Nursing Elites

1. An RN is making assignments for client care to an LPN at the beginning of the shift. Which of the following assignments should the LPN question?

• A. Assisting a client who is 24 hr postop to use an incentive spirometer
• B. Collecting a clean catch urine specimen from a client who was admitted on the previous shift
• C. Providing nasopharyngeal suctioning for a client who has pneumonia
• D. Replacing the cartridge and tubing on a PCA pump

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The LPN should question the assignment of replacing the PCA pump cartridge and tubing as it is outside the LPN's scope of practice. LPNs are not trained to handle tasks related to PCA pumps, which involve medication administration and monitoring that are typically within the RN's responsibilities. Assisting a postop client with an incentive spirometer (Choice A), collecting a clean catch urine specimen (Choice B), and providing nasopharyngeal suctioning for a client with pneumonia (Choice C) are all tasks that fall within the LPN's scope of practice and do not require questioning by the LPN.

2. A client with newly diagnosed type I diabetes mellitus is being seen by the home health nurse. The physician orders include: 1,200-calorie ADA diet, 15 units of NPH insulin before breakfast, and check blood sugar qid. When the nurse visits the client at 5 PM, the nurse observes the man performing a blood sugar analysis. The result is 50 mg/dL. The nurse would expect the client to be

• A. Confused with cold, clammy skin and a pulse of 110
• B. Lethargic with hot, dry skin and rapid, deep respirations
• C. Alert and cooperative with a BP of 130/80 and respirations of 12
• D. Short of breath, with distended neck veins and a bounding pulse of 96

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Low blood sugar levels (50 mg/dL) typically cause confusion, cold clammy skin, and an increased pulse (tachycardia). Option A correctly describes the expected symptoms of hypoglycemia, which include confusion due to the brain's inadequate glucose supply, cold and clammy skin due to sympathetic nervous system activation, and an increased pulse (110 bpm) as the body reacts to low blood sugar levels. Options B, C, and D describe symptoms that are not typically associated with hypoglycemia. Lethargy, hot dry skin, rapid deep respirations, normal vital signs, shortness of breath, distended neck veins, and bounding pulse are more indicative of other conditions or normal physiological responses, not hypoglycemia.

3. While performing assessments on newborns in the nursery, which finding should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. A two-day old newborn with a respiratory rate of 70.
• B. A 16-hour old newborn who has not passed meconium yet.
• C. A two-day old newborn with a small amount of blood-tinged vaginal discharge.
• D. A 16-hour old newborn with a blood glucose of 45 mg/dL.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A respiratory rate of 70 in a two-day old newborn is above the normal range and should be reported to the provider. This finding may indicate respiratory distress or another underlying issue that needs prompt attention. Choices B, C, and D are within normal limits for newborns and do not require immediate reporting to the provider.

4. A nurse is working in an acute care mental health facility and is assessing a client who has schizophrenia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. All-or-nothing thinking.
• B. Euphoric mood.
• C. Disorganized speech.
• D. Hypochondriasis.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Disorganized speech. Disorganized speech is a hallmark symptom of schizophrenia, characterized by impaired thought processes that lead to incoherent, disjointed communication. All-or-nothing thinking (Choice A) is more commonly associated with cognitive distortions seen in conditions like anxiety disorders. Euphoric mood (Choice B) is not a typical finding in schizophrenia, as individuals with this disorder often display a flat or blunted affect. Hypochondriasis (Choice D) involves a preoccupation with having a serious illness and is not a primary symptom of schizophrenia.

5. A healthcare provider is checking a newborn's vital signs. Which of the following methods of temperature measurement should the healthcare provider use?

• A. Rectal
• B. Axillary
• C. Oral
• D. Tympanic

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The axillary method is the most appropriate for newborns because it is non-invasive and safe. Rectal temperature measurement can be uncomfortable and poses a risk of injury, especially in newborns. Oral temperature measurement is not recommended for newborns due to their inability to cooperate and potential inaccuracies. Tympanic temperature measurement may not be as accurate in newborns compared to older children or adults.

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