Nursing Elites

1. What message is a patient sending when displaying the following body language: Slumped shoulders, grimace, and stiff joints?

• A. Anger
• B. Aloofness
• C. Empathy
• D. Depression

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Body language is a powerful form of non-verbal communication that can convey various emotions. In this scenario, the patient's slumped shoulders, grimace, and stiff joints suggest a negative emotional state. Anger is the correct answer because grimacing and tense posture are commonly associated with anger. Choice B, 'Aloofness,' is incorrect as aloofness is more related to disinterest or detachment, which is not indicated by the described body language. Choice C, 'Empathy,' is incorrect as the body language described does not align with expressing understanding or compassion towards others. Choice D, 'Depression,' is incorrect as while depression can also manifest through body language, the specific cues given in the scenario lean more towards anger than depression.

2. What is the proper personal protective equipment necessary for collecting a sputum specimen?

• A. Gloves and face mask
• B. Level Three Biocontainment uniforms
• C. Eye protection and shoe covers
• D. Splash shield and face mask

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When collecting a sputum specimen, it is crucial to protect against potential airborne droplets that may spread disease. The best personal protective equipment for this task includes gloves and a face mask. Gloves help prevent the spread of contaminants through hand contact, while a face mask protects the respiratory tract from inhaling infectious agents. Choice B, Level Three Biocontainment uniforms, is excessive and unnecessary for routine sputum specimen collection. Choice C, eye protection and shoe covers, does not address the specific risks associated with sputum collection. Choice D, splash shield and face mask, provides additional protection that is not typically required for sputum specimen collection, making it less appropriate than gloves and a face mask.

3. A patient is seen in the clinic for reports of "fainting episodes that started last week."? How would the nurse proceed with the examination?

• A. Blood pressure readings are taken in both arms and thighs.
• B. The patient is assisted to a lying position, and their blood pressure is taken.
• C. The patient's blood pressure is recorded in lying, sitting, and standing positions.
• D. The patient's blood pressure is recorded in lying and sitting positions; these numbers are then averaged to obtain a mean blood pressure.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a patient reports fainting episodes, it is crucial to assess for orthostatic hypotension. If the nurse suspects volume depletion, the patient has hypertension, is on antihypertensive medications, or has a history of fainting or syncope, blood pressure readings should be taken in three positions: lying, sitting, and standing. This assessment helps detect orthostatic hypotension, which can provide valuable information about the patient's condition. Taking blood pressure readings in multiple positions allows for a comprehensive evaluation of possible postural changes in blood pressure. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not cover the necessary positions to assess for orthostatic hypotension effectively.

4. When assessing a 75-year-old patient who has asthma, the nurse notes that the patient assumes a tripod position, leaning forward with arms braced on the chair. How would the nurse interpret these findings?

• A. Interpret that the patient is eager and interested in participating in the interview.
• B. Evaluate the patient for abdominal pain, which may be exacerbated in the sitting position.
• C. Interpret that the patient is having difficulty breathing and assist them to a supine position.
• D. Recognize that a tripod position is often used when a patient is having respiratory difficulties.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Assuming a tripod position"?leaning forward with arms braced on chair arms"?occurs with chronic pulmonary diseases like asthma. This position helps improve breathing by allowing better use of respiratory muscles. Option A is incorrect because assuming the tripod position is not related to being eager or interested in participating in an interview. Option B is incorrect as abdominal pain is not typically associated with the tripod position in this context. Option C is incorrect as assisting the patient to a supine position would not address the underlying respiratory difficulty indicated by the tripod position. Therefore, the correct interpretation is to recognize that the patient is likely experiencing respiratory difficulties when assuming the tripod position.

5. The nurse is caring for a patient who has a right-sided chest tube after a right lower lobectomy. Which nursing action can the nurse delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

• A. Document the amount of drainage every eight hours
• B. Obtain samples of drainage for culture from the system
• C. Assess patient pain level associated with the chest tube
• D. Check the water-seal chamber for the correct fluid level

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to document the amount of drainage every eight hours. UAP education typically includes tasks related to documentation of intake and output. Obtaining samples of drainage for culture and assessing patient pain level are nursing responsibilities that require licensed nursing personnel's education and scope of practice. Checking the water-seal chamber for the correct fluid level also falls under the nursing role, as it involves monitoring and maintaining the chest tube system, which requires nursing knowledge and training.

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