Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a patient with an infection. Which laboratory result is most important to monitor?

• A. White blood cell count (WBC)
• B. C-reactive protein (CRP)
• C. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
• D. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: White blood cell count (WBC). Monitoring the white blood cell count is crucial when caring for a patient with an infection as it helps assess the body's response to the infection. An elevated white blood cell count often indicates an active infection or inflammation, while a decreasing count may signal improvement or potential complications. C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are nonspecific markers of inflammation and not as specific to monitoring infection progression as the white blood cell count. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are important for assessing oxygen-carrying capacity and blood volume, but they are not the primary indicators for monitoring infection.

2. A nurse is preparing to administer medications to a client via a nasogastric (NG) tube. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Crush all medications and administer them all at once.
• B. Flush the NG tube before and after each medication.
• C. Administer only liquid forms of medications.
• D. Skip flushing the tube entirely.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Flush the NG tube before and after each medication.' Flushing the NG tube is essential to ensure that the medication passes through smoothly without any obstruction. It helps prevent clogging of the tube and ensures that the full dose of the medication reaches the patient. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because crushing all medications at once, administering only liquid forms of medications, and skipping tube flushing entirely can lead to complications such as tube blockages, incomplete medication administration, and potential harm to the client.

3. When caring for a client's tracheostomy at home, which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Clean with alcohol
• B. Cover the tracheostomy when outside
• C. Replace the tube weekly
• D. Use tap water to clean

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Covering the tracheostomy when outside is crucial as it helps prevent dust and other irritants from entering the airway, reducing the risk of complications. Cleaning with alcohol (choice A) can be too harsh for the skin around the tracheostomy site. While replacing the tube weekly (choice C) is important, it is typically done by healthcare providers. Using tap water to clean (choice D) is not recommended as it may introduce contaminants to the tracheostomy site.

4. What are the key considerations when administering opioid analgesics to a patient in pain?

• A. Monitoring for respiratory depression
• B. Administering opioid antagonist if needed
• C. Assessing respiratory rate and pain level before administration
• D. Monitoring the patient's level of consciousness

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct key consideration when administering opioid analgesics to a patient in pain is monitoring for respiratory depression. Opioids can lead to respiratory depression, making it crucial to carefully monitor the patient's breathing. Administering an opioid antagonist is not a key consideration during the administration of opioids; it is used to reverse opioid effects in cases of overdose, not as a routine practice. Assessing respiratory rate and pain level before administration is important but not the key consideration compared to monitoring for respiratory depression. Monitoring the patient's level of consciousness is also essential but not as critical as monitoring for respiratory depression when administering opioids.

5. What is an expected finding during the assessment of a client transitioning into a new role?

• A. The client's ability to express feelings of guilt
• B. Presence of suicidal or homicidal ideation
• C. Changes in coping skills over the past few weeks
• D. Client's involvement in community activities

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During a client's transition into a new role, the presence of suicidal or homicidal ideation should be assessed due to the increased risk associated with significant life changes. This finding could indicate a need for immediate intervention. While assessing the client's ability to express feelings of guilt is important, it may not be the most critical aspect during this specific assessment. Changes in coping skills over time are relevant but might not be the primary focus during a role transition assessment. The client's involvement in community activities, although beneficial for social support, is not directly related to the immediate concerns of assessing a client transitioning into a new role.

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