Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary sign of displacement following a total hip replacement?

• A. pain on movement and weight bearing
• B. hemorrhage
• C. affected leg appearing 1-2 inches longer
• D. edema in the area of the incision

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is pain on movement and weight bearing. This pain is the primary sign of prosthesis displacement after a total hip replacement, indicating pressure on nerves or muscles due to dislocation. Hemorrhage is not typically associated with prosthesis displacement. While the affected leg may appear longer, this is not the primary sign of displacement; it might actually be shorter due to muscle spasm. Edema in the incision area is not a primary indicator of prosthesis displacement.

2. When assessing a client in the Emergency Department whose membranes have ruptured, the nurse notes that the fluid is a greenish color. What is the cause of this greenish coloration?

• A. blood
• B. meconium
• C. hydramnios
• D. caput

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: meconium. Greenish amniotic fluid passed when the fetus is in a cephalic (head) presentation might indicate fetal distress. A fetus in the breech presentation passes meconium due to compression on the intestinal tract. Choice A, blood, is incorrect as blood in the amniotic fluid would present as a different color. Choice C, hydramnios, refers to an excess of amniotic fluid and would not cause the greenish coloration. Choice D, caput, is swelling of a newborn's scalp and is not related to the color of the amniotic fluid.

3. When dressing a severe burn to the right hand, it is important for the nurse to:

• A. Apply a wet-to-dry dressing for debridement
• B. Wrap each digit individually to prevent webbing
• C. Open blisters to allow drainage prior to dressing
• D. Allow the client to do as much of the dressing change as possible

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When dressing a severe burn to the hand, it is crucial to wrap each digit individually to prevent webbing, which can lead to contractures and impaired function. Applying a wet-to-dry dressing for debridement is not recommended for burn wounds as it can cause trauma to the wound bed during removal. Opening blisters can increase the risk of infection and delay healing. Allowing the client to perform the dressing change may not ensure proper care and can lead to complications.

4. A woman is in the active phase of labor. An external monitor has been applied, and a fetal heart deceleration of uniform shape is observed, beginning just as the contraction is underway and returning to the baseline at the end of the contraction. Which of the following nursing actions is most appropriate?

• A. Administer O2 if necessary.
• B. Turn the client on her left side.
• C. Notify the physician.
• D. No action is necessary.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'No action is necessary.' In this scenario, the fetal heart deceleration of uniform shape observed is an early deceleration resulting from head compression. Early decelerations are benign and typically do not require any intervention as they mirror the contraction pattern. It is essential to closely observe both the mother and the baby. Administering O2 (Choice A) is not necessary as early decelerations do not indicate fetal distress. Turning the client on her left side (Choice B) is not required for early decelerations. Notifying the physician (Choice C) is not needed for this type of deceleration, as it is a normal response to head compression during labor.

5. Which of the following situations requires nurse intervention?

• A. A certified nursing assistant states, 'The patient in 307 is not wearing gloves while shaving her legs.'
• B. A nursing assistant at the nursing station states, 'The patient in 307 has a respiratory rate of 16.'
• C. A nursing student in the cafeteria states, 'Dr. Jones told the patient in room 307 that she was going to die.'
• D. A certified nursing assistant states, 'Dr. Jones hasn't made rounds this morning.'

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Patient confidentiality must be maintained at all times to respect the patient's privacy and dignity. Disclosing sensitive information like a patient's prognosis in a public setting violates confidentiality and can cause distress. The nurse should intervene in this situation and educate the nursing student about the importance of not discussing confidential patient information in public. Choices A, B, and D do not involve breaching patient confidentiality and do not require immediate nurse intervention. Choice A focuses on infection control measures, choice B relates to clinical assessment, and choice D is about the doctor's rounds, which are not urgent matters requiring immediate intervention.

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