Nursing Elites

1. A nurse notes the presence of variable decelerations on the fetal heart rate monitor strip and suspects cord compression. The nurse should immediately perform which action?

• A. Insert a gloved finger into the mother's vagina to feel for cord compression
• B. Position the mother so that her hips are elevated
• C. Notify the registered nurse
• D. Perform a vaginal examination on the mother

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When variable decelerations on the fetal heart rate monitor strip suggest cord compression, the immediate action the nurse should take is to reposition the mother to alleviate the compression. Elevating the mother's hips or changing her position can help shift the fetal presenting part and relieve pressure on the cord. This action aims to improve or resolve the variable decelerations. Contacting the registered nurse may be necessary, but it is not the immediate action required in this situation. Performing a vaginal examination is contraindicated due to the potential risk of further compromising blood flow through the umbilical cord. Inserting a gloved finger into the mother's vagina to feel for the cord is also not recommended as it poses a similar risk of exacerbating the situation.

2. The teaching plan for a postpartum client who is about to be discharged should include which of the following instructions?

• A. "It is normal for your breasts to be tender. You should call the physician if you also have redness and fatigue."?
• B. "Because your baby was delivered vaginally, you might have to urinate more frequently."?
• C. "It is normal to run a low-grade temperature for a few days. If it is higher than 100�F, call your physician."?
• D. "Be sure to call your physician if your vaginal discharge becomes bright red."?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the postpartum client to call the physician if their vaginal discharge becomes bright red. The vaginal discharge after birth is called lochia, and a return to red or containing clots could indicate impending hemorrhage or infection, necessitating notification of the physician. Choice A is incorrect because although some tenderness may be expected, redness and fatigue are clinical manifestations of mastitis, not normal postpartum changes. Choice B is also incorrect as increased frequency of urination after vaginal delivery could indicate a urinary tract infection, not a normal postpartum change. Choice C is incorrect because running a low-grade temperature for a few days is not expected postpartum; an elevated temperature above 100�F should be reported to the physician as it could indicate infection.

3. A nurse assisting with data collection uses the back of the hand to feel the client's skin on both arms and notes that the skin is warm. The nurse makes which determination?

• A. The client has a fever.
• B. The skin temperature is normal.
• C. The client needs to drink additional fluids.
• D. The client needs to have the blanket removed.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To assess skin temperature, the nurse would first note the temperature of their own hands. Then, using the backs of the hands to palpate the client's skin bilaterally, warmth suggests normal circulatory status if the skin is warm and the temperature is equal bilaterally. The hands and feet may feel slightly cooler in a cool environment. Options A, C, and D are incorrect responses. A warm skin temperature does not indicate a fever, the need for additional fluids, or the need to have the blanket removed.

4. When assessing the carotid artery of a client with cardiovascular disease, what action should a nurse perform?

• A. Palpating the carotid artery in the upper third of the neck
• B. Palpating both arteries simultaneously to compare amplitude
• C. Listening to the carotid artery, using the bell of the stethoscope to assess for bruits
• D. Instructing the client to take slow, deep breaths while the nurse listens to the carotid artery

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When assessing the carotid artery of a client with cardiovascular disease, the nurse should listen to the carotid artery using the bell of the stethoscope to assess for bruits. This is crucial in detecting abnormal sounds that may indicate underlying pathology. Palpating the carotid artery in the upper third of the neck can trigger a vagal response, leading to a decrease in heart rate, which is undesirable. Palpating both arteries simultaneously can disrupt blood flow to the brain. Instructing the client to take slow, deep breaths is unnecessary and not a standard practice during carotid artery assessment.

5. During a routine health screening for a 1-year-old child, what is the most critical topic for the nurse to discuss with the parents?

• A. the potential hazards of accidents
• B. appropriate nutrition now that the child has been weaned from breastfeeding
• C. toilet training
• D. how to purchase appropriate shoes now that the child is walking

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During a routine health screening for a 1-year-old child, the most critical topic for the nurse to discuss with the parents is the potential hazards of accidents. Accidents are the primary source of injury in children and can be life-threatening. Discussions about appropriate nutrition should have been addressed during the weaning process, while the purchase of appropriate shoes is important but not life-threatening. Toilet training typically begins around 2 years of age, so 1 year of age is too early to discuss it. Therefore, the focus should be on educating parents about accident prevention to ensure the child's safety and well-being.

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