Nursing Elites

1. Before preparing a client for the first surgical case of the day, a part-time scrub nurse asks the circulating nurse if a 3-minute surgical hand scrub is adequate preparation for this client. Which response should the circulating nurse provide?

• A. Ask a more experienced nurse to perform that scrub since it is the first time of the day
• B. Validate the nurse is implementing the OR policy for surgical hand scrub
• C. Inform the nurse that hand scrubs should be 3 minutes between cases.
• D. Direct the nurse to continue the surgical hand scrub for a 5-minute duration.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to direct the nurse to continue the surgical hand scrub for a 5-minute duration. Surgical hand scrubs should last for 5 to 10 minutes, ensuring thorough cleaning and disinfection. Choice A is incorrect because the nurse should be guided to complete the scrub properly rather than having someone else do it. Choice B is incorrect as it does not address the duration of the hand scrub. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests a 3-minute hand scrub is sufficient, which is inadequate for proper preparation before surgery.

2. The nurse notes that a client who has undergone a thoracotomy has an increase in a large amount of dark red blood in the chest tube collection chamber. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Document the findings for this procedure as expected
• B. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
• C. Check the tube for kinks or dependent loops
• D. Increase the suction to the chest drainage system

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An increase in a large amount of dark red blood in the chest tube collection chamber may indicate active bleeding. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider immediately to address the situation promptly and prevent further complications. Documenting the findings without taking immediate action could delay necessary interventions. Checking the tube for kinks or dependent loops is a good practice but not the priority when dealing with a potentially life-threatening situation like active bleeding. Increasing the suction without healthcare provider's orders can lead to complications and is not appropriate in this scenario.

3. In assessing an adult client with a partial rebreather mask, the nurse notes that the oxygen reservoir bag does not deflate completely during inspiration and the client's respiratory rate is 14 breaths/minute. What action should the nurse implement?

• A. Encourage the client to take deep breaths
• B. Remove the mask to deflate the bag
• C. Increase the liter flow of oxygen
• D. Document the assessment data

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to implement is to document the assessment data. In this scenario, the findings indicate that the partial rebreather mask is functioning correctly as the reservoir bag should not deflate completely during inspiration. Additionally, the client's respiratory rate of 14 breaths/minute falls within the normal range. There is no need to encourage the client to take deep breaths, as the respiratory rate is normal, and doing so may disrupt the client's breathing pattern. Removing the mask to deflate the bag or increasing the liter flow of oxygen are unnecessary actions based on the assessment findings.

4. Following a lumbar puncture, a client voices several complaints. What complaint indicates to the nurse that the client is experiencing a complication?

• A. I am having pain in my lower back when I move my legs
• B. My throat hurts when I swallow
• C. I feel sick to my stomach and am going to throw up
• D. I have a headache that gets worse when I sit up

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A post-lumbar puncture headache, ranging from mild to severe, may occur as a result of leakage of cerebrospinal fluid at the puncture site. This complication is usually managed by bed rest, analgesics, and hydration. Choices A, B, and C do not directly indicate complications associated with a lumbar puncture. Pain in the lower back when moving legs, a sore throat when swallowing, and nausea with a feeling of vomiting are not typical complications of lumbar puncture.

5. The nurse is assessing a client with left-sided heart failure. Which finding should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately?

• A. Shortness of breath
• B. Jugular venous distention
• C. Crackles in the lungs
• D. Elevated liver enzymes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a client with left-sided heart failure, the presence of crackles in the lungs is the most critical finding that should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately. Crackles indicate pulmonary congestion, which requires prompt intervention to prevent respiratory compromise. Shortness of breath, though a common symptom in heart failure, is a result of pulmonary congestion, making crackles a more direct indicator of the severity of the condition. Jugular venous distention and elevated liver enzymes are important to assess in heart failure but are not as immediately concerning as crackles in the lungs, which directly reflect the impact of heart failure on the respiratory system.

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