Nursing Elites

1. A patient is diagnosed with essential hypertension. Which of the following blood pressures would you expect to see in this patient prior to taking medications for the condition?

• A. 142/92
• B. 118/72
• C. 120/80
• D. 138/88

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Before starting medications for essential hypertension, a patient would typically present with a blood pressure reading equal to or greater than 140/90. This indicates high blood pressure and is characteristic of essential hypertension. Choice A, 142/92, falls within this range, making it the correct answer. Choices B (118/72), C (120/80), and D (138/88) all have blood pressure readings that are within the normal range and would not typically be expected in a patient diagnosed with essential hypertension. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the elevated blood pressure levels seen in essential hypertension.

2. A client is post-op day #1 after a hemilaminectomy. The nurse removes the dressing as ordered and notes that the incision appears slightly red, with a small amount of serous drainage coming from the site. The edges of the incision are approximated. What is the next action of the nurse?

• A. Assist the client to shower as ordered and monitor the site for further changes
• B. Instruct the client to lie prone to allow the site to dry
• C. Place antibiotic ointment and a sterile dressing over the site
• D. Notify the physician for an antibiotic order

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An incision that appears slightly red with a small amount of serous drainage on the first day following surgery is going through a normal healing process. It is important to keep the incision clean. In this case, the nurse should assist the client to shower as ordered to maintain hygiene and monitor for changes in the incision site. Instructing the client to lie prone may not be necessary and could cause discomfort. Applying antibiotic ointment without a specific order is not recommended as it can interfere with the healing process. Notifying the physician for an antibiotic order is premature at this stage since the incision is showing normal signs of healing.

3. Which of the following situations indicates the need to file an incident report?

• A. The neon sign directing parking for visitors has burned out
• B. A nurse must send a syringe pump to maintenance for annual service
• C. A client's blood pressure dropped to 90/55 after receiving a dose of morphine
• D. A client's spouse becomes angry and is asked to leave the premises

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An incident report is necessary for documenting unexpected events that occur in a healthcare setting. Situations that warrant filing an incident report include client accidents, medication errors, security problems, or disruptive behaviors that involve clients, families, or visitors. In this scenario, when a client's spouse displays disruptive behavior and is asked to leave the premises, it is essential to document this incident to ensure a record of the event and its resolution. Choices A, B, and C do not involve disruptive behavior or safety concerns that would require an incident report to be filed.

4. A client is being instructed on how to use crutches. Which of the following information should be included in the teaching?

• A. Place the majority of body weight on the axilla.
• B. Dry crutch tips with a paper towel if they become wet.
• C. Use the crutches for support to lift both feet simultaneously when ascending stairs.
• D. Both B and C.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When instructing a client on how to use crutches for ambulation, it is important to emphasize keeping the crutch tips dry to prevent slipping while bearing weight on them. Moisture on the crutch tips can lead to accidents. Therefore, the correct answer is to dry the crutch tips with a paper towel if they become wet. Choice A, placing the majority of body weight on the axilla, is incorrect as the weight should be borne through the hands, not the axilla, to avoid nerve damage. Choice C, using the crutches to lift both feet simultaneously when ascending stairs, is incorrect as the client should ascend stairs by placing weight on the unaffected leg first, followed by the crutches and then the affected leg. This method provides stability and safety during stair climbing.

5. Which of the following is one of the three smallest bones in the body?

• A. Vomer
• B. Distal phalanx of the small toe
• C. Stapes
• D. Coccyx

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The stapes, along with the malleus and incus, are the three smallest bones in the human body. These bones are located in the inner ear and play a crucial role in hearing. The vomer is a bone in the nasal cavity and is not one of the smallest bones. The distal phalanx of the small toe is relatively larger and not among the smallest bones. The coccyx, also known as the tailbone, is not one of the smallest bones in the body.

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