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 nurse is caring for newborn infants in a nursery when a man enters the area to take his baby back to the room. The man does not have an identification bracelet, and the nurse does not recognize him. What is the next action of the nurse?

• A. Call security and ask them to escort the man out of the nursery
• B. Ask the man to wait and check the infant's chart
• C. Ask the man to return to his room and bring an identification band
• D. Allow the man to take the baby to his room

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The safety of infants in newborn nurseries is maintained by requiring parents to wear identification bracelets to identify themselves as the rightful parents. This practice minimizes the risk of mistakenly allowing an unauthorized individual to take a baby. In this scenario, since the nurse does not recognize the man and he lacks an identification bracelet, the appropriate action is to ask him to return to his room and bring the identification band. This step ensures the proper identity verification before allowing the man to take the baby. Calling security without first verifying the man's identity may escalate the situation unnecessarily. Checking the infant's chart alone does not confirm the man's identity. Allowing the man to take the baby without proper verification poses a safety risk to the infant.

3. Which of the following scenarios provides an example of a healthcare professional overcoming a barrier to communication?

• A. A healthcare professional uses a visual aid to explain how to conduct a fingerstick glucose test to a patient with visual impairment.
• B. A healthcare professional writes down instructions for a patient who is hearing impaired.
• C. A healthcare professional raises their voice when speaking to a patient who does not speak English.
• D. A healthcare professional uses medical jargon while conversing with a minor.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Overcoming barriers to communication in healthcare involves utilizing methods of communication that are accessible and understandable to the recipient. In the scenario provided, writing down instructions for a patient who is hearing impaired is an effective way to ensure clear communication and overcome the obstacle of hearing impairment. This method allows the patient to visually comprehend the information provided. Choice A is incorrect because using a visual aid for a visually impaired patient, not a hearing-impaired patient, would be more appropriate. Choice C is incorrect as raising one's voice does not address the language barrier effectively and may not enhance understanding. Choice D is incorrect as using complex medical terms with a minor may lead to confusion and hinder effective communication.

4. What type of blood pressure measurement error is most likely to occur if the nurse does not check for the presence of an auscultatory gap?

• A. Diastolic blood pressure may not be heard.
• B. Diastolic blood pressure may be falsely low.
• C. Systolic blood pressure may be falsely low.
• D. Systolic blood pressure may be falsely high.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: If an auscultatory gap is undetected, a falsely low systolic reading may occur. This gap can lead to an underestimation of the systolic blood pressure, causing potential misinterpretation of the patient's condition. The diastolic blood pressure may not be heard due to the gap, but the critical issue in this scenario is the risk of underestimating systolic blood pressure, which can impact clinical decision-making. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the key concern in this context is the potential for a falsely low systolic blood pressure reading when an auscultatory gap is not assessed.

5. Should standard precautions be used when providing post mortem care to a patient who has died from a massive heart attack and had no other diseases, illnesses, or infections?

• A. Yes, because the patient must be treated with respect
• B. Yes, you still must use standard precautions
• C. No, because the patient had no infections
• D. No, because this is not respectful

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Yes, you must still use standard precautions when providing post mortem care, regardless of the patient's medical history. Standard precautions are essential to prevent the transmission of potential infectious agents and protect both the healthcare provider and others from exposure. Even if the patient did not have known infections, it is crucial to maintain a safe environment and uphold professional standards of care. Choice A is incorrect as using standard precautions is primarily for infection control rather than solely for respect. Choices C and D are incorrect as the absence of infections or the notion of respect does not negate the need for standard precautions in post mortem care.

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