Nursing Elites

1. When ethical dilemmas arise, what should newly licensed nurses expect and identify as an ethical dilemma?

• A. A nurse on a medical-surgical unit demonstrates signs of chemical impairment.
• B. A nurse overhears another nurse telling an older adult client that if he doesn’t stay in bed, she will have to apply restraints.
• C. A family has conflicting feelings about the initiation of enteral tube feedings for their father, who is terminally ill.
• D. A client who is terminally ill hesitates to name their partner on their durable power of attorney form.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An ethical dilemma involves a situation where there are conflicting values or principles that make it difficult to make a clear decision. In the given scenarios, option C best represents an ethical dilemma as the family has conflicting feelings about initiating enteral tube feedings for their terminally ill father. This situation presents a clash between different values and beliefs, making it challenging to reach a resolution. Options A, B, and D do not illustrate conflicting values or principles that characterize an ethical dilemma. Option A describes a nurse's impairment, which is a concern but not a direct ethical dilemma. Option B depicts a potential breach of client autonomy and restraint use, which is an ethical issue but not a true ethical dilemma. Option D involves a client's personal decision regarding a durable power of attorney form, which, although important, does not present conflicting values or principles that define an ethical dilemma.

2. A patient's hygiene schedule of bathing and brushing teeth is largely influenced by family customs. For which age group is the nurse most likely providing care?

• A. Adolescent
• B. Preschooler
• C. Older adult
• D. Adult

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Preschooler. Family customs have a significant impact on hygiene practices during childhood, especially in the early years. Preschoolers are at an age where they are learning and forming habits, and family customs play a crucial role in establishing routines such as bathing and brushing teeth. Adolescents, older adults, and adults are more likely to have established their own hygiene routines that may not be as heavily influenced by family customs as in early childhood. Therefore, the nurse is most likely providing care to a preschooler in this scenario.

3. During an assessment, a healthcare professional is evaluating a client who has been on bed rest for the past month. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional identify as an indication that the client has developed thrombophlebitis?

• A. bladder distention
• B. decreased blood pressure
• C. calf swelling
• D. diminished bowel sounds

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Calf swelling, redness, and tenderness are classic signs of thrombophlebitis. The swelling occurs due to the formation of a blood clot in the deep veins of the calf, leading to inflammation and potential obstruction of blood flow. Bladder distention (Choice A) is more indicative of urinary retention, decreased blood pressure (Choice B) can be seen in conditions like shock, and diminished bowel sounds (Choice D) may suggest gastrointestinal issues, none of which are directly related to thrombophlebitis.

4. The healthcare provider is teaching a patient about contact lens care. Which instructions will the healthcare provider include in the teaching session?

• A. Use tap water to clean soft lenses.
• B. Wash and rinse the lens storage case daily.
• C. Reuse storage solution for no longer than a week.
• D. Keep the lenses in a cool, dry place when not in use.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Washing and rinsing the lens storage case daily is essential to prevent contamination and infections. Choice A is incorrect as tap water should not be used to clean soft lenses due to the risk of introducing harmful microorganisms. Choice C is incorrect as the storage solution should not be reused for longer than recommended to maintain its effectiveness and prevent eye infections. Choice D is incorrect because lenses should be stored in a clean, disinfected case, not just in a cool, dry place, to avoid contamination.

5. A client with a history of heart failure presents to the clinic with a 2-day history of weight gain, swelling in the legs, and shortness of breath. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial nursing action?

• A. Perform a physical assessment
• B. Review the client's medication list
• C. Instruct the client to elevate the legs
• D. Obtain a detailed dietary history

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Performing a physical assessment is the most appropriate initial nursing action in this scenario. A thorough physical assessment helps evaluate the client's current condition, severity of symptoms, and identify any immediate concerns. This assessment can provide crucial information to guide further interventions and treatment. Reviewing the client's medication list (choice B) is important but may not address the immediate need for assessing the client's current status. Instructing the client to elevate the legs (choice C) may be beneficial but should come after a thorough assessment. Obtaining a detailed dietary history (choice D) is relevant for heart failure management but is not the most urgent initial action when the client presents with acute symptoms like weight gain, leg swelling, and shortness of breath.

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