Nursing Elites

1. The advanced directive in a client's chart is dated August 12, 1998. The client's daughter produces a Power of Attorney for Health Care, dated 2003, which contains different care directions. What should the nurse do?

• A. Follow the 1998 version because it's part of the legal chart.
• B. Follow the 1998 version because the physician's code order is based on it.
• C. Follow the 2003 version, place it in the chart, and communicate the update appropriately.
• D. Follow neither until clarified by the unit manager.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The document dated 2003 supersedes the previous version and should be used as a basis for care directions. The nurse should follow the 2003 version, place it in the chart, and communicate the update appropriately to ensure that the most current care directions are followed. Choices A and B are incorrect because the 1998 version is now outdated, and the nurse should not rely on it for care decisions. Choice D is incorrect because the nurse should not delay following the updated document, and seeking clarification from the unit manager can lead to avoidable delays in care.

2. Following abdominal surgery, a client has a nasogastric (NG) tube in place. What is the purpose of this tube immediately after surgery?

• A. simplify medication administration
• B. measure accurate input and output
• C. prevent accumulation of fluids and gas
• D. facilitate collection of specimens

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to prevent accumulation of fluids and gas. Immediately after abdominal surgery, the NG tube is used to keep the stomach decompressed, preventing the accumulation of fluids and gas. This helps in maintaining decompression to prevent surgical-site disruption and fluid loss through vomiting. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the primary purpose of the NG tube following abdominal surgery is to prevent complications related to fluid and gas build-up rather than simplifying medication administration, measuring input and output, or collecting specimens.

3. Mrs. Peterson complains of difficulty falling asleep, awakening earlier than desired, and not feeling rested. She attributes these problems to leg pain that is secondary to her arthritis. What is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis for her?

• A. Sleep Pattern Disturbances (related to chronic leg pain)
• B. Fatigue (related to leg pain)
• C. Knowledge Deficit (regarding sleep hygiene measures)
• D. Sleep Pattern Disturbances (related to chronic leg pain)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing diagnosis for Mrs. Peterson is 'Sleep Pattern Disturbances (related to chronic leg pain).' Mrs. Peterson's sleep issues are directly linked to her chronic leg pain, which is a result of her arthritis. This nursing diagnosis addresses the primary cause of her sleep disturbances and allows for interventions that focus on managing the pain to improve her sleep. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Choice A correctly identifies the relationship between sleep disturbances and chronic leg pain, addressing the root cause. Choice B is incorrect as it only focuses on fatigue and does not encompass the broader sleep issues. Choice C is not relevant as there is no indication that Mrs. Peterson lacks knowledge about sleep hygiene measures.

4. What is involved in client education by the nurse?

• A. Telling the client everything about their disease, what will happen in the course of the disease, and the outcome.
• B. Giving information to the client that is accurate and understandable.
• C. Informing the client that the pain they experience might not be real.
• D. Administering medication to the client when they experience pain.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Client education by the nurse involves providing accurate and understandable information to the client. It is essential to offer relevant details without overwhelming them, making choice B the correct answer. Choice A is incorrect because providing excessive details can confuse the client rather than empower them with necessary knowledge. Choice C is incorrect as it is not the role of the nurse to question the reality of a client's pain; instead, they should address and manage the pain effectively. Choice D is incorrect as client education focuses on providing information and empowering clients with knowledge, not just administering medication.

5. The nurse is preparing to administer the 9 am dose of IV antibiotics when she notes the IVAC cord is frayed with wiring visible. What action should be her priority for this client?

• A. Notify maintenance to come and check the pump immediately.
• B. Continue with the administration of the antibiotic and fill out an equipment maintenance request.
• C. Immediately discontinue the use of this IVAC pump and obtain a replacement.
• D. Tag the equipment for maintenance.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action is to immediately discontinue the use of the IVAC pump and obtain a replacement because the frayed cord poses a safety risk to the client. Continuing to use the pump with visible wiring could lead to electric shock or other serious harm to the client. Notifying maintenance to come and check the pump immediately (Choice A) may cause unnecessary delays in ensuring the client's safety. Continuing with the administration of the antibiotic and filling out an equipment maintenance request (Choice B) is unsafe as it ignores the immediate danger. Tagging the equipment for maintenance (Choice D) does not address the urgent need to protect the client from harm.

Similar Questions