Nursing Elites

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

• A. Administer the medication over 15 minutes.
• B. Monitor the client's urine output every 8 hours.
• C. Check the client's creatinine level before administering the medication.
• D. Assess the client for a history of allergies to antibiotics.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to check the client's creatinine level before administering vancomycin. Vancomycin is known to be nephrotoxic, so assessing the client's renal function before administering the medication is crucial to prevent further kidney damage. Administering the medication over 15 minutes (Choice A) is not the priority in this scenario as renal function assessment takes precedence. Monitoring urine output (Choice B) is important for assessing renal function but checking creatinine level directly provides more accurate information. Assessing for allergies to antibiotics (Choice D) is also important but not as essential as checking the creatinine level due to the nephrotoxic nature of vancomycin.

2. A charge nurse on a medical-surgical unit is planning assignments for a licensed practical nurse (LPN) who has been sent from the unit due to a staffing shortage. Which of the following clients should the nurse delegate to the LPN?

• A. A client who has an Hgb of 6.3 g/dl and a prescription for packed RBCs.
• B. A client who sustained a concussion and has unequal pupils.
• C. A client who is postoperative following a bowel resection with an NG tube.
• D. A client who fractured his femur yesterday and is experiencing shortness of breath.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because a client who is postoperative following a bowel resection with an NG tube can be delegated to an LPN as this involves routine postoperative care. Option A involves administering packed RBCs which requires assessment and monitoring for potential adverse reactions, not suitable for delegation to an LPN. Option B requires neurological assessment and close monitoring due to the concussion, which is beyond the scope of an LPN. Option D involves a client with a recent fracture and shortness of breath, which requires urgent assessment and intervention beyond the LPN's scope of practice.

3. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is prescribed home oxygen. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

• A. Check your oxygen equipment daily for proper function.
• B. Increase the oxygen flow rate if you feel short of breath.
• C. Store your oxygen tanks lying flat on the floor.
• D. It is safe to smoke as long as you are more than 10 feet from the oxygen source.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct statement for the nurse to make is to advise the client to check the oxygen equipment daily for proper function. This is crucial to ensure the client's home oxygen therapy is working effectively and safely. Choice B is incorrect because adjusting the oxygen flow rate without healthcare provider guidance can be dangerous. Choice C is incorrect as oxygen tanks should be stored upright, not lying flat. Choice D is incorrect and unsafe advice, as smoking near an oxygen source can lead to a fire hazard.

4. A client with a new diagnosis of hypertension is being taught about lifestyle changes by a nurse. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse include?

• A. Limit sodium intake to no more than 1,500 mg per day.
• B. Exercise for at least 150 minutes each week.
• C. Avoid all dairy products.
• D. Limit intake of all carbohydrates.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct recommendation for a client with hypertension is to limit sodium intake to no more than 1,500 mg per day. This helps manage hypertension by reducing fluid retention and lowering blood pressure. Choice B is a good recommendation as well, but the primary focus for hypertension management in this scenario is limiting sodium. Choices C and D are incorrect as dairy products and carbohydrates are not directly linked to hypertension.

5. A client with a colostomy needs optimal skin integrity. What action should the nurse take to promote this?

• A. Cleanse the peristomal skin with alcohol.
• B. Change the colostomy pouch every 3 days.
• C. Use a barrier cream to protect the skin from the pouch contents.
• D. Cleanse the stoma with hydrogen peroxide.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To promote optimal skin integrity in a client with a colostomy, using a barrier cream to protect the skin from the irritating effects of the colostomy pouch contents is essential. Cleansing the peristomal skin with alcohol (Choice A) can be too harsh and drying for the skin. Changing the colostomy pouch every 3 days (Choice B) is important for hygiene but using a barrier cream is more directly related to skin protection. Cleaning the stoma with hydrogen peroxide (Choice D) is not recommended as it can be too abrasive for the sensitive stoma area.

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