Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is preparing to administer a high dose of morphine to a patient with terminal cancer. What is the nurse's primary consideration before administration?

• A. Ensure the family is aware of the dosage to be administered.
• B. Monitor the patient for respiratory depression.
• C. Administer the morphine in divided doses.
• D. Delay administration until the next assessment.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitor the patient for respiratory depression. When administering a high dose of morphine, the nurse's primary consideration should be to monitor the patient for respiratory depression, as morphine can slow down breathing, especially in higher doses. Option A is incorrect because the primary focus should be on the patient's well-being and safety rather than family awareness at this point. Option C is not the best approach as the immediate concern is monitoring the patient closely for any adverse effects. Option D is not advisable as delaying administration without a valid reason can compromise pain management in a terminal cancer patient.

2. A nurse is teaching an older adult client who has left-sided weakness about cane use. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Hold the cane with your left hand
• B. Move the cane forward 18 inches with each step
• C. When walking, move your left foot forward first
• D. Keep your elbow straight when you hold the cane

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client with left-sided weakness using a cane is to move the left foot forward first. This technique helps improve stability and safety by ensuring weight-bearing on the stronger side while providing support with the cane. Choice A is incorrect because the cane should be held on the stronger side, which is the right side in this case. Choice B is incorrect as the recommended distance to move the cane forward with each step is about 6 inches, not 18 inches. Choice D is incorrect as it is essential to maintain a slight bend in the elbow while using the cane to absorb shock and provide flexibility.

3. What are the nursing interventions for a patient with pneumonia?

• A. Providing fluids and rest
• B. Monitoring lung sounds and respiratory rate
• C. Encouraging coughing and deep breathing exercises
• D. Administering antibiotics and providing oxygen therapy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct nursing interventions for a patient with pneumonia include monitoring lung sounds and respiratory rate to assess the effectiveness of treatment and the patient's respiratory status. Providing fluids and rest (Choice A) can be supportive measures but are not specific nursing interventions for pneumonia. Encouraging coughing and deep breathing exercises (Choice C) can be helpful for airway clearance but may not be appropriate for all patients with pneumonia. Administering antibiotics and providing oxygen therapy (Choice D) are medical interventions rather than nursing interventions.

4. What is the most appropriate action for a healthcare professional to take when a medication error occurs?

• A. Document the error in the patient's medical record.
• B. Report the error to the healthcare provider immediately.
• C. Apologize to the patient and explain what happened.
• D. Continue administering the medication and monitor the patient closely.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a medication error occurs, the most appropriate action for a healthcare professional is to report the error to the healthcare provider immediately. This is crucial for ensuring prompt corrective action to mitigate any potential harm to the patient. Documenting the error is important but should come after reporting it to the relevant authorities. Apologizing to the patient is important for maintaining trust and communication but should not take precedence over reporting and addressing the error. Continuing to administer the medication without addressing the error is unsafe and goes against patient safety protocols.

5. A healthcare provider is providing dietary teaching for a client who has a burn injury and adheres to a vegan diet. The healthcare provider should recommend which of the following foods as the best source of protein to promote wound healing?

• A. One cup of brown rice
• B. One cup of pureed avocado
• C. One cup of lentils
• D. One cup of orange juice

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Lentils are an excellent source of protein, suitable for a vegan diet, and promote wound healing. Brown rice (Choice A) is a carbohydrate-rich food and lacks sufficient protein for wound healing. Pureed avocado (Choice B) is a healthy fat source but low in protein. Orange juice (Choice D) is a source of vitamin C but lacks protein needed for wound healing.

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