Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is planning to teach a group of clients about preventing low back pain. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

• A. Wear low-heeled shoes.
• B. Elevate the legs while sitting.
• C. Engage in prolonged sitting to rest the back muscles.
• D. Sleep on a soft mattress to prevent strain on the back.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Wear low-heeled shoes.' Wearing low-heeled shoes helps prevent back strain by promoting proper posture. High heels can cause an imbalance in the body's alignment, leading to increased stress on the lower back. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Elevating the legs while sitting can help with circulation but does not directly prevent low back pain. Engaging in prolonged sitting can actually contribute to low back pain due to decreased muscle activity and increased pressure on the spine. Sleeping on a soft mattress may not provide adequate support for the back, potentially worsening back pain instead of preventing it.

2. What is the appropriate nursing action for a patient experiencing an acute allergic reaction?

• A. Administer antihistamines
• B. Administer corticosteroids
• C. Administer oxygen
• D. Administer bronchodilators

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The appropriate nursing action for a patient experiencing an acute allergic reaction is to administer antihistamines. Antihistamines work by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical released during an allergic reaction, and can help relieve symptoms such as itching, swelling, and hives. Corticosteroids are used for severe allergic reactions not responding to antihistamines, as they have anti-inflammatory properties. Oxygen is administered in cases of respiratory distress, while bronchodilators are used for bronchospasms. However, the first-line intervention for an acute allergic reaction is antihistamines.

3. A nurse is preparing to administer vancomycin IV to a client who has methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Administer the medication over 60 minutes
• B. Monitor the client's blood glucose level during administration
• C. Infuse the medication rapidly to reduce the risk of infection
• D. Administer the medication using a filter needle

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action the nurse should take is to administer the medication over 60 minutes. This is important because administering vancomycin over 60 minutes helps prevent red man syndrome, a reaction that can occur with rapid infusion. Monitoring the client's blood glucose level (Choice B) is unrelated to vancomycin administration. Infusing the medication rapidly (Choice C) is incorrect and can lead to adverse reactions. Administering the medication using a filter needle (Choice D) is unnecessary for vancomycin administration.

4. What is the most important assessment for a patient post-op to monitor for complications?

• A. Monitor vital signs
• B. Monitor the surgical site
• C. Check blood glucose levels
• D. Check for abnormal breath sounds

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor vital signs. Post-operative patients need close monitoring of their vital signs to detect early signs of complications such as changes in blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and respiratory rate. While monitoring the surgical site is also important for signs of infection, assessing vital signs takes precedence as it provides immediate information about the patient's overall condition. Checking blood glucose levels may be essential for specific patients but is not the primary assessment for monitoring post-op complications. Checking for abnormal breath sounds is important but falls secondary to monitoring vital signs as it indicates respiratory issues rather than providing a comprehensive assessment of the patient's condition.

5. A patient is 1 day postoperative following a total knee arthroplasty. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Administer aspirin for pain management.
• B. Keep the affected leg in a dependent position.
• C. Flex the affected knee for 2 to 3 minutes every hour.
• D. Apply ice packs to the affected knee.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for a client 1 day postoperative following a total knee arthroplasty is to apply ice packs to the affected knee. Ice packs help reduce swelling and pain in such clients. Administering aspirin is contraindicated due to the risk of bleeding postoperatively. Keeping the affected leg in a dependent position can impair circulation and increase the risk of complications. Flexing the affected knee for extended periods can strain the surgical site and hinder the healing process.

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