Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is performing a pain assessment for a client who is alert. The nurse should recognize that which of the following measures is the most reliable indicator of pain?

• A. Self-report of pain
• B. Nonverbal behavior
• C. Severity of the condition
• D. Vital signs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Self-report of pain. Pain is a subjective experience, and the most reliable way to assess it is through the client's self-report. While nonverbal behaviors and vital signs can provide additional information, they are not as reliable as the client's own report of pain. The severity of the condition may influence the experience of pain but is not a direct indicator of the client's pain level.

2. A healthcare professional is giving a change-of-shift report about a client admitted earlier that day with pneumonia. Which of the following pieces of information is the priority for the healthcare professional to provide?

• A. Recent chest x-ray results
• B. Medication history
• C. Breath sounds
• D. Lab results

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Breath sounds.' When providing a change-of-shift report for a client with pneumonia, the priority information to communicate is the assessment of breath sounds. Monitoring breath sounds is crucial in assessing respiratory status and the effectiveness of treatments in pneumonia. Option A, recent chest x-ray results, may be important but does not provide real-time information on the client's current status. Option B, medication history, is relevant but not as immediate as assessing breath sounds. Option D, lab results, can provide valuable information but may not be as urgent as monitoring the client's respiratory status through breath sounds.

3. A client with a history of falls is being admitted to the unit. What intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Increase the client's medication to ensure they don't fall.
• B. Use bed alarms to monitor the client's movements.
• C. Encourage the client to use a walker for mobility.
• D. Assign the client to a nursing assistant for supervision.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Use bed alarms to monitor the client's movements.' When a client with a history of falls is admitted, the nurse's initial intervention should focus on fall prevention measures. Using bed alarms to monitor the client's movements can help alert the healthcare team if the client attempts to get out of bed and reduce the risk of falls. Choice A is incorrect because increasing medication should not be the first intervention as it may not address the underlying causes of falls and can have adverse effects. Choice C may be appropriate but is not the priority over implementing safety measures like bed alarms. Choice D is incorrect as assigning the client to a nursing assistant for supervision alone may not be as effective as utilizing bed alarms for continuous monitoring.

4. A client is about to undergo surgery and is unsure about the procedure despite signing the consent. What should the nurse do?

• A. Reassure the client and proceed with the surgery.
• B. Stop the surgery and consult with the surgeon.
• C. Proceed with the surgery but document the client's concerns.
• D. Postpone the surgery until further clarification is provided.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client expresses doubts about a procedure after signing the consent form, it is crucial to stop the surgery and consult with the surgeon. This is important to ensure that the client's concerns are addressed, and there is a clear understanding of the procedure. Reassuring the client and proceeding with the surgery (choice A) may violate the client's autonomy and right to informed consent. Proceeding with the surgery but documenting the concerns (choice C) is not sufficient as the client's doubts should be resolved before proceeding. Postponing the surgery until further clarification is provided (choice D) may be necessary, but the immediate step should be to consult with the surgeon to address the client's concerns.

5. A charge nurse is planning care for a group of clients on a medical-surgical unit. Which of the following tasks should the nurse delegate to an assistive personnel (AP)?

• A. Giving a glycerin suppository to a client for constipation
• B. Evaluating the effectiveness of ibuprofen administered to a client who reported a headache
• C. Discussing dietary changes with a client who has a prescription for a gluten-free diet
• D. Measuring hourly urinary output for a client who is postoperative

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because measuring hourly urinary output is a task that falls within the scope of practice for assistive personnel. This task involves a technical skill that can be delegated by the charge nurse. Choices A, B, and C require higher-level nursing assessments and interventions that should be performed by licensed nursing staff. Giving a glycerin suppository involves medication administration, evaluating the effectiveness of ibuprofen requires assessment and critical thinking, and discussing dietary changes involves education and assessment of the client's understanding and compliance, all of which are beyond the scope of practice for assistive personnel.

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