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. The nurse is admitting a patient with an infectious disease process. Which question will be most appropriate for a nurse to ask about the patient's susceptibility to this infectious process?

• A. Do you have any children living in your home?
• B. Do you have a spouse?
• C. Do you have a chronic disease?
• D. Do you have any religious beliefs that will influence your care?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Do you have a chronic disease?' Patients with chronic diseases are more susceptible to infections due to factors like general debilitation and nutritional impairment. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because having children in the home, having a spouse, or religious beliefs do not directly impact susceptibility to infectious diseases.

3. When administering a subcutaneous injection of insulin to a client, what angle should the nurse use for the injection?

• A. 45-degree angle
• B. 60-degree angle
• C. 90-degree angle
• D. 30-degree angle

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct angle for administering a subcutaneous injection, such as insulin, is 90 degrees. This angle allows for the medication to be delivered into the subcutaneous layer of tissue beneath the skin. A 45-degree angle is typically used for administering subcutaneous injections in infants or those with reduced adipose tissue, while a 60-degree angle is commonly used for intramuscular injections. A 30-degree angle is not a standard angle for subcutaneous injections.

4. What is the primary purpose of turning and repositioning an immobile patient every 2 hours?

• A. To improve circulation and relieve pressure.
• B. To prevent contractures and muscle atrophy.
• C. To prevent skin breakdown and pressure ulcers.
• D. To improve respiratory function and prevent pneumonia.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary purpose of turning and repositioning an immobile patient every 2 hours is to prevent skin breakdown and pressure ulcers. Prolonged immobility can lead to pressure ulcers, making this a crucial nursing intervention. Choice A is incorrect because while turning can help improve circulation and relieve pressure, the primary purpose is to prevent skin breakdown. Choice B is incorrect as preventing contractures and muscle atrophy is important but not the primary purpose of turning. Choice D is incorrect as improving respiratory function and preventing pneumonia are not directly related to turning and repositioning for skin integrity.

5. Which intervention is most effective for managing a patient with constipation?

• A. Increase the patient's fluid intake.
• B. Administer a stool softener as prescribed.
• C. Provide the patient with a high-fiber diet.
• D. Teach the patient to perform Valsalva maneuvers.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most effective intervention for managing constipation in a patient is to administer a stool softener as prescribed. Stool softeners help relieve constipation by making the stool easier to pass, especially in postoperative patients. Increasing fluid intake can be beneficial but may not address the underlying cause of constipation. While a high-fiber diet is important for bowel health, it may not provide immediate relief for constipation. Teaching a patient to perform Valsalva maneuvers is not recommended for managing constipation as it can lead to adverse effects like increasing intra-abdominal pressure.

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