Nursing Elites

1. While providing care to a group of patients, which patient should the nurse prioritize seeing first?

• A. A patient with a hip replacement on prolonged bed rest reporting chest pain and dyspnea
• B. A bedridden patient with a reddened area on the buttocks who needs to be turned
• C. A patient on bed rest with renal calculi who needs to go to the bathroom
• D. A patient post-knee surgery who needs range of motion exercises

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should prioritize seeing the patient with a hip replacement on prolonged bed rest reporting chest pain and dyspnea first. This patient is at higher risk for deep vein thrombosis due to prolonged bed rest, which can lead to a life-threatening embolus. Chest pain and dyspnea could also indicate a potential pulmonary embolism, which requires immediate assessment and intervention. The other patients, while requiring care, do not present with symptoms that suggest an immediate life-threatening situation, making them lower priority at this time. Therefore, option A is the correct choice as it addresses a potentially critical condition that requires immediate attention.

2. When assisting an older adult client with dysphagia following a CVA during mealtime, what should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Offer the client tart or sour foods.
• B. Ensure the client is sitting upright while eating.
• C. Provide soft and easily swallowable foods.
• D. Give the client thickened liquids to help with swallowing.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to ensure the client is sitting upright while eating. This position helps prevent aspiration and facilitates swallowing. Offering tart or sour foods (Choice A) may not be suitable for someone with dysphagia as they can be difficult to swallow and may increase the risk of aspiration. Providing soft and easily swallowable foods (Choice C) is crucial for individuals with swallowing difficulties. While giving thickened liquids (Choice D) is a common intervention for dysphagia, the priority during mealtime should be ensuring the client's proper positioning to support safe swallowing and prevent aspiration.

3. A healthcare provider is preparing to perform mouth care for an unresponsive client. Which of the following actions should the healthcare provider plan to take?

• A. Raise the level of the bed
• B. Administer mouth care with the client in a supine position
• C. Use a tongue depressor to open the mouth
• D. Place the client in a prone position

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Raising the bed level is the correct action to facilitate easier access for mouth care in an unresponsive client. This position enhances the safety and comfort of both the client and the healthcare provider. Administering mouth care with the client in a supine position (lying flat on their back) can increase the risk of aspiration. Using a tongue depressor to open the mouth is not recommended as it can cause discomfort and potential injury. Placing the client in a prone position (lying face down) is contraindicated for mouth care and can compromise the client's airway.

4. When responding to a call light and finding a client on the bathroom floor, what should the nurse do FIRST?

• A. Check the client for injuries
• B. Call for additional help
• C. Move the client to a sitting position
• D. Assist the client back to bed

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Checking the client for injuries is the priority when finding them on the bathroom floor. This action ensures the client's safety as it allows for immediate assessment of any potential harm. Calling for help may be necessary, but assessing for injuries takes precedence to address any immediate threats to the client's well-being. Moving the client to a sitting position or assisting them back to bed should only be done after ensuring there are no serious injuries requiring prompt medical attention. Therefore, the correct first action is to check the client for injuries.

5. A client with osteoporosis is prescribed alendronate (Fosamax). What instruction should the LPN/LVN provide to the client?

• A. Take the medication with a full glass of water.
• B. Take the medication at bedtime.
• C. Take the medication with food.
• D. Take the medication on an empty stomach.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client prescribed alendronate (Fosamax) is to take the medication with a full glass of water. Alendronate can cause irritation to the esophagus, so it is important to take it with a full glass of water and remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication to help prevent this irritation. Taking the medication at bedtime (choice B) may increase the risk of esophageal irritation as lying down can allow the medication to remain in the esophagus longer. Taking the medication with food (choice C) or on an empty stomach (choice D) can also interfere with the absorption of alendronate, reducing its effectiveness in treating osteoporosis.

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