Nursing Elites

1. A patient is 1 hour postoperative following an open reduction internal fixation of the left tibia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Assess neurovascular status of the extremities every 4 hours
• B. Monitor the patient's pain level every 8 hours
• C. Assist the patient to the bathroom every 2 hours
• D. Keep the patient's left leg elevated on two pillows

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take 1 hour postoperative following an open reduction internal fixation of the left tibia is to assess neurovascular status of the extremities every 4 hours. This frequent assessment is crucial to monitor for any signs of complications such as impaired circulation or nerve damage. Monitoring every 4 hours allows for early detection of any issues, enabling timely intervention and prevention of potential complications. Monitoring the patient's pain level every 8 hours (choice B) is not as immediate or essential for postoperative care. Assisting the patient to the bathroom every 2 hours (choice C) may not be necessary if the patient is not ambulatory yet. Keeping the patient's left leg elevated on two pillows (choice D) can be beneficial but is not the priority in the immediate postoperative period compared to assessing neurovascular status.

2. Which medication is most likely to cause serious respiratory depression as a potential adverse reaction?

• A. Morphine
• B. Pentazocine
• C. Hydrocodone
• D. Nalmefene

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Morphine, as a strong opioid agonist, has the highest likelihood of causing serious respiratory depression due to its potent effects on the central nervous system. While Pentazocine and Hydrocodone can also cause respiratory depression, they are less likely to do so compared to morphine. Nalmefene, an opioid antagonist, is used to reverse respiratory depression caused by opioids rather than causing it.

3. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to the parent of a school-age child who has moderate persistent asthma. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. You should give your child his salmeterol inhaler every 4 hours when he is having an acute episode of wheezing.
• B. You should monitor your child's weight weekly while he is receiving inhaled corticosteroid therapy.
• C. Pulmonary function tests will be performed every 12 to 24 months to evaluate how your child is responding to therapy.
• D. When using the peak expiratory flow meter, record your child's average of three readings.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse should inform the parent that the child will need pulmonary function tests every 12 to 24 months to assess lung function and response to treatment. These tests help evaluate the presence of lung disease, monitor disease progression, and assess the effectiveness of the current therapeutic regimen in managing asthma. Choice A is incorrect as salmeterol is not used for acute wheezing episodes but rather for long-term maintenance. Choice B is incorrect because weight monitoring is not directly related to inhaled corticosteroid therapy for asthma. Choice D is incorrect as peak expiratory flow meter readings should be recorded as instructed, not averaged.

4. During a home care visit for an infant diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux, which parental action observed requires intervention by the nurse?

• A. The infant's formula is mixed with rice cereal.
• B. The mother positions the infant in a high Fowler position while feeding.
• C. After feeding, the infant is placed in a car seat.
• D. The mother administers ranitidine (Zantac) to the infant using a syringe.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Placing an infant diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux in a car seat after feeding can increase the risk of reflux and aspiration. The semi-upright or high Fowler position is recommended to help reduce reflux symptoms during feeding. Adding rice cereal to formula can help thicken it and reduce reflux episodes. Administering ranitidine using a syringe is a common method of oral medication administration. Therefore, the action of placing the infant in a car seat after feeding is the one that requires intervention due to the increased risk it poses.

5. What is an initial sign of nephrosis that the nurse might note in a child?

• A. Raspberry-like rash
• B. Periorbital edema
• C. Temperature elevation
• D. Abdominal pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In nephrotic syndrome, edema is a common symptom that is generalized and not easily noticeable, even by parents. However, an early sign that can be assessed by the nurse is periorbital edema, which refers to swelling around the eyes. This can be an initial indicator of nephrosis and may prompt further evaluation and intervention.

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