Nursing Elites

1. A nurse on an acute unit has received a change of shift report for 4 clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?

• A. A client who is 1 hr postoperative and has hypoactive bowel sounds.
• B. A client who has a fractured left tibia and pallor in the affected extremity.
• C. A client who had a cardiac catheterization 3 hr ago and has 3+ pedal pulses.
• D. A client who has an elevated AST level following the administration of azithromycin.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because pallor in an extremity after a fracture could indicate compromised circulation, making it a priority for assessment. Choice A is not the priority as hypoactive bowel sounds in a client 1 hr postoperative, while concerning, do not indicate a life-threatening condition. Choice C, a client who had a cardiac catheterization 3 hr ago and has 3+ pedal pulses, indicates good perfusion and does not require immediate attention. Choice D, a client with an elevated AST level following the administration of azithromycin, may require further assessment but is not as urgent as the client with potential compromised circulation in choice B.

2. A nurse is observing an assistive personnel (AP) apply antiembolic stockings for a client. Which of the following actions by the AP demonstrates an understanding of how to perform this skill?

• A. Apply the stocking while the client is seated
• B. Apply the stocking before the client gets out of bed
• C. Use lotion under the stocking to ease application
• D. Bunch the stocking around the heel before applying

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Applying antiembolic stockings before the client gets out of bed is crucial as it helps prevent venous stasis and clot formation. Choice A is incorrect because stockings should be applied before the client gets out of bed. Choice C is incorrect as using lotion under the stocking can cause the stocking to slip. Choice D is incorrect because the stocking should be smooth and not bunched to prevent pressure points.

3. A nurse is assisting with an in-service about hepatitis A for a group of staff nurses. The nurse should include that hepatitis A is transmitted through which of the following methods?

• A. Airborne droplets
• B. Sexual contact
• C. Contact with contaminated surfaces
• D. Consumption of contaminated food

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Consumption of contaminated food. Hepatitis A is primarily transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. Airborne droplets and sexual contact are not common modes of transmission for hepatitis A. While contact with contaminated surfaces can play a role in the spread of some infections, hepatitis A is not typically transmitted through this route.

4. Which of the following actions should the nurse take for a client who has been diagnosed with dementia and is at risk for falls?

• A. Maintain the client's bed in the lowest position
• B. Use a bed exit alarm system
• C. Assist the client with ambulation every hour
• D. Raise all 4 side rails for safety

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Use a bed exit alarm system." For a client with dementia at risk for falls, a bed exit alarm system is beneficial as it alerts staff when the client is trying to get up, helping to reduce fall risks. Choice A, maintaining the client's bed in the lowest position, may not prevent falls as effectively as an alarm system. Choice C, assisting the client with ambulation every hour, may not be feasible and could disrupt the client's rest. Choice D, raising all 4 side rails for safety, can lead to restraint issues and is not recommended as a routine fall prevention measure.

5. A nurse is assessing a client who has a calcium level of 8.0 mg/dL. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Constipation
• B. Absent deep-tendon reflexes
• C. Nausea and vomiting
• D. Tingling of the extremities

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Correct! A calcium level of 8.0 mg/dL indicates hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia can lead to increased neuromuscular excitability, manifesting as tingling of the extremities. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect findings associated with other electrolyte imbalances or conditions and are not typically related to hypocalcemia. Constipation is commonly seen in hypokalemia, absent deep-tendon reflexes are associated with hypermagnesemia, and nausea and vomiting are more indicative of hypercalcemia.

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