Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is preparing to administer medications to a client via a nasogastric (NG) tube. Before administering the medication, the nurse must first take which action?

• A. Check the client's apical pulse
• B. Check when the last feeding was given
• C. Check the placement of the tube
• D. Check when the last medications were given

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Before administering medications through an NG tube, the nurse must first check the placement of the tube to prevent aspiration. This is done by aspirating gastric contents and measuring the pH. Checking the client's apical pulse is unrelated to NG tube medication administration. Checking when the last feeding was given is important but not a priority before administering medications. Checking when the last medications were given is also not directly related to ensuring the safe administration of medications through an NG tube. Ensuring the correct placement of the tube is crucial to prevent complications such as pulmonary aspiration.

2. In a community hospital, a nurse is employed as a staff nurse and is supervised by a nurse manager. The nurse understands that in this position, the term authority most appropriately refers to which description?

• A. Accepting responsibility for the actions of others
• B. The official power to ensure that an organizational decision is enforced
• C. Bearing the legal responsibility for others' performance of tasks
• D. Taking responsibility for what staff members do

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The term authority refers to the official power of an individual to approve or command an action or to ensure that a decision is enforced. In the context of the nurse's position supervised by a nurse manager, having authority means having the official power to ensure that organizational decisions are carried out. Choice A, accepting responsibility for the actions of others, is more related to accountability rather than authority. Choice C, bearing the legal responsibility for others' performance of tasks, is more about legal liability rather than authority. Choice D, taking responsibility for what staff members do, is similar to choice A and is more about accountability rather than having the official power to enforce decisions. Therefore, the correct answer is B as it directly relates to the concept of authority in the context described.

3. Which of the following lab values is associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease?

• A. high HDL cholesterol
• B. low HDL cholesterol
• C. low total cholesterol
• D. low triglycerides

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is high HDL cholesterol. High HDL cholesterol levels are associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease because HDL helps remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries, reducing plaque buildup. Low HDL cholesterol (choice B) is actually associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Low total cholesterol (choice C) or low triglycerides (choice D) are not indicators of a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease; in fact, extremely low total cholesterol levels may indicate other health issues.

4. When observing a dressing change by a graduate nurse on a Stage III pressure ulcer to the greater trochanter by the staff nurse, a need for further teaching is indicated after the following observation by the nurse:

• A. The new graduate nurse irrigates the pressure ulcer with 50cc of NS.
• B. The new graduate irrigates the pressure ulcer with half-strength hydrogen peroxide.
• C. The new graduate packs the wound with sterile kerlix soaked in NS.
• D. The new graduate applies a Duoderm dressing over the wound after cleansing.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is that the new graduate irrigates the pressure ulcer with half-strength hydrogen peroxide. Pressure ulcers should not be cleaned with substances that are cytotoxic, such as hydrogen peroxide or betadine. This can cause further damage to the wound and delay the healing process. Choice A is incorrect because irrigating the pressure ulcer with normal saline is an appropriate practice. Choice C is incorrect because packing the wound with sterile kerlix soaked in normal saline is also an appropriate step. Choice D is incorrect because applying a Duoderm dressing after cleansing is a standard procedure in wound care.

5. A client with cirrhosis of the liver presents with ascites. The physician is to perform a paracentesis. For safety, the nurse should ask the client to:

• A. drink 1000 cc of fluid prior to the procedure to aid in fluid loss.
• B. eat foods low in fat.
• C. empty his bladder prior to the procedure.
• D. assume the prone position.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When performing a paracentesis, the client must be sitting up to allow the fluid to settle in the lower abdomen. To prevent trauma to the bladder while inserting a needle to aspirate the fluid, the bladder must be empty. Choice A is incorrect as excessive fluid intake can make the procedure more difficult due to increased abdominal distension. Choice B is unrelated to the procedure of paracentesis. Choice D is incorrect as the client should be sitting up, not in the prone position, during the procedure.

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