Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is working with a new graduate nurse on the delegation of tasks to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which task would the new nurse need more teaching about delegating?

• A. Taking a client's blood pressure
• B. Providing oral hygiene for a client
• C. Assessing a client's pain level
• D. Assisting a client with ambulation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Assessing a client's pain level. This task involves clinical judgment and interpretation, which are within the scope of a licensed nurse's practice. Delegating pain assessment to unlicensed personnel could lead to errors in pain management and inappropriate interventions. Choices A, B, and D involve tasks that can be safely delegated to unlicensed assistive personnel as they do not involve interpretation or nursing judgment. Taking a client's blood pressure, providing oral hygiene, and assisting with ambulation are all routine tasks that can be appropriately assigned to UAP under the supervision of a licensed nurse.

2. A preschool-aged boy is admitted to the pediatric unit following successful resuscitation from a near-drowning incident. While providing care to the child, the nurse begins talking with his preadolescent brother who rescued the child from the swimming pool and initiated resuscitation. The nurse notices the older boy becomes withdrawn when asked about what happened. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Involve the older brother in supporting the child
• B. Ask the older brother how he felt during the incident
• C. Ask the parents for more information about the brother's behavior
• D. Reassure the brother that everything is fine now

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The older brother's withdrawal likely indicates emotional trauma or stress from the near-drowning event. Asking how he felt provides an opportunity for emotional support and allows the child to express feelings that may need addressing. Involving him in supporting the child may be overwhelming and not address his emotional needs directly. Asking the parents for more information may not allow the older brother to express his own feelings. Simply reassuring him that everything is fine now may dismiss his emotional experience without providing a chance for him to process his feelings.

3. A client has altered renal function and is being treated at home. The nurse recognizes that the most accurate indicator of fluid balance during the weekly visits is?

• A. Difference in the intake and output
• B. Changes in the mucous membranes
• C. Skin turgor
• D. Weekly weight

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In clients with altered renal function being treated at home, weekly weight is the most accurate indicator of fluid balance. Fluid retention or loss can significantly affect weight, making it a reliable measure. Choices A, B, and C are not as accurate indicators of fluid balance as weekly weight. Intake and output differences can vary in accuracy and may not capture all aspects of fluid balance. Changes in mucous membranes and skin turgor can be influenced by factors other than fluid balance, making them less precise indicators.

4. An older client who had a subtotal parathyroidectomy is preparing for discharge. What finding requires immediate provider notification?

• A. Afebrile with a normal pulse.
• B. No bowel movement since surgery.
• C. No appetite for breakfast.
• D. A positive Chvostek's sign.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A positive Chvostek's sign indicates hypocalcemia, a complication after parathyroid surgery that requires immediate attention. This sign is manifested by facial muscle twitching when the facial nerve in front of the ear is tapped, indicating neuromuscular irritability due to low calcium levels. Afebrile with a normal pulse (Choice A) is a normal finding and does not require immediate notification. No bowel movement since surgery (Choice B) is common postoperatively due to anesthesia effects and pain medications and usually resolves within a few days; it does not require immediate notification unless accompanied by other concerning symptoms. No appetite for breakfast (Choice C) is a common postoperative finding and does not require immediate notification unless it persists and leads to dehydration or malnutrition.

5. The nurse leading a medical-surgical unit care team assigns client care to a PN and a UAP. Which task should the nurse delegate to the UAP?

• A. Assess a client's pain level post-surgery
• B. Turn and reposition a client with a total hip replacement
• C. Administer a dose of insulin per sliding scale
• D. Change a postoperative dressing

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Turning and repositioning a client is within the scope of practice of a UAP. This task helps prevent pressure ulcers and assists in maintaining the client's comfort and mobility. Assessing pain level post-surgery requires clinical judgment and interpretation, making it appropriate for a PN or RN. Administering medication like insulin involves critical thinking and potential adjustments based on the client's condition, which is the responsibility of a licensed nurse. Changing postoperative dressings involves wound assessment, infection control, and knowledge of aseptic techniques, tasks that fall under the purview of a PN or RN.

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