Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client following a below-the-knee amputation. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Avoid sitting in a chair for prolonged periods.
• B. Sleep with a pillow under the residual limb.
• C. Elevate the limb continuously for the first 48 hours.
• D. Apply lotion to the residual limb daily.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to avoid sitting in a chair for prolonged periods. This is important to prevent contractures from developing in the residual limb. Sleeping with a pillow under the residual limb can contribute to contracture formation rather than prevent it. While elevation of the limb is important for reducing swelling and promoting circulation, continuous elevation for 48 hours is not necessary and may not be practical. Applying lotion to the residual limb daily is generally not recommended immediately post-amputation as the wound site needs to heal without interference from lotions or creams.

2. A nurse is preparing to administer a dose of insulin. Which of the following should the nurse do first?

• A. Check the expiration date
• B. Verify the client's blood glucose level
• C. Obtain the client's weight
• D. Assess for signs of hypoglycemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to verify the client's blood glucose level first before administering insulin. This step is crucial to determine the appropriate dose of insulin based on the client's current blood glucose level. Checking the expiration date (Choice A) is important but not the first step in this scenario. Obtaining the client's weight (Choice C) is not directly related to the immediate administration of insulin. Assessing for signs of hypoglycemia (Choice D) should be done after administering insulin to monitor for potential side effects or adverse reactions.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving oxytocin to augment labor. The nurse notes recurrent variable decelerations of the FHR. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Prepare the equipment necessary to initiate an amnioinfusion
• B. Administer oxygen at 10 L/min via a non-rebreather face mask
• C. Discontinue the infusion of oxytocin
• D. Place the client in a left lateral position

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take is to discontinue the infusion of oxytocin. Oxytocin can lead to uterine hyperstimulation and fetal distress, contributing to variable decelerations in fetal heart rate. By stopping the oxytocin infusion, the nurse can promptly assess and manage the fetal heart rate. Choice A, preparing for amnioinfusion, is not the priority when faced with recurrent variable decelerations. Choice B, administering oxygen, is important but addressing the oxytocin infusion issue takes precedence. Choice D, placing the client in a left lateral position, is beneficial for optimizing fetal oxygenation but discontinuing oxytocin is the initial step in managing variable decelerations.

4. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer a dose of sertraline. Which of the following should the healthcare professional assess first?

• A. Blood pressure
• B. Heart rate
• C. Respiratory rate
• D. Mood changes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When administering sertraline, assessing blood pressure is crucial as this medication can potentially affect blood pressure levels. Monitoring blood pressure before giving sertraline helps ensure patient safety and allows for appropriate interventions if any significant changes are noted. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and mood changes are important assessments but are not typically the first priority when administering sertraline. While heart rate and respiratory rate can also be affected by sertraline, blood pressure assessment is a higher priority due to the medication's known effects on blood pressure regulation.

5. A healthcare provider is caring for four clients. Which of the following tasks can the healthcare provider delegate to an assistive personnel?

• A. Perform chest compressions during cardiac resuscitation
• B. Perform a dressing change for a new amputee
• C. Assess the effectiveness of antiemetic medication
• D. Provide discharge instructions

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Performing chest compressions during cardiac resuscitation is a critical life-saving intervention that can be delegated to an assistive personnel during an emergency. This task requires immediate action and basic training, making it appropriate for delegation. Performing a dressing change for a new amputee involves specialized knowledge and skills, typically performed by licensed healthcare providers. Assessing the effectiveness of medication requires critical thinking and decision-making skills that are within the scope of a licensed healthcare provider. Providing discharge instructions involves educating the patient on post-discharge care and follow-up, which is typically done by a healthcare provider to ensure clear communication and understanding.

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