Nursing Elites

1. A nurse notices that a colleague has an odor of alcohol while on duty. What is the most appropriate action?

• A. Speak to the colleague in private.
• B. Report the behavior to the nurse manager immediately.
• C. Confront the colleague directly on the floor.
• D. Do nothing and document the situation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Reporting the behavior to the nurse manager immediately is the most appropriate action when a nurse suspects a colleague of being impaired while on duty. This is crucial to ensure patient safety and maintain a professional and safe work environment. Speaking to the colleague in private may not address the issue effectively and could potentially put patients at risk if the colleague is indeed impaired. Confronting the colleague directly on the floor may lead to a confrontation and is not the most professional way to handle the situation. Doing nothing and documenting the situation without taking immediate action can jeopardize patient safety and is not an appropriate response when substance use is suspected.

2. A healthcare provider gives a verbal order for a medication. The nurse is uncomfortable with the order and questions its appropriateness. What should the nurse do?

• A. Refuse to administer the medication and document the refusal.
• B. Clarify the order with the provider before proceeding.
• C. Administer the medication and monitor the patient.
• D. Call a pharmacy consult to discuss the medication.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when uncomfortable with a verbal order for medication is to clarify the order with the provider before proceeding. This ensures patient safety by confirming the appropriateness of the order and prevents any potential harm. Choice A is incorrect because refusing to administer the medication without clarification may delay necessary treatment for the patient. Choice C is incorrect as administering the medication without clarification could pose risks if the order is indeed inappropriate. Choice D is also incorrect as the first step should be direct clarification with the provider before involving others.

3. A patient has an ankle restraint applied. Upon assessment, the nurse finds the toes a light blue color. Which action will the nurse take next?

• A. Immediately do a complete head-to-toe neurological assessment.
• B. Take the patient's blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiratory rate.
• C. Place a blanket over the feet.
• D. Remove the restraint.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to remove the restraint (Choice D). Cyanosis of the toes, indicated by a light blue color, suggests impaired circulation. The priority action is to ensure proper circulation by removing the restraint to prevent further compromise. Choices A and B are not the immediate actions needed for cyanosis related to impaired circulation. Choice C, placing a blanket over the feet, does not address the underlying issue of impaired circulation and could delay appropriate intervention.

4. A nurse is planning preoperative care for a client who will undergo surgery. Which of the following is the priority action by the nurse?

• A. Discuss whether family members will assist with postoperative care
• B. Review the client's current home environment
• C. Identify the client's usual coping mechanisms
• D. Determine what the client knows about the surgery

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the preoperative phase, determining what the client knows about the surgery is the priority. This action helps address misconceptions, provide necessary information, and ensure the client's understanding and cooperation. Choices A, B, and C are important aspects of preoperative care but assessing the client's knowledge about the surgery takes precedence to alleviate fears, enhance communication, and optimize outcomes.

5. A nurse is assessing a postoperative patient for signs of infection. Which finding is most concerning?

• A. Mild redness at the incision site.
• B. Increased drainage from the surgical site.
• C. Fever of 101°F.
• D. Normal white blood cell count.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A fever of 101°F is the most concerning finding when assessing a postoperative patient for signs of infection. Fever can indicate an inflammatory response to an infection, and in a postoperative patient, it can signal a surgical site infection or a systemic infection. Prompt attention is necessary to prevent complications such as sepsis. Mild redness at the incision site and increased drainage can be expected in the early postoperative period due to the normal healing process. A normal white blood cell count does not rule out infection as it can be influenced by various factors, and some infections may not initially cause a rise in white blood cells.

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