Nursing Elites

1. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient's pain who is non-verbal?

• A. Looking for changes in vital signs that may indicate pain
• B. Using alternative methods like touch or distraction
• C. Using a pain scale appropriate for non-verbal patients
• D. Observing for facial expressions or other non-verbal cues

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing pain in non-verbal patients, looking for changes in vital signs that may indicate pain is crucial. While using alternative methods like touch or distraction can be helpful, they may not directly indicate the presence of pain. Using a pain scale appropriate for non-verbal patients is important, but it may not always provide immediate feedback. Observing for facial expressions or other non-verbal cues can be subjective and may not always accurately reflect the level of pain the patient is experiencing. Therefore, monitoring vital signs is a more objective way to assess pain in non-verbal patients.

2. A school nurse is providing care for students in an elementary education facility. Which of the following interventions by the nurse addresses the primary level of prevention?

• A. Design interventions for a student's individual education plan (IEP).
• B. Teach students about healthy food choices.
• C. Perform first aid for minor injuries.
• D. Perform scoliosis screenings for students.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because teaching students about healthy food choices is a primary prevention strategy that aims to prevent future health issues by promoting healthy behaviors. Choice A, designing interventions for an individual education plan (IEP), is more related to addressing specific educational needs rather than preventing health issues. Choice C, performing first aid for minor injuries, is a form of secondary prevention aimed at reducing the impact of existing health problems. Choice D, performing scoliosis screenings for students, falls under secondary prevention by detecting health issues early rather than preventing them.

3. How should a healthcare professional respond to a patient experiencing hypoglycemia?

• A. Rechecking the blood glucose level in 15 minutes
• B. Encouraging the patient to eat a high-protein snack
• C. Administering 15g of fast-acting carbohydrates
• D. Administering glucagon if the patient is unconscious

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct response to a patient experiencing hypoglycemia is to administer 15g of fast-acting carbohydrates. This helps quickly increase the blood glucose levels in the patient, addressing the low blood sugar. Rechecking the blood glucose level in 15 minutes (Choice A) may delay necessary intervention, encouraging a high-protein snack (Choice B) is not recommended as it does not rapidly increase blood sugar levels, and administering glucagon if the patient is unconscious (Choice D) is typically done in severe cases of hypoglycemia when the patient is unable to eat or drink.

4. A nurse is preparing to administer a high dose of morphine to a patient with terminal cancer. What is the nurse's primary consideration before administration?

• A. Ensure the family is aware of the dosage to be administered.
• B. Monitor the patient for respiratory depression.
• C. Administer the morphine in divided doses.
• D. Delay administration until the next assessment.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitor the patient for respiratory depression. When administering a high dose of morphine, the nurse's primary consideration should be to monitor the patient for respiratory depression, as morphine can slow down breathing, especially in higher doses. Option A is incorrect because the primary focus should be on the patient's well-being and safety rather than family awareness at this point. Option C is not the best approach as the immediate concern is monitoring the patient closely for any adverse effects. Option D is not advisable as delaying administration without a valid reason can compromise pain management in a terminal cancer patient.

5. A client with HIV-1 starting therapy with ritonavir and zidovudine asks why both medications are necessary. What explanation should the nurse provide?

• A. Taking two medications ensures a faster recovery.
• B. The medications work best together to improve your immune system.
• C. Taking the 2 medications together keeps you from becoming resistant to either of them.
• D. These medications target different parts of the virus.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because taking two medications together helps prevent the development of drug resistance in HIV treatment. Choice A is incorrect because the primary goal of combination therapy is not necessarily a faster recovery. Choice B is incorrect as the main purpose of combining medications in HIV treatment is to prevent resistance rather than improving the immune system. Choice D is incorrect because while it is true that the medications may target different parts of the virus, the main reason for using both together is to prevent resistance.

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