Nursing Elites

1. After sustaining a closed head injury and numerous lacerations and abrasions to the face and neck, a five-year-old child is admitted to the emergency room. The client is unconscious and has minimal response to noxious stimuli. Which of the following assessments, if observed by the nurse three hours after admission, should be reported to the physician?

• A. The client has slight edema of the eyelids
• B. There is clear fluid draining from the client's right ear
• C. There is some bleeding from the child's lacerations
• D. The client withdraws in response to painful stimuli

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Clear fluid draining from the ear can indicate cerebrospinal fluid leakage, which is a serious concern after a head injury. This leakage can signify a skull fracture or damage to the meninges, potentially leading to infection. Therefore, it should be reported immediately for further evaluation and management. Choices A, C, and D are typical findings after head trauma and are not as urgent as the presence of clear fluid draining from the ear.

2. When using restraints for an agitated/aggressive patient, which of the following statements should NOT influence the nurse's actions during this intervention?

• A. The institution's restraints/seclusion policies
• B. The patient's competence
• C. The patient's voluntary/involuntary status
• D. The patient's nursing care plan

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the patient's voluntary or involuntary status should not impact the nurse's actions when using restraints. The use of restraints should be based on the patient's behavior and the need to ensure their safety and the safety of others. Choices A, B, and D are important factors that should influence the nurse's actions. The institution's restraints/seclusion policies provide guidelines on the appropriate use of restraints, the patient's competence helps determine their understanding and ability to control their behavior, and the patient's nursing care plan guides the overall care provided, including the use of restraints if necessary.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Administer the TPN through a peripheral IV catheter.
• B. Check the client's capillary blood glucose level every 4 hours.
• C. Heat the TPN solution to room temperature before administering.
• D. Weigh the client every 3 days.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to check the client's capillary blood glucose level every 4 hours. Clients receiving TPN are at risk for hyperglycemia, so regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is essential to detect and manage hyperglycemia promptly. Administering TPN through a peripheral IV catheter (Choice A) is incorrect as TPN should be given through a central venous catheter to prevent complications. Heating the TPN solution to room temperature (Choice C) is unnecessary and not a standard practice. Weighing the client every 3 days (Choice D) is important for monitoring fluid status but is not the priority action when caring for a client receiving TPN.

4. A client who is immobile needs interventions to prevent contractures. Which of the following interventions is appropriate?

• A. Aligning a trochanter wedge between the client's legs.
• B. Placing a towel roll under the client's neck.
• C. Applying an orthotic to the client's foot.
• D. Positioning a pillow under the client's knees.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Applying an orthotic to the client's foot is the appropriate intervention to prevent contractures in an immobile client. An orthotic helps maintain proper alignment and prevents the development of contractures by keeping the foot in the correct position. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because a trochanter wedge, towel roll under the neck, and pillow under the knees are not specific interventions for preventing contractures in an immobile client.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 day postoperative and is unable to ambulate. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to promote the client's venous return?

• A. Encourage deep breathing exercises
• B. Maintain the client in a supine position
• C. Apply a sequential compression device
• D. Massage the client's legs

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Apply a sequential compression device. Applying a sequential compression device promotes venous return by assisting with blood circulation in the lower extremities, reducing the risk of blood clots. Encouraging deep breathing exercises can help with lung expansion but does not directly promote venous return. Maintaining the client in a supine position may not be ideal for promoting venous return if the client is unable to move. Massaging the client's legs may be contraindicated postoperatively due to the risk of dislodging a clot or causing trauma to the surgical site.

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