Nursing Elites

1. After a left heart catheterization (LHC), a client complains of severe foot pain on the side of the femoral stick. The nurse notes pulselessness, pallor, and a cold extremity. What should the nurse's next action be?

• A. Administer an anticoagulant.
• B. Warm the room and re-assess.
• C. Increase IV fluids.
• D. Notify the physician stat.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take next is to notify the physician immediately (stat). The client's symptoms of foot pain, pulselessness, pallor, and cold extremity suggest a potential vascular complication, such as arterial occlusion. Prompt notification of the physician is crucial as this condition requires urgent intervention to restore blood flow and prevent tissue damage. Administering an anticoagulant (Choice A) without physician evaluation could be harmful as the underlying cause needs to be determined first. Warming the room and re-assessing (Choice B) may delay necessary treatment. Increasing IV fluids (Choice C) is unlikely to address the urgent vascular issue indicated by the symptoms described.

2. A person who had a left CVA and right lower extremity hemiparesis is being instructed by a nurse to use a quad cane. Which of the following is the most appropriate gait sequence?

• A. Place the cane in the patient's left upper extremity, encourage cane, then right lower extremity, then left upper extremity gait sequence.
• B. Place the cane in the patient's left upper extremity, encourage cane, then left lower extremity, then right upper extremity gait sequence.
• C. Place the cane in the patient's right upper extremity, encourage cane, then right lower extremity, then left upper extremity gait sequence.
• D. Place the cane in the patient's right upper extremity, encourage cane, then left lower extremity, then right upper extremity gait sequence.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct gait sequence for a person with left CVA and right lower extremity hemiparesis using a quad cane is to place the cane in the patient's strong upper extremity, which is the left upper extremity in this case. The correct sequence should be right lower extremity followed by left upper extremity, as this pattern mimics a normal gait pattern. Therefore, Choice A is the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not follow the proper gait sequence for this specific patient's condition. The cane should be placed in the strong upper extremity, and the affected lower extremity should move first to provide stability and support, which is essential in this situation.

3. A violation of a patient's confidentiality occurs if two nurses are discussing client information in which of the following scenarios?

• A. With a physical therapist treating the patient
• B. With a social worker planning for discharge
• C. With another nurse on duty to plan for break time
• D. In the hallway outside the patient's room

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'In the hallway outside the patient's room.' Discussing client information in a public area like a hallway can potentially breach patient confidentiality as it increases the risk of unauthorized individuals overhearing sensitive information. Choices A, B, and C involve discussing client information with other healthcare professionals in appropriate settings, which are more likely to maintain patient confidentiality compared to discussing in a public space like a hallway. Option D is the correct choice because it highlights a scenario where patient information is at higher risk of exposure to unauthorized individuals, hence violating patient confidentiality.

4. The client is being discharged after a concussion. Which of the following symptoms should be reported?

• A. Difficulty waking up
• B. Headache (3/10 on the pain scale)
• C. Bruising on knees and elbows
• D. Achy feeling all over

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Difficulty waking up' because it indicates a change in consciousness, which is a concerning symptom following a concussion. Reporting this symptom is crucial as it may signify a more severe head injury. 'Headache (3/10 on the pain scale)' may be common after a concussion but is not as urgent as a change in consciousness. 'Bruising on knees and elbows' is likely unrelated to the concussion and not a priority for reporting. 'Achy feeling all over' is a vague symptom and not specific to a concerning change in the client's condition post-concussion.

5. Which medication should the nurse withhold if the client's blood pressure is 88/50?

• A. Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
• B. Enalapril (Vasotec)
• C. Digoxin (Lanoxin)
• D. Clopidogrel (Plavix)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Enalapril (Vasotec) is the correct answer. It is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that can further lower blood pressure. Given that the client's blood pressure is already low at 88/50, administering Enalapril could exacerbate hypotension and compromise perfusion to vital organs. Rosuvastatin (Crestor), Digoxin (Lanoxin), and Clopidogrel (Plavix) are not contraindicated in the context of low blood pressure and may be administered safely.

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