Nursing Elites

1. A patient has damage to the cerebellum. Which disorder is most important for the nurse to assess?

• A. Impaired balance
• B. Hemiplegia
• C. Muscle sprain
• D. Lower extremity paralysis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When the cerebellum is damaged, it leads to impaired balance. The cerebellum plays a crucial role in coordinating movements and maintaining balance. Therefore, assessing the patient's balance is essential in determining the extent of cerebellar damage. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because hemiplegia refers to paralysis of one side of the body, muscle sprain is a soft tissue injury, and lower extremity paralysis involves loss of function in the lower limbs. These conditions are not directly associated with damage to the cerebellum.

2. A charge nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse perform tracheostomy care for a client. Which of the following actions by the newly licensed nurse requires intervention?

• A. Obtaining cotton balls for the tracheostomy care
• B. Using a sterile water bottle
• C. Checking the suction equipment
• D. Wearing a sterile gown

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Obtaining cotton balls for tracheostomy care is not recommended due to the risk of fiber contamination. Sterile gauze should be used instead. Choice B, using a sterile water bottle, is a correct and appropriate action for tracheostomy care to maintain cleanliness. Choice C, checking the suction equipment, is also a necessary step to ensure it is functioning properly for the procedure. Choice D, wearing a sterile gown, is a standard precaution to maintain a sterile environment during tracheostomy care.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is unstable and has vital signs measured every 15 minutes by an electronic blood pressure machine. The nurse notices the machine begins to measure the blood pressure at varied intervals and the readings are inconsistent. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Discontinue the machine and measure the blood pressure manually every 15 minutes.
• B. Adjust the machine settings.
• C. Clean the machine to ensure accuracy.
• D. Increase the frequency of the readings.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should adjust the machine settings. If the electronic blood pressure machine is providing varied intervals and inconsistent readings, it indicates a potential malfunction. Changing the settings may help correct the issue and ensure accurate measurements. Discontinuing the machine and measuring manually every 15 minutes (Choice A) may be time-consuming and impractical. Cleaning the machine (Choice C) is important for routine maintenance but may not address the current issue of varied intervals and inconsistent readings. Increasing the frequency of the readings (Choice D) does not address the problem of inaccurate measurements caused by the malfunctioning machine.

4. A patient requires repositioning every 2 hours. Which task can the nurse delegate to the nursing assistive personnel?

• A. Determining the level of comfort
• B. Changing the patient's position
• C. Identifying immobility hazards
• D. Assessing circulation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Changing the patient's position.' Repositioning the patient involves physically moving and adjusting their position in bed, which is a task that can be safely delegated to nursing assistive personnel (NAP). This task does not require clinical judgment or assessment skills beyond the ability to follow guidelines for proper positioning. Choices A, C, and D involve assessments or judgments that require a higher level of training and knowledge, making them more appropriate for a nurse to perform. Choice A involves assessing comfort, which may involve subjective factors and individual preferences. Choice C involves identifying hazards related to immobility, which requires understanding the potential risks and complications associated with immobility. Choice D involves assessing circulation, which requires a higher level of clinical knowledge and understanding of circulatory issues.

5. By the second postoperative day, a client has not achieved satisfactory pain relief. Based on this evaluation, which of the following actions should the nurse take, according to the nursing process?

• A. Reassess the client to determine the reasons for inadequate pain relief.
• B. Wait to see whether the pain lessens during the next 24 hours.
• C. Change the plan of care to provide different pain relief interventions.
• D. Teach the client about the plan of care for managing pain.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Reassessing the client is crucial to identify the reasons for inadequate pain relief. This action allows the nurse to gather more information, evaluate the current pain management interventions, and make necessary adjustments to the care plan. Waiting for the pain to lessen without taking action delays appropriate pain management. Changing the plan of care without reassessment may lead to ineffective interventions. Teaching the client about the plan of care should be based on a reassessment of the current pain relief status to ensure tailored and effective pain management strategies.

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