Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare provider reaches to answer the telephone on a busy pediatric unit, momentarily turning away from a 3-month-old infant she has been weighing. The infant falls off the scale, suffering a skull fracture. The healthcare provider could be charged with:

• A. Defamation
• B. Assault
• C. Battery
• D. Malpractice

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The scenario described involves a breach of duty by the healthcare provider to properly supervise the infant, resulting in harm. This failure to meet the standard of care falls under the category of malpractice, which refers to professional negligence or misconduct. Malpractice specifically applies to situations where a healthcare provider's actions or omissions deviate from the accepted standard of care, causing harm to a patient. In this case, the nurse's lack of supervision leading to the infant falling off the scale and sustaining a skull fracture would be considered malpractice.

2. A healthcare provider is caring for an adolescent who has sickle-cell anemia. Which of the following manifestations indicates acute chest syndrome and should be immediately reported to the provider?

• A. Substernal retractions
• B. Hematuria
• C. Temperature 37.9�C (100.2�F)
• D. Sneezing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Substernal retractions are a concerning sign of respiratory distress and can indicate acute chest syndrome, a severe complication of sickle-cell anemia. It results from vaso-occlusion in the pulmonary vasculature, leading to impaired oxygenation. Prompt reporting of this symptom is crucial for early intervention to prevent further complications. Hematuria, a high temperature, and sneezing are not specific manifestations of acute chest syndrome and would not warrant immediate notification to the provider in this context.

3. When administering digoxin 0.125 mg PO to an adult client, for which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Potassium level 4.2 mEq/L.
• B. Apical pulse 58/min
• C. Digoxin level 1 ng/mL
• D. Constipation for 2 days

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Monitoring the digoxin level is crucial as it helps determine the drug's effectiveness and potential toxicity. A digoxin level of 1 ng/mL is within the therapeutic range. However, levels above this range can lead to toxicity, causing adverse effects like nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, and dysrhythmias. Therefore, the nurse should report a digoxin level of 1 ng/mL to the provider for further evaluation and potential dose adjustment.

4. What is the appropriate needle gauge for intradermal injection?

• A. 20G
• B. 22G
• C. 25G
• D. 26G

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Intradermal injections require a very fine needle to be used to deliver the medication into the dermis layer of the skin. A 26G needle is typically used for intradermal injections as it is thin enough to penetrate the skin's surface and deposit the medication accurately.

5. A public health nurse is managing several projects for the community. Which of the following interventions should the nurse identify as a primary prevention strategy?

• A. Teaching parenting skills to expectant mothers and their partners.
• B. Conducting mental health screenings at the local community center
• C. Referring clients with obesity to community exercise programs
• D. Providing crisis intervention through a mobile counseling unit

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is teaching parenting skills to expectant mothers and their partners. This intervention is a primary prevention strategy aimed at educating individuals before a problem or condition develops. By teaching parenting skills, the nurse is promoting healthy behaviors and relationships, which can prevent future issues. The other options involve secondary or tertiary prevention strategies by identifying and treating existing conditions or providing interventions after a problem has occurred.

Similar Questions