Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is preparing to perform a sterile dressing change. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when setting up the sterile field?

• A. Place the cap from the solution sterile side up on a clean surface.
• B. Open the outermost flap of the sterile kit away from the body.
• C. Place the sterile dressing within 1.25 cm (0.5 in) of the edge of the sterile field.
• D. Set up the sterile field 5 cm (2 in) above waist level.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To maintain the sterility of the field, the nurse should place the cap from the solution sterile side up on a clean surface. This action helps prevent contamination. Choice B is incorrect because opening the outermost flap toward the body increases the risk of introducing contaminants onto the sterile field. Choice C is incorrect as the sterile dressing should be placed at least 2.5 cm (1 in) from the edge of the sterile field to prevent accidental contamination. Choice D is incorrect because setting up the sterile field above waist level could lead to inadvertent contact and compromise the field's sterility.

2. What are the key signs of hyperkalemia and how should it be treated?

• A. Elevated potassium levels, muscle weakness; administer calcium gluconate
• B. Decreased potassium levels, confusion; administer potassium chloride
• C. Elevated sodium levels, bradycardia; administer sodium bicarbonate
• D. Low sodium levels, muscle cramps; administer sodium chloride

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct signs of hyperkalemia include elevated potassium levels and muscle weakness. The treatment involves administering calcium gluconate to help stabilize the heart. Choice B is incorrect as hyperkalemia is characterized by elevated, not decreased, potassium levels. Choice C is incorrect as hyperkalemia does not involve elevated sodium levels, and the treatment is not sodium bicarbonate. Choice D is incorrect as hyperkalemia does not lead to low sodium levels, and sodium chloride is not the treatment for hyperkalemia.

3. A nurse is preparing to administer insulin to a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus. After drawing up the medication, the nurse accidentally brushes the needle on the counter's surface. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Prepare a new dose of insulin injection
• B. Administer the insulin as it is
• C. Wipe the needle with an alcohol swab
• D. Ask the provider for guidance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to prepare a new dose of insulin injection. Accidentally brushing the needle on a contaminated surface can lead to infection risk. Administering the insulin as it is or just wiping the needle with an alcohol swab would not be sufficient to eliminate the risk of infection. Asking the provider for guidance is not necessary in this situation as the nurse can independently take the appropriate action to ensure patient safety.

4. What is the proper technique for obtaining a blood specimen from a central venous line?

• A. Use sterile gloves and discard the first 10 mL of blood
• B. Flush the line with heparin and then draw the specimen
• C. Draw the specimen and then administer heparin
• D. Use non-sterile gloves to reduce contamination risk

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct technique for obtaining a blood specimen from a central venous line is to use sterile gloves and discard the first 10 mL of blood. This practice helps ensure that the blood sample collected is not contaminated. Choice B is incorrect because flushing the line with heparin before drawing the specimen can contaminate the sample. Choice C is incorrect as administering heparin before drawing the specimen can affect the accuracy of the blood sample. Choice D is incorrect as using non-sterile gloves increases the risk of contamination, which is not recommended when obtaining a blood specimen from a central venous line.

5. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client with home oxygen therapy. What safety measure should the nurse emphasize?

• A. Allow smoking in designated outdoor areas
• B. Keep oxygen tanks upright and away from heat sources
• C. Store oxygen tanks in a closet when not in use
• D. Keep oxygen equipment at least 10 feet away from open flames

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct safety measure that the nurse should emphasize is to keep oxygen tanks upright and away from heat sources. This is crucial to prevent the risk of fire or explosion. Choice A is incorrect as smoking near oxygen can lead to a fire hazard. Choice C is also incorrect as storing oxygen tanks in enclosed spaces can be dangerous. Choice D, although related to safety, does not address the immediate risk of keeping oxygen tanks away from heat sources.

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