Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is teaching an older adult client who has left-sided weakness about cane use. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Hold the cane with your left hand
• B. Move the cane forward 18 inches with each step
• C. When walking, move your left foot forward first
• D. Keep your elbow straight when you hold the cane

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client with left-sided weakness using a cane is to move the left foot forward first. This technique helps improve stability and safety by ensuring weight-bearing on the stronger side while providing support with the cane. Choice A is incorrect because the cane should be held on the stronger side, which is the right side in this case. Choice B is incorrect as the recommended distance to move the cane forward with each step is about 6 inches, not 18 inches. Choice D is incorrect as it is essential to maintain a slight bend in the elbow while using the cane to absorb shock and provide flexibility.

2. A public health nurse is developing guidelines for the management of a botulism outbreak. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

• A. High-risk individuals should receive immunoglobulin E (IgE)
• B. Implement airborne precautions for clients who have botulism
• C. Administer an aminoglycoside medication
• D. Rinse skin with soap and water following exposure to the botulism toxin

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Rinsing the skin with soap and water following exposure to the botulism toxin is crucial as it helps remove the toxin from the skin, preventing further absorption. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is not used in the management of botulism. Airborne precautions are not necessary for botulism as it is not transmitted through the air. Aminoglycoside medications are not the treatment of choice for botulism.

3. What are the clinical signs of hyperglycemia in a patient with diabetes mellitus, and how should a nurse respond?

• A. Monitoring blood glucose levels and administering insulin
• B. Polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia
• C. Fatigue, blurred vision, and fruity breath
• D. Educating the patient on blood glucose monitoring

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct signs of hyperglycemia in a patient with diabetes mellitus are polyuria (excessive urination), polydipsia (excessive thirst), and polyphagia (excessive hunger). These symptoms indicate high blood sugar levels. Therefore, the correct response for a nurse would be to recognize these signs, monitor blood glucose levels, and administer insulin to manage the hyperglycemia. Choice A is incorrect because it only addresses the response aspect without mentioning the signs. Choices C and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the classic clinical signs of hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus.

4. A patient is receiving a blood transfusion and develops chills, a headache, and low back pain. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Administer acetaminophen
• B. Stop the transfusion
• C. Slow the transfusion rate
• D. Administer antihistamines

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to stop the transfusion (Choice B). The symptoms described - chills, headache, and low back pain - are indicative of a transfusion reaction. The priority action is to immediately stop the transfusion to prevent further complications such as more severe reactions like hemolytic reactions or anaphylaxis. Administering acetaminophen (Choice A) may help with symptoms but does not address the underlying cause. Slowing the transfusion rate (Choice C) may not be sufficient if a serious transfusion reaction is occurring. Administering antihistamines (Choice D) is not the priority in this situation; stopping the transfusion takes precedence to ensure patient safety.

5. A healthcare professional is giving a change-of-shift report about a client admitted earlier that day with pneumonia. Which of the following pieces of information is the priority for the healthcare professional to provide?

• A. Recent chest x-ray results
• B. Medication history
• C. Breath sounds
• D. Lab results

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Breath sounds.' When providing a change-of-shift report for a client with pneumonia, the priority information to communicate is the assessment of breath sounds. Monitoring breath sounds is crucial in assessing respiratory status and the effectiveness of treatments in pneumonia. Option A, recent chest x-ray results, may be important but does not provide real-time information on the client's current status. Option B, medication history, is relevant but not as immediate as assessing breath sounds. Option D, lab results, can provide valuable information but may not be as urgent as monitoring the client's respiratory status through breath sounds.

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