Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is delegating the collection of a sputum specimen to an assistive personnel (AP). At which of the following times should the nurse instruct the AP to collect the specimen?

• A. In the afternoon
• B. As soon as the client awakens in the morning
• C. Before bedtime
• D. Immediately after lunch

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'As soon as the client awakens in the morning.' Sputum specimens should be collected early in the morning to obtain a concentrated sample. This timing ensures that the specimen is less diluted, providing a more accurate analysis. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the optimal timing for collecting a sputum specimen, which is in the morning.

2. How can a healthcare provider prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in post-operative patients?

• A. Encourage early ambulation
• B. Administer anticoagulants
• C. Apply compression stockings
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: All of the above options are essential in preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in post-operative patients. Encouraging early ambulation helps prevent blood stasis in the lower extremities, reducing the risk of DVT. Administering anticoagulants can prevent blood clots from forming. Compression stockings promote blood flow, reducing the likelihood of clot formation. Each intervention plays a crucial role in DVT prevention, making the correct answer 'All of the above.' Choices A, B, and C are not exclusive of each other but rather work synergistically to provide comprehensive prevention against DVT.

3. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is undergoing screening for prostate cancer. The nurse should expect an elevation in which of the following laboratory values?

• A. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
• B. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
• C. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
• D. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA). PSA is a marker specifically used for prostate cancer screening. Elevated levels of PSA can indicate prostate cancer or other prostate-related issues, prompting the need for further diagnostic investigations. Choices B, C, and D are not typically associated with prostate cancer screening. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is related to pregnancy, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is associated with liver and germ cell tumors, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is linked to colorectal cancer.

4. A client with newly diagnosed type I diabetes mellitus is being seen by the home health nurse. The physician orders include: 1,200-calorie ADA diet, 15 units of NPH insulin before breakfast, and check blood sugar qid. When the nurse visits the client at 5 PM, the nurse observes the man performing a blood sugar analysis. The result is 50 mg/dL. The nurse would expect the client to be

• A. Confused with cold, clammy skin and a pulse of 110
• B. Lethargic with hot, dry skin and rapid, deep respirations
• C. Alert and cooperative with a BP of 130/80 and respirations of 12
• D. Short of breath, with distended neck veins and a bounding pulse of 96

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Low blood sugar levels (50 mg/dL) typically cause confusion, cold clammy skin, and an increased pulse (tachycardia). Option A correctly describes the expected symptoms of hypoglycemia, which include confusion due to the brain's inadequate glucose supply, cold and clammy skin due to sympathetic nervous system activation, and an increased pulse (110 bpm) as the body reacts to low blood sugar levels. Options B, C, and D describe symptoms that are not typically associated with hypoglycemia. Lethargy, hot dry skin, rapid deep respirations, normal vital signs, shortness of breath, distended neck veins, and bounding pulse are more indicative of other conditions or normal physiological responses, not hypoglycemia.

5. A client with dementia is at risk of falls. Which intervention should the nurse implement to ensure safety?

• A. Use restraints to prevent the client from leaving the bed
• B. Use a bed exit alarm to notify staff when the client tries to leave the bed
• C. Encourage frequent ambulation with assistance
• D. Raise all four side rails to prevent falls

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with dementia at risk of falls is to use a bed exit alarm to notify staff when the client tries to leave the bed. This intervention helps prevent falls while still allowing some freedom of movement. Choice A is incorrect because using restraints can lead to complications and is considered a form of restraint which should be avoided. Choice C is not suitable for a client at high risk of falls due to dementia as it may increase the risk of falls. Choice D is not recommended as raising all four side rails can be considered a form of physical restraint and may not be the best approach to prevent falls in a client with dementia.

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