Nursing Elites

1. When preparing a client for a neck x-ray, what is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take if the client expresses concern about removing a religious medal worn around the neck?

• A. Telling the client that the medal and chain will be kept at the nurse's station for safekeeping while the client is undergoing the x-ray
• B. Asking the client to remove the medal until the x-ray has been completed
• C. Assisting the client in pinning the medal and chain to the waistband of the client's pajama bottoms
• D. Asking the client to place the medal in the top drawer of the bedside stand just before leaving for the radiology department

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a client undergoing a neck x-ray expresses concern about removing a religious medal worn around the neck, the nurse should assist the client in pinning the medal and chain to the hospital gown or in another area where it will not appear on the x-ray image. This action allows the client to keep the medal close without interfering with the x-ray procedure. It is important to ensure that the radiology department staff is informed about this arrangement. Asking the client to remove the medal, keeping it at the nurse's station, or placing it in the bedside stand is not appropriate. These actions may lead to the loss of the medal and chain and do not address the client's concerns about the religious significance of the item.

2. Which of the following symptoms is not indicative of autonomic dysreflexia in the client with a spinal cord injury?

• A. sudden onset of headache
• B. flushed face
• C. hypotension
• D. nasal congestion

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Autonomic dysreflexia is characterized by a sudden onset of symptoms due to an overactive autonomic nervous system. Hypotension is not indicative of autonomic dysreflexia; instead, hypertension is a hallmark sign. Therefore, hypotension is the correct answer. Flushed face, sudden onset of headache, and nasal congestion are classic symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia caused by a noxious stimulus below the level of the spinal cord injury. These symptoms result from the body's attempt to regulate blood pressure when the normal feedback loop is interrupted.

3. While assisting a healthcare provider in assessing a hospitalized client, the healthcare provider is paged to report to the recovery room. The healthcare provider instructs the nurse verbally to change the solution and rate of the intravenous (IV) fluid being administered. What is the most appropriate nursing action in this situation?

• A. Calling the nursing supervisor to obtain permission to accept the verbal prescription
• B. Asking the healthcare provider to write the prescription in the client's record before leaving the nursing unit
• C. Telling the healthcare provider that the prescription will not be implemented until it is documented in the client's record
• D. Changing the solution and rate of the IV fluid per the healthcare provider's verbal prescription

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Verbal prescriptions should be avoided due to the risk of errors. If a verbal prescription is necessary, it should be promptly written and signed by the healthcare provider, typically within 24 hours. Following agency policies and procedures regarding verbal prescriptions is crucial. In this scenario, the most appropriate nursing action is to request the healthcare provider to document the prescription in the client's record before leaving the unit. Calling the nursing supervisor to accept the verbal prescription without documentation, telling the healthcare provider to delay treatment until documented, and directly changing the IV fluid based on verbal orders all pose risks and do not align with best practices in medication administration.

4. A client with major head trauma is receiving bolus enteral feeding. The most important nursing order for this client is:

• A. measure intake and output.
• B. check albumin levels.
• C. monitor glucose levels.
• D. increase enteral feeding.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for a client with major head trauma receiving bolus enteral feeding is to measure intake and output (I&O). Enteral feedings are hyperosmotic agents that can cause fluid shifts. Monitoring I&O is crucial to assess fluid balance, ensuring that input matches output. Checking albumin levels (choice B) is important for assessing nutritional status but is not the immediate priority in this situation. Monitoring glucose levels (choice C) is also important but not as critical as measuring I&O in this context. Increasing enteral feeding (choice D) should only be done based on a healthcare provider's order after assessing the patient's condition, not as the most important nursing order at this time.

5. A 51-year-old client with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig disease) is admitted to the hospital because his condition is deteriorating. The client tells the nurse that he wants a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order. The nurse should provide the client with which information?

• A. Oral consent is not sufficient, and the client's request will be honored by all healthcare providers.
• B. Consent must be obtained from the family.
• C. The DNR request should be discussed with the healthcare provider, who will write the order.
• D. The healthcare provider makes the final decision about a DNR request.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a client requests a DNR order, the nurse should contact the healthcare provider so that the provider may discuss the request with the client. A DNR order should be written, not verbal, following agency and state guidelines. Therefore, the correct answer is that the DNR request should be discussed with the healthcare provider, who will write the order. Option A is incorrect as oral consent is not sufficient for a DNR order. Option B is incorrect because the client, not the family, has the authority to request a DNR order. Option D is incorrect because the healthcare provider discusses the request with the client but does not make the final decision.

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