Nursing Elites

1. A post-operative client is prescribed sequential compression devices (SCDs) while on bed rest. What is the primary purpose of this device?

• A. To prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• B. To improve circulation in the legs.
• C. To prevent pressure ulcers.
• D. To alleviate post-operative pain.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'To prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT).' Sequential compression devices (SCDs) are primarily used to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by promoting blood flow in the legs and reducing venous stasis, which is a common risk for post-operative clients who are on bed rest. While SCDs do improve circulation in the legs indirectly, their primary purpose is DVT prevention. Preventing pressure ulcers is typically achieved through repositioning and support surfaces, not with SCDs, making choice C incorrect. SCDs are not used to alleviate post-operative pain, so choice D is also incorrect.

2. Which of the following is the best method for confirming nasogastric tube placement?

• A. Auscultating over the stomach while injecting air
• B. Checking the pH of the aspirate
• C. Observing the patient’s response during feeding
• D. Measuring the external length of the tube

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Checking the pH of the aspirate is the most reliable method to confirm nasogastric tube placement as it provides direct evidence of the tube's location in the stomach. When the pH is acidic (pH < 5), it indicates that the tube is correctly placed in the stomach. Auscultating over the stomach while injecting air may not always be accurate, as the sound can be misleading due to various factors. Observing the patient’s response during feeding is not a definitive method for confirming tube placement, as it can be influenced by other factors. Measuring the external length of the tube does not ensure correct placement within the GI tract and can be affected by external factors like patient anatomy.

3. In obtaining an orthostatic vital sign measurement, what action should the nurse take first?

• A. Count the client's radial pulse
• B. Apply a blood pressure cuff
• C. Instruct the client to lie supine
• D. Assist the client to stand upright

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct first action when obtaining an orthostatic vital sign measurement is to instruct the client to lie supine. This allows for establishing a baseline measurement of vital signs before any positional changes. Counting the client's radial pulse (Choice A) is a step that follows after the initial supine position to assess changes in pulse rate. Applying a blood pressure cuff (Choice B) and assisting the client to stand upright (Choice D) are actions that come later in the process after the baseline measurements are obtained in the supine position.

4. What is an essential nursing action before administering a blood transfusion?

• A. Checking the patient’s blood pressure
• B. Verifying the blood type and patient identity with another nurse
• C. Flushing the IV line with saline
• D. Administering pre-transfusion medications

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Verifying the blood type and patient identity with another nurse is crucial before administering a blood transfusion. This step helps prevent transfusion reactions and ensures that the correct blood is given to the right patient. Checking the patient’s blood pressure, although important, is not directly related to verifying blood type and patient identity. Flushing the IV line with saline is a good practice but is not as critical as confirming the blood type and patient identity. Administering pre-transfusion medications would come after verifying the blood type and patient identity.

5. A nurse is reviewing the basal body temperature method with a couple. Which of the following statements would indicate that the teaching has been successful?

• A. I don't need to buy a special type of thermometer.
• B. I need to wait 5 minutes after smoking a cigarette before I take my temperature.
• C. I need to take my temperature before I get out of bed in the morning.
• D. I need to take my temperature at least once every day.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Basal body temperature must be taken before getting out of bed in the morning to get an accurate reading, as even slight activity can raise body temperature and affect the results. Choice A is incorrect because a special type of thermometer is not required for basal body temperature measurement. Choice B is incorrect because smoking can affect body temperature, but the timing mentioned is not relevant to basal body temperature measurement. Choice D is incorrect because while it is essential to take the temperature consistently each day, the duration of temperature measurement is not specified, making this choice less specific compared to the correct answer.

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