Nursing Elites

1. In which of the following conditions might increased cortisol levels be found?

• A. Cushing's syndrome
• B. Addison's disease
• C. Renal failure
• D. Congestive heart failure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Cushing's syndrome is characterized by increased cortisol levels due to the overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands. This excess cortisol can lead to various symptoms and complications. Addison's disease is associated with decreased cortisol levels as it results from adrenal insufficiency, making it an incorrect choice in this context. Renal failure and congestive heart failure are not typically linked to abnormal cortisol levels, further indicating that they are not the conditions where increased cortisol levels are found.

2. How many feet should separate the nurse and the source when extinguishing a small, wastebasket fire with an appropriate extinguisher?

• A. 1 foot
• B. 2 feet
• C. 4 feet
• D. 6 feet

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should stand about 6 feet from the source of the fire. Getting closer might put the nurse in danger. Choice A, 1 foot, is incorrect because it is too close to the fire and can expose the nurse to unnecessary risk. Choice B, 2 feet, is also too close to the fire and may lead to potential harm. Similarly, choice C, 4 feet, is not the ideal distance as it is still within the range of potential danger. The correct answer is D, 6 feet, which is a safe distance for the nurse to extinguish the fire effectively without risking personal safety.

3. A client with cancer is transported to the radiology department for a bone scan to determine whether the cancer has metastasized to bone. While the client is in the radiology department, the client's wife arrives for a visit and asks what test is being performed on the client. What should the nurse tell the wife?

• A. A bone scan is being performed.
• B. She can read the client's medical record to determine what the health care provider prescribed.
• C. The radiology department is not clear as to which test has been prescribed.
• D. She will have to discuss the prescribed test with the client.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In healthcare, confidentiality is crucial. Without the client's consent, nurses cannot disclose confidential information to anyone else, even to family members. Therefore, the appropriate response is to inform the client's wife that she will have to discuss the test with the client directly. It is not appropriate to disclose sensitive medical information without the client's permission. Offering the wife to read the medical record is a violation of privacy and confidentiality. Indicating that the radiology department is unclear about the prescribed test is inaccurate and does not uphold confidentiality. Moreover, it is not the responsibility of another department to disclose medical information; it is the duty of the healthcare provider and the client to discuss such matters.

4. What is a significant point about Shigella that the nurse should acknowledge upon identifying it in a stool culture?

• A. People who have been in contact with the client need to be tested.
• B. Shigella is an airborne infection.
• C. Shigella is a bacteria sometimes found in stagnant water.
• D. The nurse should wear a one-way breathing apparatus when giving client care.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Shigella is a bacteria sometimes found in stagnant water. Transmission of Shigella is typically oral-fecal, so good hand washing and the use of gloves are the best means of prevention when caring for a client with Shigella. The bacteria can be found in food and water contaminated by fecal material. Incidences of Shigella are reportable in many states. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. While it is important for close contacts to be aware and practice good hygiene, testing is not routinely indicated. Shigella is not an airborne infection; it is transmitted through contaminated food or water. A one-way breathing apparatus is not necessary for caring for a patient with Shigella; standard precautions, including handwashing and gloves, are sufficient.

5. The nurse notices that a family is waiting at the nursing station desk for its loved one to be brought to the unit for admission during a change-of-shift report. The nurse should:

• A. request that the family wait for its loved one in the client's room and wait to resume the report until the family has left the desk area.
• B. request that a nursing assistant bring coffee for the family while it waits at the desk and continue with the report.
• C. request that the family have a seat in the station rather than stand while awaiting its loved one.
• D. request that the family wait for its loved one in the Emergency Department waiting room.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To protect the privacy of clients and the confidentiality of the information shared in a change-of-shift report, the family should be asked to wait in the client's room. This ensures that sensitive information is not overheard. The report should be resumed only after the family has left the desk area to maintain confidentiality. Choice B is incorrect as bringing coffee does not address the issue of maintaining confidentiality. Choice C is incorrect as standing or sitting in the station does not prevent the family from overhearing confidential information. Choice D is incorrect as the Emergency Department waiting room is not the appropriate setting for waiting during a unit admission.

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