Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is preparing to insert a small-bore nasogastric feeding tube for a client's enteral feedings. In which method does the nurse measure the correct length of the tube?

• A. From the tip of the nose to the xiphoid process
• B. From the tip of the nose to the earlobe to the xiphoid process
• C. From the earlobe to the xiphoid process
• D. From the tip of the nose to the earlobe to the umbilicus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When preparing to insert a nasogastric tube, the nurse must measure the correct length to ensure that the end of the tube will be in the correct position in the stomach. The accurate method to measure the length is from the tip of the nose to the earlobe to the xiphoid process. This length ensures that the end of the tube reaches the stomach, avoiding placement in the small intestine or esophagus. Choice A is incorrect as it does not include the earlobe, which is essential for accurate measurement. Choice C is incorrect because measuring from the earlobe alone does not provide the correct length for positioning in the stomach. Choice D is incorrect as it includes the umbilicus, which is not the appropriate landmark for measuring the length of a nasogastric tube intended for stomach placement.

2. The nurse is preparing to perform a physical assessment. The correct action by the nurse is reflected by which statement?

• A. Performs the examination from both sides of the bed.
• B. Examines tender or painful areas last to help relieve the patient's anxiety.
• C. Follows a flexible examination sequence, considering the patient's age and condition.
• D. Organizes the assessment to ensure that the patient does not change positions too often.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should organize the assessment to minimize the patient's need to change positions frequently, ensuring efficiency and comfort. It is essential to perform the examination from both sides of the bed to facilitate a comprehensive assessment. Examining tender or painful areas last can help reduce patient discomfort and anxiety. The examination sequence should be flexible, taking into account the patient's age, condition, and specific needs. This approach allows for a tailored and patient-centered assessment, optimizing the quality of care provided.

3. What action by the nurse is appropriate when examining a 16-year-old male teenager?

• A. Discuss health teaching with the teenager to promote wellness.
• B. Ask the parent to step out of the room during the history and physical examination to respect the teenager's privacy.
• C. Use age-appropriate communication when speaking to the teenager to ensure understanding.
• D. Provide feedback that his body is developing normally and discuss the wide variation among teenagers on the rate of growth and development.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During the examination of a 16-year-old male teenager, it is essential to provide feedback that his body is developing normally and to discuss the wide variation among teenagers regarding growth and development. This reassures the teenager about his health status and addresses any concerns about physical development. It is important to recognize that adolescents are very conscious of their body image and often compare themselves to their peers, hence the need for such feedback. Asking the parent to step out of the room respects the teenager's privacy and promotes open communication between the nurse and the teenager. Using age-appropriate communication is crucial to ensure that the teenager understands the information provided. Asking the parent to stay in the room may not be ideal as it can inhibit open discussion, and talking to the teenager as if they were a younger child is inappropriate and may undermine their autonomy and understanding.

4. A new staff nurse completes orientation to the psychiatric unit. This nurse will expect to ask an advanced practice nurse to perform which action for patients?

• A. Perform mental health assessment interviews
• B. Establish therapeutic relationships
• C. Prescribe psychotropic medications
• D. Individualize nursing care plans

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Prescriptive privileges are granted to Master's-prepared nurse practitioners who have taken special courses on prescribing medications. The nurse prepared at the basic level performs mental health assessments, establishes relationships, and provides individualized care planning. In this scenario, the new staff nurse would ask the advanced practice nurse to prescribe psychotropic medications, as this is within their scope of practice and expertise. Establishing therapeutic relationships, performing mental health assessments, and individualizing care plans are typically responsibilities of staff nurses at the basic level, not advanced practice nurses.

5. While measuring a patient's blood pressure, which factor influences a patient's blood pressure?

• A. Pulse rate
• B. Pulse pressure
• C. Vascular output
• D. Peripheral vascular resistance

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When measuring a patient's blood pressure, it is important to consider various factors that influence blood pressure. Peripheral vascular resistance plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure. The level of blood pressure is affected by factors such as cardiac output, peripheral vascular resistance, volume of circulating blood, viscosity, and elasticity of the vessel walls. Pulse rate (Choice A) refers to the number of heartbeats per minute and is not a primary factor influencing blood pressure. Pulse pressure (Choice B) is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure and does not directly impact blood pressure regulation. Vascular output (Choice C) is not a recognized term in blood pressure regulation and is not a primary factor affecting blood pressure.

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