Nursing Elites

1. Signs of internal bleeding include all of the following except:

• A. painful or swollen extremities
• B. a tender, rigid abdomen
• C. vomiting bile
• D. bruising

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Vomiting bile is not typically a sign of internal bleeding but is more commonly associated with issues in the gastrointestinal tract. Signs of internal bleeding include painful or swollen extremities, a tender, rigid abdomen, and bruising. Painful or swollen extremities can indicate bleeding from an extremity injury, a tender, rigid abdomen can signal abdominal bleeding, and bruising can result from blood vessel damage. Therefore, the correct answer is 'C: vomiting bile,' as it is not a typical sign of internal bleeding.

2. While repositioning a comatose client, the nurse senses a tingling sensation as she lowers the bed. What action should she take?

• A. Unplug the bed's power source.
• B. Remove the client from the bed immediately.
• C. Notify the biomedical department at once.
• D. Turn off the oxygen.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when sensing a tingling sensation while lowering the bed with a comatose client is to unplug the bed's power source. This should be the initial step as there may be a fault in the bed's grounding. Removing the client from the bed immediately is not safe until the electrical issue is resolved. Notifying the biomedical department is important but should come after ensuring the immediate safety of the client. Turning off the oxygen is not necessary unless there is a specific issue related to oxygen delivery, which is not indicated in this scenario.

3. An example of a process standard on a med-surg unit is:

• A. a procedure for changing IV tubing.
• B. a policy for staffing.
• C. the job description of the CEO (chief executive officer).
• D. a procedure for checking waveforms on a client being treated with an intra-aortic balloon pump.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Process standards define the actions and behaviors required by staff to provide care on a med-surg unit. A procedure for changing IV tubing is a critical psychomotor skill necessary for safe and effective patient care in this setting. Choice B, a policy for staffing, pertains more to organizational management rather than specific care processes on the unit. Choice C, the job description of the CEO, delineates the responsibilities of the organization's top executive and is not a process standard for frontline staff. Choice D, a procedure for checking waveforms on a client with an intra-aortic balloon pump, is more specific to a cardiac care unit and not typically performed on a med-surg unit.

4. The nurse notes that a healthcare provider has documented the following prescription in a client's record: Furosemide (Lasix) 40 mg stat once. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Administering the medication
• B. Drawing up the medication in a syringe
• C. Planning to have the nurse on the next shift administer the medication
• D. Contacting the healthcare provider

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to contact the healthcare provider. The prescription provided lacks crucial information such as the route of administration. Before administering any medication, the nurse must clarify any missing details with the provider, especially for a stat prescription that requires immediate administration. Drawing up or administering the medication without verifying the route of administration is unsafe and can lead to errors. Planning for the next shift nurse to administer the medication is not appropriate in this scenario as the stat order necessitates immediate action. Therefore, the best course of action is to contact the healthcare provider to obtain clarification on the prescription.

5. The nurse assesses a client for physiological risk factors for falls. The nurse should conclude that the client is not at risk if which of the following is discovered?

• A. history of dizziness
• B. need for a wheelchair due to reduced mobility
• C. weakness and fatigue noted when climbing stairs
• D. intact recent and remote memory

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is intact recent and remote memory. Intact memory function indicates that the client is less likely to be at risk for falls as it suggests cognitive awareness and orientation, which are important for safety. Choices A, B, and C are risk factors for falls: a history of dizziness can lead to imbalance, the need for a wheelchair due to reduced mobility can increase fall risk, and weakness and fatigue when climbing stairs indicate physical limitations that predispose a client to falls. Therefore, these options would suggest an increased risk for falls.

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