Nursing Elites

1. A client with a left leg cast is being taught how to use crutches. Which of the following statements should indicate to the nurse that the client understands the teaching?

• A. When descending stairs, I will first shift my weight to my right (unaffected) leg.
• B. I will use crutches to support my weight on my left leg.
• C. When ascending stairs, I will lead with my left leg.
• D. I will keep my crutches under my arms for support.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Shifting weight to the unaffected leg when descending stairs is crucial for maintaining balance and safety. This technique helps prevent falls and distributes weight appropriately. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because using crutches to support the weight on the injured leg, leading with the injured leg when ascending stairs, and keeping crutches under the arms are all potentially unsafe practices that could lead to further injury or accidents.

2. When caring for a client at the end of life, which statement by the client’s partner reflects effective coping?

• A. I am relying on support from our family during this time.
• B. I am feeling overwhelmed but don’t want to talk about it.
• C. I am managing everything on my own without help.
• D. I prefer to stay alone with my partner.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'I am relying on support from our family during this time.' When a client is at the end of life, relying on support from family can be an effective coping mechanism. It allows the partner to share the emotional burden, seek comfort, and prevent feelings of isolation. Choice B reflects a reluctance to express feelings, which can hinder coping mechanisms by internalizing stress. Choice C suggests handling everything alone, which can lead to burnout and emotional strain due to the overwhelming responsibilities. Choice D, preferring to stay alone with the partner, may limit access to external support that could provide additional emotional and practical assistance during this challenging time, making it a less effective coping strategy.

3. A client with acute hemorrhagic anemia is to receive four units of packed RBCs (red blood cells) as rapidly as possible. Which intervention is most important for the LPN/LVN to implement?

• A. Obtain the pre-transfusion hemoglobin level.
• B. Prime the tubing and set up the blood pump.
• C. Monitor vital signs every 15 minutes for the first hour.
• D. Ensure the accuracy of the blood type match.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Ensuring the accuracy of the blood type match is crucial to prevent transfusion reactions. The LPN/LVN must prioritize this step to avoid adverse outcomes. Obtaining the pre-transfusion hemoglobin level (Option A) is important but not as critical as ensuring blood type compatibility. Priming the tubing and setting up the blood pump (Option B) and monitoring vital signs every 15 minutes (Option C) are essential steps in the transfusion process, but the primary concern should be preventing transfusion reactions by verifying blood type compatibility.

4. The client has expressive aphasia and needs assistance to communicate. Which method should the LPN use to best support the client's ability to express basic needs?

• A. Use a picture board with common needs.
• B. Encourage the client to speak slowly.
• C. Write down what the client says.
• D. Use hand gestures to communicate.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to use a picture board with common needs. Clients with expressive aphasia have difficulty speaking but can often understand and use visual aids effectively. Using a picture board helps the client communicate basic needs more easily. Encouraging the client to speak slowly (choice B) may not be effective as the issue lies with expressive language, not speed. Writing down what the client says (choice C) may not always be possible or helpful for immediate communication as it does not address the communication barrier directly. Using hand gestures (choice D) may not be as clear or universally understood as a picture board, which can cause confusion and misinterpretation.

5. The healthcare provider is assessing a client with acute pancreatitis. Which finding is most concerning?

• A. Pain radiating to the back
• B. Blood pressure of 95/60 mmHg
• C. Elevated serum amylase
• D. Absent bowel sounds

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In acute pancreatitis, a low blood pressure of 95/60 mmHg is the most concerning finding as it may indicate hypovolemia or shock, which are critical conditions requiring immediate intervention. Pain radiating to the back is a common symptom of pancreatitis but is not as immediately life-threatening as hypotension. Elevated serum amylase levels and absent bowel sounds are typical findings in acute pancreatitis and may indicate pancreatic inflammation and gastrointestinal motility issues, respectively, but they are not as acutely concerning as hypotension.

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