Nursing Elites

1. Prior to administering morphine sulfate (Morphine), the nurse takes the client's vital signs. Based on which finding should the nurse withhold administration of the medication until the charge nurse is notified?

• A. Temperature of 100.8°F
• B. A pulse rate of 150 beats per minute
• C. A respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute
• D. A blood pressure of 180/110

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because a low respiratory rate is a critical concern when administering opioids like morphine, as they can suppress breathing. A high pulse rate (choice B) and high blood pressure (choice D) are not immediate contraindications for administering morphine. A slightly elevated temperature (choice A) may not necessarily require withholding morphine.

2. The nurse is caring for a client who has just returned from surgery with an indwelling urinary catheter in place. What is the most important assessment for the nurse to make?

• A. Check for catheter patency
• B. Assess the color of the urine
• C. Measure the urine output
• D. Ensure the catheter tubing is secure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most important assessment for the nurse to make in this situation is to measure the urine output. This assessment is crucial in monitoring kidney function and fluid balance after surgery. While checking for catheter patency is important, it is not as critical as measuring urine output. Assessing the color of the urine can provide some information about kidney function, but measuring output gives a more accurate assessment. Ensuring the catheter tubing is secure is essential to prevent dislodgement but is not the most critical assessment to make at this time.

3. A client with heart failure is prescribed a low-sodium diet. The nurse notices the client's meal tray contains high-sodium foods. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Educate the client about the importance of a low-sodium diet
• B. Replace the meal with a low-sodium option
• C. Report the error to the dietary department
• D. Encourage the client to avoid eating the high-sodium foods

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to replace the high-sodium meal with a low-sodium option. This immediate intervention ensures that the client adheres to the prescribed low-sodium diet, crucial for managing heart failure and preventing fluid retention. Educating the client (Choice A) about the diet is important but not as urgent as ensuring they receive the correct meal. Reporting the error to the dietary department (Choice C) can be done after addressing the immediate issue. Encouraging the client to avoid high-sodium foods (Choice D) is not as effective as replacing the current meal with a suitable alternative.

4. A client's daughter phones the charge nurse to report that the night nurse did not provide good care for her mother. What response should the nurse make?

• A. Explain that all staff are doing their best
• B. Ask for a description of what happened during the night
• C. Tell the daughter to talk to the unit's nurse manager
• D. Reassure the daughter that the mother will get better care

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct response for the nurse in this situation is to ask for a description of what happened during the night. This allows the nurse to gather specific information about the care provided and address the complaint appropriately. Choice A is incorrect because dismissing the concern by stating that all staff are doing their best does not address the specific complaint. Choice C is not the best immediate response as the charge nurse should first gather information before escalating the issue to the nurse manager. Choice D is incorrect as it focuses on reassurance without addressing the reported issue.

5. The nurse is providing care for a client with a draining postoperative wound infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Which is the most important action for the nurse to take?

• A. Encourage increased oral fluids.
• B. Provide high-protein snacks.
• C. Change the wound dressing.
• D. Administer prescribed antibiotics.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Administering prescribed antibiotics is crucial in treating MRSA infections. MRSA is a type of bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics, including methicillin. Therefore, prompt administration of the appropriate antibiotics is essential to target the MRSA infection effectively. Encouraging increased oral fluids (Choice A) and providing high-protein snacks (Choice B) may be beneficial for overall recovery but are not the most important actions in treating an MRSA infection. Changing the wound dressing (Choice C) is important for wound care but does not directly address the infection caused by MRSA.

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