Nursing Elites

1. One of your patients is dependent on a mechanical ventilator for their respiratory needs. The patient cannot breathe on their own. Suddenly, the lights in the patient's room and the entire nursing unit go off. You realize that the electric power has been lost. What is the first thing that you should do for this patient?

• A. Plug the ventilator into the red outlet in the room.
• B. Plug the ventilator into the blue outlet in the room.
• C. Use an Ambu bag to ventilate the patient.
• D. Call the doctor about this emergency.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In healthcare facilities, emergency generators are in place in case of power outages. The red outlets in patient rooms are connected to the emergency generator and provide power during such situations. By plugging the ventilator into the red outlet, you ensure that the patient's mechanical ventilation needs are met despite the power loss. Using an Ambu bag or calling the doctor should be secondary actions after ensuring the ventilator is powered correctly. Plugging the ventilator into the blue outlet is incorrect and can result in the ventilator not functioning during a power outage.

2. The client reports nausea and constipation. Which of the following would be the priority nursing action?

• A. Collect a stool sample
• B. Complete an abdominal assessment
• C. Administer an anti-nausea medication
• D. Notify the physician

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing action when a client reports symptoms like nausea and constipation is to complete an abdominal assessment. Assessment is crucial as it involves the systematic collection of data to understand the client's condition. By assessing the abdomen, the nurse can gather essential information to make a nursing diagnosis and develop a care plan. Collecting a stool sample (Choice A) may be necessary but comes after the assessment to confirm findings. Administering an anti-nausea medication (Choice C) addresses symptoms but does not address the underlying cause without a thorough assessment. Notifying the physician (Choice D) should come after the assessment to provide a complete picture of the client's condition.

3. The mitral valve is synonymous with the term:

• A. Left ventricle
• B. Right atrium
• C. Bicuspid valve
• D. Tricuspid valve

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The mitral valve, also known as the bicuspid valve, is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle, regulating blood flow from the left atrium into the left ventricle. The term 'bicuspid' refers to the valve's two cusps or leaflets. This distinguishes it from the tricuspid valve (Choice D), which has three cusps, making Choice D incorrect. The left ventricle (Choice A) and right atrium (Choice B) are not synonymous with the mitral valve. Therefore, the correct answer is C: Bicuspid valve.

4. In a patient with acromegaly, which assessment finding will the nurse expect to find?

• A. Sternal deformity and hyperextensible joints
• B. Growth retardation and a delayed onset of puberty
• C. Overgrowth of bone in the face, head, hands, and feet
• D. Increased height and weight and delayed sexual development

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Acromegaly is a condition characterized by excessive secretion of growth hormone in adulthood after normal body growth completion. This hormonal excess leads to overgrowth of bones in the face, head, hands, and feet; however, there is no significant change in height. Stating sternal deformity and hyperextensible joints is incorrect as they are characteristic findings of Marfan syndrome. Growth retardation and delayed onset of puberty are not typical of acromegaly but are seen in hypopituitary dwarfism. Increased height, weight, and delayed sexual development are features of gigantism, not acromegaly. Therefore, the correct assessment finding in a patient with acromegaly would be overgrowth of bone in the face, head, hands, and feet.

5. Mrs. D is a pregnant client who is 33 weeks' gestation and is admitted for bright red vaginal bleeding. Her physician suspects placenta previa. All of the following nursing interventions are appropriate for this client except:

• A. Institute complete bed rest for the client
• B. Assess uterine tone to determine condition
• C. Perform a vaginal exam to assess cervical dilation
• D. Measure and record blood loss each shift

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A client with placenta previa has part of the placenta covering some or all of the cervical opening. Performing a vaginal exam for placenta previa may cause significant bleeding and should be avoided unless directed by a physician, and preparations are made for emergency delivery. **Choice A** is correct as complete bed rest is essential to decrease the risk of further bleeding. **Choice B** is appropriate as assessing uterine tone helps in determining the condition of the uterus and can provide important information for the healthcare team. **Choice D** is also a necessary intervention as monitoring and recording blood loss is crucial in assessing the client's condition and response to treatment.

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