Nursing Elites

1. After surgery, a patient is experiencing pain. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Administer pain medication as prescribed.
• B. Assess the patient's pain using a pain scale.
• C. Offer the patient non-pharmacological pain relief methods.
• D. Reassess the patient's pain level after 30 minutes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the patient's pain using a pain scale. This is the priority action because it allows the nurse to obtain an objective measure of the patient's pain intensity. By accurately assessing the pain level, the nurse can determine the appropriate intervention, which may include administering pain medication as prescribed (choice A) or offering non-pharmacological pain relief methods (choice C). Reassessing the patient's pain level after 30 minutes (choice D) is important but comes after the initial assessment to evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions implemented.

2. A nurse manager of a rural clinic is orienting a new employee. Which of the following information should the nurse include as a characteristic of rural health?

• A. Lower rates of maternal morbidity
• B. Reduced incidence of death from motor-vehicle crashes
• C. Increased rates of chronic illness
• D. More frequent dental preventative care visits

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Increased rates of chronic illness.' Rural areas often face challenges such as limited access to healthcare services, healthcare provider shortages, socioeconomic factors, and lifestyle choices that contribute to higher rates of chronic illnesses. Maternal morbidity rates are typically higher in rural areas due to limited access to obstetric care. While rural areas may have fewer motor-vehicle crashes compared to urban areas, the severity of crashes is usually higher due to factors like longer emergency response times. Dental care access can also be limited in rural areas, leading to less frequent preventative care visits.

3. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has schizophrenia about thioridazine. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Report any sign of infection to the provider immediately
• B. Expect your blood pressure to increase
• C. Easy bruising may occur while taking this medication
• D. Muscle rigidity is an expected adverse effect during the first few days of therapy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Report any sign of infection to the provider immediately.' This instruction is essential for clients taking thioridazine or other antipsychotic medications. Thioridazine does not typically affect blood pressure or cause easy bruising. Muscle rigidity is more commonly associated with other antipsychotic medications. Reporting signs of infection promptly is crucial as antipsychotic medications can affect the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections. Early detection and treatment of infections help prevent complications and ensure proper medication management.

4. Which nursing action will best promote patient safety when administering medications?

• A. Check the patient's wristband before administering medications.
• B. Confirm the patient's allergies prior to administration.
• C. Document the medications immediately after administration.
• D. Prepare medications at the medication cart to minimize distractions.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Confirming the patient's allergies before administering medications is crucial for patient safety as it helps prevent adverse reactions. Checking the patient's wristband is important for identification but may not directly impact medication safety. Documenting medications after administration is necessary but does not primarily promote safety during administration. Preparing medications at the medication cart, rather than the nurse's station, is preferred to ensure accuracy and proper medication handling, but it is not directly related to confirming allergies for safety.

5. How should a healthcare provider respond to a patient who is exhibiting signs of acute myocardial infarction (AMI)?

• A. Calling for emergency assistance immediately
• B. Administering nitroglycerin as prescribed
• C. Monitoring the patient's cardiac rhythm
• D. Administering oxygen and preparing for ECG

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a patient is exhibiting signs of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the priority action is to call for emergency assistance immediately. This ensures that the patient receives prompt and appropriate care, including interventions such as administering oxygen, nitroglycerin, and monitoring cardiac rhythm. Administering nitroglycerin should only be done if prescribed by a healthcare provider after assessment and confirmation of AMI. Monitoring the patient's cardiac rhythm is important but not the initial action needed in this critical situation. Administering oxygen and preparing for an ECG are important interventions but should follow the immediate step of calling for emergency assistance.

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