Nursing Elites

1. A patient is receiving an opioid analgesic for pain management. What is the most important assessment for the nurse to perform?

• A. Monitor the patient's blood pressure.
• B. Assess the patient's respiratory rate.
• C. Monitor the patient's oxygen saturation.
• D. Assess the patient's heart rate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the patient's respiratory rate. When a patient is receiving opioids, it is crucial to monitor their respiratory rate as opioids can depress the respiratory system, leading to respiratory depression and potential respiratory failure. Monitoring blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and heart rate are important assessments as well, but the priority lies in assessing respiratory rate due to the risk of respiratory depression associated with opioid use.

2. Which action by a nurse demonstrates effective communication with a patient?

• A. Providing the patient with written information about their care.
• B. Maintaining eye contact and listening actively to the patient.
• C. Using medical jargon to explain the patient's condition.
• D. Speaking with the patient in a hurried manner to save time.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Maintaining eye contact and actively listening to the patient is crucial in effective communication as it helps build rapport, shows empathy, and ensures that the patient feels heard and understood. Providing written information can be helpful, but the direct interaction is essential for effective communication. Using medical jargon may confuse the patient instead of clarifying their condition. Speaking hurriedly can make the patient feel rushed and not valued, hindering effective communication.

3. A nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion. What is the most important action to ensure patient safety?

• A. Check the patient's vital signs every 15 minutes during the transfusion.
• B. Verify the patient's identity with two identifiers before starting the transfusion.
• C. Ensure the blood product is administered within 4 hours of removal from the blood bank.
• D. Ensure the patient has signed the informed consent form.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important action to ensure patient safety when administering a blood transfusion is to verify the patient's identity with two identifiers before starting the transfusion. This step is crucial to prevent transfusion errors, such as giving the blood to the wrong patient. Checking vital signs, ensuring timely administration, and confirming informed consent are also important aspects of blood transfusion safety but verifying the patient's identity is the highest priority to prevent errors.

4. What are the priority nursing assessments for a patient who has just undergone major surgery?

• A. Providing analgesia as prescribed
• B. Monitoring for signs of infection
• C. Assessing the surgical site for bleeding
• D. Monitoring the patient's vital signs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor for signs of infection. After major surgery, one of the priority nursing assessments is to watch for signs of infection, such as increased temperature, redness, swelling, or drainage at the surgical site. While providing analgesia is important for pain management, monitoring for infection takes precedence as it can lead to severe complications if not detected early. Assessing the surgical site for bleeding is crucial but is usually more relevant immediately after surgery. Monitoring the patient's vital signs is essential, but the specific focus on infection assessment is crucial in the immediate postoperative period.

5. A patient has difficulty ambulating after surgery. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Encourage deep breathing exercises.
• B. Assist the patient in ambulating a short distance.
• C. Call for assistance with ambulation.
• D. Assess the patient's pain level before ambulation.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take when a patient has difficulty ambulating after surgery is to call for assistance with ambulation. This is essential to ensure the safety of the patient and prevent any potential falls or injuries. Encouraging deep breathing exercises (Choice A) may be beneficial but should not be the first priority when the patient is having difficulty walking. Assisting the patient in ambulating a short distance (Choice B) may put both the patient and the nurse at risk if the patient is struggling. Assessing the patient's pain level before ambulation (Choice D) is important but should come after ensuring that the patient can safely ambulate with assistance.

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