Nursing Elites

1. A young adult female presents at the emergency center with acute lower abdominal pain. Which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?

• A. Pain scale rating of 9 on a 0-10 scale
• B. Last menstrual period was 7 weeks ago
• C. Reports white curdy vaginal discharge
• D. History of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. A missed menstrual period could indicate a possible pregnancy-related issue, requiring urgent evaluation. Assessing the menstrual history in a female of reproductive age takes precedence in this scenario. Choice A, the pain scale rating, is important but not as urgent as evaluating the menstrual history. Choice C, reporting white curdy vaginal discharge, may suggest a vaginal infection but is not as critical as ruling out a potential pregnancy. Choice D, the history of irritable bowel syndrome, is relevant but not as crucial as determining pregnancy-related issues in this context.

2. A continuous infusion of nitroglycerin is prescribed for an adult male admitted with an acute myocardial infarction. The client is experiencing active chest pain that he describes as 8 out of 10. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

• A. Administer the infusion via an infusion pump
• B. Obtain the current serum potassium level
• C. Continuously monitor blood pressure
• D. Teach guided imagery to decrease pain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Continuously monitoring blood pressure is crucial in this case because nitroglycerin can cause hypotension as a side effect. Monitoring blood pressure allows the nurse to assess the client's response to the medication and detect any signs of hypotension promptly. This intervention is essential to ensure the effectiveness of nitroglycerin therapy and prevent potential complications. Administering the infusion via an infusion pump is important for accurate dosing but not the most critical at this moment. Obtaining the current serum potassium level is important but not the most immediate concern when the client is experiencing active chest pain. Teaching guided imagery may be beneficial for pain management, but in this scenario, monitoring blood pressure takes precedence due to the potential side effects of nitroglycerin.

3. Identify the placement of the stapes footplate into the bony labyrinth.

• A. Fenestra vestibuli
• B. Fenestra cochleae
• C. Tympanic membrane
• D. Round window

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Fenestra vestibuli. The stapes footplate is placed into the fenestra vestibuli of the bony labyrinth. This structure is also known as the oval window and is located at the junction of the middle ear and inner ear. Choice B, Fenestra cochleae, is incorrect as this opening is also known as the round window and is located near the base of the cochlea. Choice C, Tympanic membrane, is incorrect as it is also known as the eardrum and separates the external ear from the middle ear. Choice D, Round window, is incorrect as it is the opening covered by the secondary tympanic membrane and is important for the dissipation of sound waves in the cochlea.

4. A male client, admitted to the mental health unit for a somatoform disorder, becomes angry because he cannot have his pain medication. He demands that the nurse call the healthcare provider and threatens to leave the hospital. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Place the client in seclusion per unit guidelines
• B. Administer a PRN prescription for lorazepam (Ativan)
• C. Call security to help ensure staff and client safety
• D. Ask what other methods he uses to deal with pain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should prioritize ensuring safety. When a client becomes aggressive and threatens to leave, calling security is crucial to help maintain a safe environment for both staff and the client. Placing the client in seclusion (choice A) is not the appropriate initial action as it may escalate the situation further. Administering lorazepam (choice B) should not be the first response to behavioral issues. Asking about other pain management methods (choice D) is not the immediate priority when safety is at risk.

5. When washing soiled hands, what should the nurse do after wetting the hands and applying soap?

• A. Rub hands palm to palm
• B. Interlace the fingers
• C. Dry hands with a paper towel
• D. Turn off the water faucet

Correct answer: A

Rationale: After wetting the hands and applying soap, the nurse should rub hands palm to palm. Rubbing hands palm to palm helps create friction and effectively clean the hands by spreading the soap and reaching all areas. Interlacing the fingers, drying hands with a paper towel, and turning off the water faucet should come after rubbing hands palm to palm in the handwashing process. Interlacing the fingers can be done to ensure the backs of the hands are cleaned, drying hands with a paper towel is the final step to ensure hands are dry, and turning off the water faucet helps save water.

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