Nursing Elites

1. Patients who cannot move in their bed on their own should be turned at least ________________.

• A. once a day
• B. twice a day
• C. every 2 hours
• D. every 4 hours

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Patients who are unable to move in bed are at high risk of developing pressure ulcers and skin breakdown due to prolonged pressure on specific body areas. Turning these patients at least every 2 hours is crucial to relieve pressure, improve circulation, and prevent skin damage. More frequent turning may be necessary for patients with specific needs, such as those who are incontinent of urine and require additional care. Turning patients less frequently, such as once a day, twice a day, or every 4 hours, increases the risk of developing pressure ulcers and other complications. Therefore, the correct answer is to turn patients who cannot move in their bed on their own every 2 hours.

2. Which of the following would be most important for the nurse to keep in mind regarding the use of side rails for a confused patient?

• A. A person of small stature is at increased risk for injury from entrapment.
• B. A history of a previous fall from a bed with raised side rails is significant.
• C. The desire to prevent a patient from wandering is not sufficient reason for the use of side rails.
• D. Creative use of alternative measures indicates respect for the patient's dignity.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When considering the use of side rails for a confused patient, it is crucial for the nurse to understand that individuals of small stature are at a higher risk for injury from entrapment. Studies have shown that people of small stature are more likely to slip through or between the side rails, making them vulnerable to harm. It is essential to prioritize patient safety and avoid potential risks associated with entrapment. Conversely, a history of previous falls from a bed with raised side rails is significant as it indicates a heightened risk for future serious incidents. The desire to prevent a patient from wandering alone does not justify the use of side rails; instead, alternative measures should be creatively employed to respect the patient's dignity and avoid more serious fall-related injuries.

3. The NFPA diamond has four colors. The blue diamond:

• A. indicates hazards to health.
• B. designates that it is safe to use water to put out this type of fire.
• C. indicates that ice is necessary to treat an injury with this type of chemical.
• D. indicates that the chemical may be incinerated upon disposal.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) uses a safety diamond to communicate the level of threat posed by a specific chemical. The blue diamond in the NFPA diamond system signifies potential health hazards associated with the use of that chemical. Choice B is incorrect because the blue diamond does not indicate anything about using water to extinguish fires. Choice C is incorrect as the NFPA diamond does not provide information on treating injuries. Choice D is also incorrect as the blue diamond does not suggest incineration upon disposal; it pertains to health hazards.

4. When performing an EKG, the patient starts to laugh out of feelings of anxiety. What would you expect the EKG to show? (Choose the BEST answer.)

• A. Increased pulse rate, normal EKG
• B. Decreased pulse rate, abnormal EKG
• C. Tachycardia, poor EKG graph
• D. Bradycardia, poor EKG graph

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a patient laughs due to anxiety during an EKG, it is likely to cause tachycardia, which is a rapid heart rate. This increased heart rate can lead to poor EKG graph quality as the electrical signals from large moving muscles can interfere with data collection from the chest leads. Therefore, in this scenario, the EKG is expected to show tachycardia with poor graph quality. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because a patient laughing out of anxiety is more likely to result in an increased pulse rate (tachycardia) rather than a decreased pulse rate (bradycardia) or a normal EKG.

5. When evaluating the temperature of older adults, what aspect should the healthcare provider remember about an older adult's body temperature?

• A. The body temperature of the older adult is lower than that of a younger adult.
• B. An older adult's body temperature is approximately the same as that of a young child.
• C. Body temperature varies based on the type of thermometer used.
• D. In older adults, body temperature can fluctuate widely due to less effective heat control mechanisms.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When evaluating the temperature of older adults, it is important to note that their body temperature is usually lower than that of younger adults, with a mean temperature of 36.2�C. Choice B is incorrect because an older adult's body temperature is not approximately the same as that of a young child. Choice C is incorrect because body temperature is a physiological parameter and does not vary based on the type of thermometer used. Choice D is incorrect because while older adults may have less effective heat control mechanisms, their body temperature is typically lower, not widely fluctuating.

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