Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is preparing a client for surgery. Which of the following actions should be taken first?

• A. Ensure informed consent is signed
• B. Start IV fluids
• C. Administer preoperative antibiotics
• D. Reinforce surgical site dressing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to ensure informed consent is signed first when preparing a client for surgery. This step is crucial as it ensures that the client has been informed about the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives before giving consent. Starting IV fluids (choice B) may be necessary but comes after obtaining informed consent. Administering preoperative antibiotics (choice C) is important but typically follows confirming informed consent. Reinforcing surgical site dressing (choice D) is a postoperative step and does not take precedence over obtaining informed consent.

2. A healthcare provider is assessing a client who has carpal tunnel syndrome. The provider should expect which of the following findings?

• A. Positive Chvostek's sign
• B. Cool extremities
• C. Positive Phalen's sign
• D. Decreased radial pulse

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Phalen's sign is often positive in clients with carpal tunnel syndrome due to nerve compression. Chvostek's sign (Choice A) is related to hypocalcemia, cool extremities (Choice B) are not typically associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, and decreased radial pulse (Choice D) is not a common finding in carpal tunnel syndrome.

3. A patient with a left arm fracture reports severe pain unrelieved by medication. What should the nurse assess for?

• A. Check for compartment syndrome
• B. Increase the pain medication
• C. Prepare the patient for surgery immediately
• D. Administer a sedative to calm the patient

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct answer: When a patient with a left arm fracture reports severe pain unrelieved by medication, the nurse should assess for compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome is a condition where increased pressure within a muscle compartment compromises circulation and can lead to tissue damage. It is a surgical emergency that requires immediate intervention. Choice B is incorrect because simply increasing pain medication without identifying the cause of the unrelieved pain may mask symptoms of a serious issue like compartment syndrome. Choice C is incorrect as surgery would only be necessary if compartment syndrome is confirmed. Choice D is incorrect as administering a sedative does not address the underlying issue of unrelieved pain and may delay appropriate treatment.

4. A client scheduled for a CT scan of the head with contrast is being taught by a nurse. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I will not eat or drink for 4 hours before the procedure
• B. I will keep my head still throughout the procedure
• C. I will experience a warm sensation when the dye is injected
• D. I can take my morning dose of metformin

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because metformin should be held before a contrast CT scan to prevent the risk of kidney damage. Choices A, B, and C are all correct statements regarding the preparation and experience of a CT scan with contrast. It is important to fast before the procedure, keep the head still during the scan, and expect a warm sensation when the dye is injected.

5. The nurse is caring for a patient on contact precautions. Which action will be most appropriate to prevent the spread of disease?

• A. Wear a gown, gloves, face mask, and goggles for interactions with the patient.
• B. Transport the patient safely and quickly when going to the radiology department.
• C. Place the patient in a room with negative airflow.
• D. Use a dedicated blood pressure cuff that stays in the room and is used for that patient only.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to use a dedicated blood pressure cuff that stays in the room and is used for that patient only. Patients on contact precautions require dedicated equipment to prevent the spread of disease. Using one blood pressure cuff exclusively for the patient on contact precautions helps minimize the risk of transmitting infections to other patients. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because while wearing protective gear and isolating the patient in a room with negative airflow are important infection control measures, using dedicated equipment for the patient on contact precautions is specifically recommended to prevent the spread of disease in this scenario.

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