Nursing Elites

1. How should a healthcare professional position a patient to reduce the risk of pressure ulcers?

• A. Position the patient in the supine position for long periods.
• B. Use pillows to support bony prominences.
• C. Turn the patient every 4 hours.
• D. Place the patient on an alternating pressure mattress.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Correctly positioning a patient to reduce the risk of pressure ulcers involves using pillows to support bony prominences. This helps to relieve pressure from vulnerable areas and prevent the development of pressure ulcers. Choice A is incorrect because keeping a patient in the supine position for extended periods can increase the risk of pressure ulcers. Choice C is incorrect as turning the patient every 2 hours, rather than every 4 hours, is recommended to prevent pressure ulcers. Choice D is not the best option mentioned for positioning a patient to reduce pressure ulcer risk; although alternating pressure mattresses can be beneficial, using pillows for support is a more direct and commonly used method.

2. The nurse is performing hand hygiene before assisting a healthcare provider with insertion of a chest tube. While washing hands, the nurse touches the sink. Which action will the nurse take next?

• A. Repeat handwashing using antiseptic soap.
• B. Inform the healthcare provider and recruit another nurse to assist.
• C. Extend the handwashing procedure to 5 minutes.
• D. Rinse and dry hands and begin assisting the healthcare provider.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The sink is considered a contaminated area. When hand hygiene is compromised during the process, it is essential to repeat handwashing using antiseptic soap to ensure proper hygiene. Choice B is incorrect because the situation can be managed by proper handwashing. Choice C is incorrect as extending the handwashing procedure to 5 minutes is not necessary in this scenario. Choice D is incorrect as the hands need to be properly cleaned before assisting the healthcare provider.

3. A patient is being treated for dehydration. Which lab result would support the diagnosis?

• A. Elevated hemoglobin
• B. Low sodium level
• C. High white blood cell count
• D. Elevated BUN

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Elevated BUN levels are a characteristic finding in dehydration due to reduced kidney perfusion and increased reabsorption of urea. Hemoglobin levels might be elevated in conditions like polycythemia vera, not directly related to dehydration. A low sodium level could be seen in conditions like hyponatremia. A high white blood cell count is more indicative of infection or inflammation rather than dehydration.

4. A nurse sees a healthcare provider administer an incorrect medication dose but does not report the error. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Ignore the situation and continue with patient care.
• B. Report the error to the nurse manager immediately.
• C. Speak to the healthcare provider directly about the error.
• D. File an anonymous report to avoid conflict.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a nurse witnesses a healthcare provider administering an incorrect medication dose, the first step should be to report the error to the nurse manager immediately. Reporting medication errors is crucial for patient safety as it allows prompt intervention to prevent harm. Choice A is incorrect as ignoring the situation can jeopardize patient safety. Choice C, while addressing the error directly, may not ensure proper documentation and follow-up. Choice D, filing an anonymous report, is not as effective as directly informing the nurse manager who can take appropriate action and follow-up on the incident.

5. A client with severe dyspnea is scheduled for multiple diagnostic tests. Which test should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Administer an echocardiogram first.
• B. Prioritize a chest x-ray for the client.
• C. Prepare the client for a CT scan.
• D. Order an MRI first.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Prioritize a chest x-ray for the client. When a client presents with severe dyspnea, a chest x-ray should be prioritized as it helps in assessing the lungs and heart, which are crucial in cases of respiratory distress. Echocardiograms are more focused on assessing heart function and may not provide immediate information needed in cases of dyspnea. CT scans and MRIs are more detailed imaging studies that are not typically the first-line diagnostic tests for severe dyspnea.

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