Nursing Elites

1. During a screening on a patient with a recent cast on the left lower extremity, which of the following statements should the nurse be most concerned about?

• A. The patient reports, "I didn't keep my extremity elevated as the doctor asked me to."?
• B. The patient reports, "I have been having pain in my left calf."?
• C. The patient reports, "My left leg has really been itching."?
• D. The patient reports, "The arthritis in my wrists is flaring up when I put weight on my crutches."?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because pain in the left calf could indicate a potential neurovascular complication related to the casted extremity. It could suggest issues such as compartment syndrome or impaired circulation. Option A is not as concerning since not elevating the extremity may lead to swelling but is not an immediate concern. Option C indicates itching, which is common with casts and not as concerning as potential neurovascular issues. Option D, regarding arthritis in the wrists, is unrelated to the lower extremity issue being screened for.

2. When giving an intramuscular injection to an infant, which of the following sites is preferred?

• A. Ventrogluteal region
• B. Deltoid
• C. Vastus lateralis
• D. Dorsogluteal region

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is the Vastus lateralis when giving an intramuscular injection to an infant. The Vastus lateralis muscle, located in the thigh, is the preferred site for infants as it has a larger muscle mass and is well-developed, making it suitable for injections. The Ventrogluteal region and Dorsogluteal region are not recommended for infants due to their smaller muscle mass and potential risk of damaging nearby structures. The Deltoid muscle is typically used for older children and adults, not infants.

3. The nurse observes a nursing assistant performing AM care for a client with a new leg cast. Which action by the assistant will the nurse intervene?

• A. Lifting the affected leg with the palms of the hand
• B. Covering the affected leg with a blanket to avoid chills
• C. Placing plastic over the groin prior to bathing
• D. Elevating the cased leg on two pillows

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is covering the affected leg with a blanket to avoid chills. Covering the leg with a blanket can prevent the evaporation of heat from the new cast, which can lead to skin irritation or discomfort. Lifting the affected leg with the palms of the hand is appropriate as it helps in providing support and prevents unnecessary pressure on the cast. Placing plastic over the groin prior to bathing is also acceptable to protect the area from getting wet. Elevating the cased leg on two pillows helps reduce swelling and promotes circulation, making it a suitable action.

4. For a client with suspected appendicitis, in which quadrant should the nurse expect to find abdominal tenderness?

• A. upper right
• B. upper left
• C. lower right
• D. lower left

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: lower right. Abdominal tenderness in the lower-right quadrant is a classic sign of appendicitis. The appendix is located in the lower right abdomen, so inflammation of the appendix typically causes tenderness in this specific area. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because tenderness in the upper right, upper left, and lower left quadrants, respectively, is not typical in appendicitis cases. Therefore, the nurse should focus on assessing the lower right quadrant for tenderness when suspecting appendicitis.

5. Which intervention should the nurse stop the nursing assistant from performing?

• A. Emptying the Jackson-Pratt drainage of the client post cholecystectomy
• B. Performing passive range of motion on the client with right-sided paralysis
• C. Placing the traction weights on the bed to transfer the client to X-ray
• D. Discarding the first urine voided by the client starting a 24-hour urine test

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Placing traction weights on the bed to transfer the client to X-ray is an intervention that the nurse should stop the nursing assistant from performing. Traction should never be relieved without a doctor's order as it can result in muscle spasm and tissue damage. The other choices are appropriate nursing interventions and should not be stopped. Emptying the Jackson-Pratt drainage, performing passive range of motion, and collecting the first urine void for a 24-hour urine test are all within the scope of practice and do not pose immediate risks to the client's well-being.

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