Nursing Elites

1. Overdosage of medication or anesthetic can happen even with the aid of technology like infusion pumps, sphygmomanometer, and similar devices/machines. As a staff member, how can you improve the safety of using infusion pumps?

• A. Check the functionality of the pump before use
• B. Select the brand of infusion pump carefully
• C. Allow the technician to set the infusion pump before use
• D. Verify the flow rate against your calculation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: To enhance the safety of using infusion pumps, it is crucial to verify the flow rate against your calculation. This step ensures that the prescribed dosage is being delivered accurately, reducing the risk of medication errors. Checking the functionality of the pump before use (Choice A) is also important to ensure it is working properly. Allowing the technician to set the pump (Choice C) may not always guarantee the correct settings. Selecting the brand of infusion pump carefully (Choice B) is not directly related to the safe use of the pump.

2. The principal cation in plasma and interstitial fluid is:

• A. Sodium
• B. Potassium
• C. Calcium
• D. Magnesium

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The principal cation in plasma and interstitial fluid is sodium. Sodium plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance and is the primary cation in extracellular fluids like plasma and interstitial fluid. Potassium is the primary cation within cells, not in extracellular fluids, making it an incorrect choice. Calcium and magnesium are essential minerals but are not the principal cations in plasma and interstitial fluid, so they are also incorrect choices.

3. A nurse is preparing to administer a gavage feeding via a nasogastric tube to a preterm newborn who is receiving supplemental oxygen. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Stabilize the tube with tape to the newborn’s cheek.
• B. Remove supplemental oxygen during the feeding.
• C. Measure the stomach aspirate prior to the feeding.
• D. Place the newborn on their left side for 30 minutes after the feeding.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Measuring the stomach aspirate prior to the feeding is crucial to ensure the correct placement and function of the nasogastric tube. This step helps prevent complications such as aspiration or improper feeding. Choice A is incorrect as stabilizing the tube with tape to the newborn’s cheek can cause discomfort and skin irritation. Choice B is incorrect because removing supplemental oxygen during the feeding may compromise the newborn's respiratory status. Choice D is incorrect because placing the newborn on their left side for 30 minutes after the feeding is not a standard practice and is unnecessary for administering gavage feeding.

4. During which phase of the therapeutic relationship should the nurse inform the patient about the termination of therapy?

• A. Pre-orientation
• B. Orientation
• C. Working
• D. Termination

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Termination'. This phase of the therapeutic relationship is when the nurse informs the patient about the conclusion of therapy. It is during this phase that the nurse and the patient review the goals and progress made and also discuss the upcoming termination. The other phases are not the appropriate times for discussing termination. 'Pre-orientation' is the phase before the nurse-patient relationship is established; 'Orientation' is when the nurse and patient get to know each other and set goals; and 'Working' is when these goals are pursued. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect.

5. During an initial visit with an older adult client living alone and having difficulty preparing meals, what should the home health nurse do first?

• A. Discuss nutritional requirements with the client.
• B. Refer the client to a senior citizen center.
• C. Arrange for a home-delivered meal program.
• D. Perform a nutrition screening.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Performing a nutrition screening is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take first. This allows the nurse to assess the client's current nutritional status and identify any specific needs. Discussing nutritional requirements with the client (Choice A) may be important but should come after the initial assessment. Referring the client to a senior citizen center (Choice B) or arranging for a home-delivered meal program (Choice C) are actions that may be considered later based on the findings of the nutrition screening.

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