Nursing Elites

1. Following surgery on the neck, the client asks the LPN why the head of the bed is up so high. The LPN should tell the client that the high-Fowler position is preferred for what reason?

• A. To reduce strain on the incision
• B. To promote drainage of the wound
• C. To provide stimulation for the client
• D. To reduce edema at the operative site

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The high-Fowler position is preferred after neck surgery to reduce edema at the operative site. Elevating the head of the bed promotes venous return and drainage, aiding in decreasing swelling and fluid accumulation, which helps reduce edema at the operative site. Choice A is incorrect as the main purpose is not solely about reducing strain on the incision. Choice B is incorrect because while drainage may occur, it is not the primary reason for maintaining the high-Fowler position. Choice C is incorrect as providing stimulation is not the primary rationale for positioning the client in high-Fowler.

2. The nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion to a client. Which action should the LPN/LVN take to ensure the client's safety?

• A. Check the client's identification and blood type.
• B. Monitor the client's vital signs every hour during the transfusion.
• C. Administer the blood through a peripheral IV line.
• D. Verify the blood product with another nurse before administration.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: To ensure the client's safety during a blood transfusion, it is crucial to verify the blood product with another nurse before administration. This step helps confirm the correct blood type and prevents transfusion reactions. While checking the client's identification and blood type (Choice A) is important, the ultimate responsibility lies with confirming the blood product before administration. Monitoring vital signs (Choice B) is necessary during a transfusion but does not directly address verifying the blood product. Administering blood through a peripheral IV line (Choice C) is a common practice but does not specifically ensure that the correct blood product is being administered, which is essential for the client's safety.

3. A client requires rectal temperature monitoring, and a nurse has a thermometer with a long, slender tip at the bedside. What is the appropriate action for the nurse to take?

• A. Obtain a thermometer with a short, blunt insertion end
• B. Use the available thermometer as is
• C. Request a new thermometer
• D. Measure the temperature orally instead

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When monitoring rectal temperature, it is crucial to use a thermometer with a short, blunt insertion end to prevent injury and ensure accurate readings. Using a thermometer with a long, slender tip can pose a risk of perforation or discomfort for the client. Therefore, the appropriate action for the nurse to take is to obtain a thermometer with a short, blunt insertion end. Using the available thermometer as is would not address the safety concerns. Requesting a new thermometer is unnecessary when a suitable one is available by just obtaining it. Measuring the temperature orally instead would not provide the required rectal temperature monitoring.

4. A nurse is inserting an IV catheter for a client that results in a blood spill on her gloved hand. The client has no documented bloodstream infection. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Carefully remove the gloves and follow with hand hygiene
• B. Continue with the procedure and clean hands later
• C. Remove the gloves, wash hands, and start over
• D. Use hand sanitizer and continue the procedure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to carefully remove the gloves and follow with hand hygiene. This is important to prevent potential contamination and maintain infection control practices. Option B is incorrect because cleaning hands later may lead to the spread of potential contaminants. Option C is unnecessary as starting over is not required if proper hand hygiene is performed. Option D is not sufficient in ensuring proper hygiene after a blood spill, as hand sanitizer may not effectively remove all contaminants.

5. A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is washing her hands prior to assisting with a surgical procedure. Which of the following actions by the nurse demonstrates proper surgical hand-washing techniques?

• A. The nurse washes with her hands held higher than her elbows.
• B. The nurse uses a brush to scrub under her nails.
• C. The nurse washes for at least 30 seconds.
• D. The nurse uses alcohol-based hand rub only.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Proper surgical hand-washing technique involves keeping the hands higher than the elbows to prevent contamination. Washing with hands held lower than the elbows can lead to potential contamination. Using a brush to scrub under the nails is not recommended as it can cause microabrasions, increasing infection risk. While washing for at least 30 seconds is a good practice for thorough hand hygiene, hand positioning is critical during surgical hand-washing. Using alcohol-based hand rub alone is insufficient for surgical hand-washing as it may not effectively remove dirt, debris, and transient microorganisms.

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