Nursing Elites

1. A student is late for an appointment and has rushed across campus to the health clinic. How should the nurse proceed?

• A. Allow 5 minutes for the student to relax and rest before checking their vital signs.
• B. Check the blood pressure in both arms, expecting a difference in the readings due to the recent exercise.
• C. Immediately monitor the student's vital signs upon arrival at the clinic and then 5 minutes later, recording any differences.
• D. Check the student's blood pressure in the supine position to provide a more accurate reading and allow the student to relax at the same time.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To ensure an accurate blood pressure reading, it is important for the student to be in a relaxed state. Allowing at least a 5-minute rest period helps reduce anxiety and provides a valid blood pressure measurement. Checking the blood pressure in both arms is unnecessary unless there is a specific reason to suspect an issue, and recent exercise should not significantly impact the readings. Monitoring vital signs immediately upon arrival may not yield accurate results due to the rush and anxiety of the student. Checking blood pressure in the supine position is not necessary in this scenario and does not provide a more accurate reading.

2. What are Korotkoff sounds?

• A. Sounds noted during diastole.
• B. The result of the vibration of blood against artery walls while blood pressure readings are being taken.
• C. Sounds only noted by skilled cardiologists.
• D. Distinct sounds which are classified into 6 phases.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Korotkoff sounds are the sounds that occur when blood flows in an artery that has been temporarily compressed during a blood pressure measurement. These sounds result from the vibration of blood against the artery walls as the pressure cuff is released. There are five distinct phases of Korotkoff sounds, which healthcare providers are trained to identify during blood pressure assessment. The correct answer, choice B, accurately describes the nature of Korotkoff sounds and how they are generated. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because Korotkoff sounds are not specific to diastole, not limited to skilled cardiologists, and categorized into five phases, not six.

3. A patient is seen in the clinic for reports of "fainting episodes that started last week."? How would the nurse proceed with the examination?

• A. Blood pressure readings are taken in both arms and thighs.
• B. The patient is assisted to a lying position, and their blood pressure is taken.
• C. The patient's blood pressure is recorded in lying, sitting, and standing positions.
• D. The patient's blood pressure is recorded in lying and sitting positions; these numbers are then averaged to obtain a mean blood pressure.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a patient reports fainting episodes, it is crucial to assess for orthostatic hypotension. If the nurse suspects volume depletion, the patient has hypertension, is on antihypertensive medications, or has a history of fainting or syncope, blood pressure readings should be taken in three positions: lying, sitting, and standing. This assessment helps detect orthostatic hypotension, which can provide valuable information about the patient's condition. Taking blood pressure readings in multiple positions allows for a comprehensive evaluation of possible postural changes in blood pressure. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not cover the necessary positions to assess for orthostatic hypotension effectively.

4. In the term 'Hemoglobin,' the suffix '-globin' means:

• A. Protein
• B. Iron
• C. Metal
• D. Blood

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The suffix '-globin' in the term 'Hemoglobin' specifically refers to a protein. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Choice B, 'Iron,' is incorrect as iron is a mineral component of hemoglobin but not the meaning of the suffix. Choice C, 'Metal,' is too broad and not specific to the meaning of the suffix in this context. Choice D, 'Blood,' is incorrect as it refers to the overall term 'Hemoglobin' rather than the specific meaning of the suffix '-globin.' Therefore, the correct answer is A: 'Protein.'

5. When printing out an EKG, a nurse notices that the QRS complexes are extremely small. What should be the next step?

• A. Alert the physician immediately as this is a sign of impending cardiac arrest.
• B. Check to see that all leads are attached and rerun the EKG.
• C. Increase the sensitivity control to 20 mm deflection.
• D. Decrease the run speed to 50.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Increasing the sensitivity control to 20 mm deflection will double the sensitivity, allowing for better observation of the small QRS complexes. This step is crucial in obtaining a clearer EKG reading. Choice A is incorrect because small QRS complexes do not necessarily indicate impending cardiac arrest; it's more likely a technical issue. Choice B is not the first step to take when small QRS complexes are observed; it's important to adjust the settings first. Choice D is incorrect because decreasing the run speed to 50 is not the appropriate action for this situation; adjusting the sensitivity control is more relevant to improve the visualization of the complexes.

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