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 healthcare professional suspects a colleague of diverting narcotics. What is the first step the healthcare professional should take?

• A. Confront the colleague directly
• B. Report the suspicion to the supervisor
• C. Ignore the issue and continue working
• D. Notify the pharmacy about the colleague's behavior

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first step for a healthcare professional who suspects a colleague of diverting narcotics is to report the suspicion to the supervisor. This action is essential to protect patient safety, uphold ethical standards, and comply with legal obligations. Confronting the colleague directly may not only escalate the situation but also jeopardize the investigation process. Ignoring the issue and continuing to work could potentially harm patients and violate professional responsibilities. Notifying the pharmacy, while important, should come after informing the appropriate supervisor or authority within the healthcare facility.

3. A healthcare provider orders a medication dose three times higher than usual. What is the nurse's first step?

• A. Administer the medication but monitor the patient closely.
• B. Verify the dosage with the prescribing provider.
• C. Administer a lower dose to minimize the risk.
• D. Hold the medication and wait for further clarification.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Verify the dosage with the prescribing provider. When faced with an unusual medication dose, the nurse's initial action should be to confirm the order with the healthcare provider who prescribed it. This step is crucial to prevent medication errors and ensure patient safety. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because administering the medication without clarification, administering a lower dose without approval, or holding the medication without consulting the provider can all pose risks to the patient's well-being.

4. A client has an indwelling urinary catheter. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement to prevent infection?

• A. Change the catheter every 72 hours.
• B. Ensure the tubing is unkinked.
• C. Empty the drainage bag every 4 hours.
• D. Hang the drainage bag below the bladder.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to hang the drainage bag below the bladder. This positioning helps prevent backflow of urine, reducing the risk of infection. Changing the catheter every 72 hours is not necessary unless clinically indicated and may increase infection risk by introducing pathogens. Ensuring the tubing is unkinked promotes proper urine flow but does not directly prevent infection. Emptying the drainage bag regularly is important to prevent urinary stasis but does not directly address infection prevention.

5. A healthcare professional is teaching a patient how to prevent falls at home. Which instruction is most appropriate?

• A. Keep your living space well-lit.
• B. Remove loose rugs and install grab bars in the bathroom.
• C. Use furniture to provide support when walking.
• D. Wear socks without shoes to prevent slipping.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate instruction to prevent falls at home is to remove loose rugs and install grab bars in high-risk areas like the bathroom. This helps eliminate tripping hazards and provides stability for the patient. Keeping the living space well-lit (Choice A) is important but may not directly address fall prevention. Using furniture for support (Choice C) can lead to accidents if the furniture is not stable. Wearing socks without shoes (Choice D) increases the risk of slipping rather than preventing falls.

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