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 healthcare provider is reviewing a client's lab results. Which of the following lab values should the provider report?

• A. Magnesium 1.9 mEq/L
• B. Potassium 3.6 mEq/L
• C. Sodium 126 mEq/L
• D. Chloride 99 mEq/L

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Sodium 126 mEq/L. A sodium level of 126 mEq/L is below the normal range, indicating hyponatremia, which can have serious health implications and should be reported to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention. Choices A, B, and D are within or close to the normal ranges for magnesium, potassium, and chloride, respectively, and do not require immediate reporting as they are not significantly abnormal.

3. Which intervention will best help a patient with chronic pain maintain mobility?

• A. Provide the patient with opioids to control pain.
• B. Encourage stretching exercises to improve flexibility.
• C. Teach the patient to use assistive devices like a cane.
• D. Recommend complete bed rest until the pain subsides.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Encouraging stretching exercises is the most appropriate nursing intervention to help a patient with chronic pain maintain mobility. Stretching exercises can improve flexibility, prevent stiffness, and promote better range of motion in patients with chronic pain. Providing opioids (Choice A) may help control pain but does not directly address mobility. Teaching the patient to use assistive devices (Choice C) may be beneficial but does not focus on improving mobility directly. Recommending complete bed rest (Choice D) can lead to deconditioning and further loss of mobility, which is not recommended for chronic pain management.

4. A nurse is caring for a client and realizes they have administered the wrong medication. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Notify the provider
• B. Check the condition of the client
• C. Document the occurrence in the electronic medical record
• D. Complete an incident report

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to 'Check the condition of the client' first. When a medication error occurs, the nurse's initial priority should be to assess the client's condition to address any immediate harm or side effects. Notifying the provider can come after ensuring the client's safety. Documenting the occurrence in the electronic medical record and completing an incident report are important steps but should follow the assessment of the client's condition to prioritize patient safety.

5. What are the nursing considerations when caring for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

• A. Encouraging pursed-lip breathing to improve ventilation
• B. Administering bronchodilators and corticosteroids
• C. Monitoring oxygen saturation and ABGs
• D. Teaching the patient how to use an inhaler

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Pursed-lip breathing is a nursing consideration for patients with COPD as it helps improve oxygenation and reduces air trapping. While administering bronchodilators and corticosteroids (choice B) is part of the treatment plan, it is typically done by healthcare providers. Monitoring oxygen saturation and arterial blood gases (ABGs) (choice C) is important but not a direct nursing consideration. Teaching the patient how to use an inhaler (choice D) is relevant but not specific to COPD care.

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