of the community.' This intervention is part of the assurance function in public health, as it ensures that the community has access to preventive health services. Choice A is related to the assessment function as it involves surveillance to investigate outbreaks. Choice B is also related to the assessment function since it involves monitoring incidence rates. Choice D is associated with the policy development function as it involves educating the community about health risks.

3. A patient has just undergone a tracheostomy. What is the nurse's priority intervention?

• A. Suction the tracheostomy to maintain a patent airway.
• B. Administer pain medication as prescribed.
• C. Change the tracheostomy dressing every 4 hours.
• D. Monitor the patient's oxygen saturation closely.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to suction the tracheostomy to maintain a patent airway. After a tracheostomy, the priority intervention is to ensure a clear airway to prevent respiratory distress. Administering pain medication, changing the tracheostomy dressing, and monitoring oxygen saturation are important but are secondary to maintaining a patent airway in a patient who has just undergone a tracheostomy.

4. The nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of guided imagery for pain management in a patient with second- and third-degree burns requiring extensive dressing changes. Which finding best indicates the effectiveness of guided imagery?

• A. The patient's need for analgesic medication decreases during the dressing changes.
• B. The patient rates pain during the dressing change as a 6 on a scale of 0 to 10.
• C. The patient asks for pain medication during the dressing changes only once throughout the procedure.
• D. The patient's facial expressions remain stoic during the procedure.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A reduction in the need for analgesic medication indicates that guided imagery is effective in managing the patient's pain. Choices B, C, and D do not directly measure the effectiveness of guided imagery. A patient rating pain as 6 on a scale of 0 to 10, asking for pain medication once, or having stoic facial expressions may not necessarily reflect the impact of guided imagery on pain management.

5. The patient experienced a surgical procedure, and Betadine was utilized as the surgical prep. Two days postoperatively, the nurse's assessment indicates that the incision is red and has a small amount of purulent drainage. The patient reports tenderness at the incision site. The patient's temperature is 100.5°F, and the WBC is 10,500/mm³. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Reevaluate the temperature and white blood cell count in 4 hours.
• B. Check which solution was used for skin preparation in surgery.
• C. Plan to change the surgical dressing during the shift.
• D. Utilize SBAR to notify the primary health care provider.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The patient is showing signs of a possible surgical site infection, including redness, purulent drainage, tenderness, elevated temperature, and increased white blood cell count. These symptoms suggest the need for immediate action to address a potential complication. Utilizing SBAR to notify the primary health care provider is crucial as it allows for effective communication of the patient's condition and the need for further assessment and intervention. Reevaluating the temperature and white blood cell count later, checking the solution used for skin preparation, or planning to change the dressing do not address the urgent need for intervention and communication with the healthcare provider.

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