Nursing Elites

1. A nurse manager is assigning care of a client who is being admitted from the PACU following thoracic surgery. The nurse manager should assign the client to which of the following staff members?

• A. Charge nurse
• B. Registered nurse (RN)
• C. Practical nurse (PN)
• D. Assistive personnel (AP)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, a client who has undergone thoracic surgery and is being admitted from the PACU requires a high level of nursing care. Registered nurses (RNs) have the education and training necessary to provide the complex care and monitoring needed for a post-thoracic surgery client. Charge nurses may oversee units but may not always be directly involved in providing bedside care. Practical nurses (PNs) have a different scope of practice compared to RNs and may not have the advanced skills needed for post-thoracic surgery care. Assistive personnel (AP) provide valuable support but do not have the qualifications to manage the care of a client following thoracic surgery.

2. A client with a history of peptic ulcer disease reports black, tarry stools. What is the most appropriate action for the LPN/LVN to take?

• A. Reassure the client that this is not a normal finding.
• B. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
• C. Document the finding in the client’s chart.
• D. Encourage the client to seek medical attention.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Notify the healthcare provider immediately. Black, tarry stools can be indicative of gastrointestinal bleeding, a serious complication that requires urgent medical evaluation and intervention. This finding should not be dismissed or considered normal without further assessment. Option A is incorrect because black, tarry stools are not a normal finding and may signify a significant health issue. Option C is incorrect as immediate action is needed rather than just documenting the finding. Option D is not the best choice as it simply suggests seeking medical attention without emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Prompt notification of the healthcare provider is crucial to ensure timely intervention and management of potential gastrointestinal bleeding.

3. A healthcare professional is planning to assess the abdomen of a client who reports feeling bloated for several weeks. Which of the following methods of assessment should the healthcare professional use first?

• A. Inspection
• B. Palpation
• C. Auscultation
• D. Percussion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Inspection is the initial step in abdominal assessment as it allows the healthcare professional to visually observe any abnormalities or signs of bloating. Palpation, auscultation, and percussion are subsequent assessment techniques that follow inspection. Palpation involves feeling for tenderness, masses, or organ enlargement; auscultation is listening for bowel sounds; and percussion is used to assess the density of underlying tissues or detect the presence of fluid or air in the abdomen. In the context of a client reporting bloating, the first step should be visual inspection to gather initial information. Palpation, auscultation, and percussion come after inspection to provide a more comprehensive assessment.

4. A nurse is counseling a young adult who describes having difficulty dealing with several issues. Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as the priority to assess further?

• A. “I have my own apartment now, but it’s not easy living away from my guardians.”
• B. “It’s been so stressful for me to even think about having my own family.”
• C. “I don’t even know who I am yet, and now I’m supposed to know what to do.”
• D. “My partner is pregnant, and I don’t think I have what it takes to be a good parent.”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The statement about feeling unprepared to be a good parent indicates a significant concern that may need further assessment and support. This statement raises issues regarding the individual's readiness for parenthood and potential impact on the partner and the unborn child. Choices A, B, and C, while important, do not present immediate concerns regarding the well-being of another individual and do not raise potential risks that could have a direct impact on others.

5. The nurse is assessing body alignment for a patient who is immobilized. Which patient position will the nurse use?

• A. Supine position
• B. Lateral position
• C. Lateral position with positioning supports
• D. Supine position with no pillow under the patient's head

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When assessing body alignment for an immobilized patient, the nurse should use the lateral position. This position helps in assessing alignment and preventing complications such as pressure ulcers. The supine position (Choice A) may not provide an accurate assessment of body alignment in an immobilized patient. While a lateral position with positioning supports (Choice C) may be used for comfort, it is not specifically for assessing body alignment. Using the supine position without a pillow under the patient's head (Choice D) is not ideal for assessing body alignment in an immobilized patient as it may not accurately reflect the patient's overall alignment.

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