Nursing Elites

1. Which patient is at risk for developing oral candidiasis, a type of stomatitis?

• A. A 77-year-old woman in a long-term care facility taking an antibiotic
• B. A 35-year-old man who has had HIV for 6 years
• C. A 40-year-old man who is undergoing chemotherapy
• D. An 80-year-old woman with dentures

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is a 77-year-old woman in a long-term care facility taking an antibiotic. This patient has multiple risk factors for developing oral candidiasis, including older age, being in a long-term care facility, and taking antibiotics. Candidiasis can be caused by long-term antibiotic therapy, immunosuppressive therapy (such as chemotherapy), older age, living in a long-term care facility, diabetes, having dentures, and poor oral hygiene. Choices B, C, and D are less likely to be at high risk for oral candidiasis compared to the correct answer.

2. The health care provider writes an order for bacteriologic testing for a patient who has a positive tuberculosis skin test. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Teach about the reason for the blood tests.
• B. Schedule an appointment for a chest x-ray.
• C. Teach about the need to get sputum specimens for 2 to 3 consecutive days.
• D. Instruct the patient to expectorate three specimens as soon as possible.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to teach the patient about the need to collect sputum specimens for 2 to 3 consecutive days for bacteriologic testing for M. tuberculosis. It is important to obtain these specimens on different days rather than all at once. Blood tests are not used for tuberculosis testing, so teaching about blood tests is not relevant. While a chest x-ray is important in tuberculosis diagnosis, it is not a bacteriologic test. The appearance on a chest x-ray alone is not sufficient to diagnose TB as other diseases can have similar findings.

3. The healthcare provider is reviewing the lab results of a patient who has presented in the Emergency Room. The lab results show that the troponin T value is at 5.3 ng/mL. Which of these interventions, if not already completed, would take priority over the others?

• A. Place the patient in a 90-degree position
• B. Assess whether the patient is taking diuretics
• C. Obtain and attach defibrillator leads
• D. Assess the patient's last ejection fraction

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the elevated Troponin T level indicates cardiac damage, possibly due to a myocardial infarction. A Troponin T value of 5.3 ng/mL is significantly elevated (normal levels are below 0.2 ng/mL), suggesting acute cardiac injury. Given the setting of an Emergency Room and the critical nature of the situation, the priority intervention should be to obtain and attach defibrillator leads. Elevated Troponin T levels can indicate a higher risk of arrhythmias, including ventricular fibrillation, which can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. Defibrillator leads are essential for monitoring the patient's cardiac rhythm and readiness for immediate defibrillation if necessary. Placing the patient in a 90-degree position (Choice A) or assessing diuretic use (Choice B) are not immediate priorities in this critical situation. Additionally, assessing the patient's last ejection fraction (Choice D) is important but not as urgent as preparing for potential life-threatening arrhythmias requiring defibrillation.

4. A 3-year-old child was brought to the pediatric clinic after the sudden onset of findings that include irritability, thick muffled voice, croaking on inspiration, being hot to the touch, sitting leaning forward, tongue protruding, drooling, and suprasternal retractions. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Prepare the child for an X-ray of the upper airways
• B. Examine the child's throat
• C. Collect a sputum specimen
• D. Notify the healthcare provider of the child's status

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct initial action is to notify the healthcare provider of the child's status. The presenting symptoms described, such as irritability, thick muffled voice, croaking on inspiration, being hot to the touch, sitting leaning forward, tongue protruding, drooling, and suprasternal retractions, are indicative of epiglottitis, a potentially life-threatening condition. Immediate medical attention is crucial in such cases. While preparing for an X-ray or examining the throat may be necessary, the priority is to ensure prompt evaluation and intervention by the healthcare provider. Collecting a sputum specimen is not relevant in this situation and would cause unnecessary delay. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize communication with the healthcare provider to expedite appropriate management and treatment.

5. A client had a closed reduction of a fractured right wrist followed by the application of a fiberglass cast 12 hours ago. Which finding requires immediate attention?

• A. Capillary refill of fingers on right hand is 3 seconds
• B. Skin warm to touch and normally colored
• C. Client reports prickling sensation in the right hand
• D. Slight swelling of fingers of right hand

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A prickling sensation in the right hand is indicative of compartment syndrome, a serious condition that can lead to tissue damage and impaired circulation. Immediate attention is required to prevent complications. Capillary refill of 3 seconds, warm and normally colored skin, and slight swelling of fingers are expected findings after a closed reduction and casting. These findings do not typically indicate a critical issue and can be managed with routine monitoring.

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