Nursing Elites

1. The client returns to the unit from surgery with a blood pressure of 90/50, pulse 132, respirations 30. Which action by the nurse should receive priority?

• A. Continue monitoring the vital signs
• B. Contact the physician
• C. Ask the client how they feel
• D. Ask the LPN to continue post-op care

Correct answer: Contact the physician

Rationale: The priority action for the nurse is to contact the physician immediately due to the client's abnormal vital signs. A blood pressure of 90/50, pulse of 132, and respirations of 30 indicate instability and require prompt medical attention. Continuing to monitor vital signs, as in choice A, may lead to a delay in necessary interventions. Asking the client how they feel, as in choice C, provides subjective data and does not address the urgent need for medical intervention. Involving the LPN, as in choice D, is not appropriate in this critical situation where the client's condition is unstable and requires immediate physician assessment and intervention.

2. A 32-year-old female frequently comes to her primary care provider with vague complaints of headache, abdominal pain, and trouble sleeping. In the past, the physician has dutifully prescribed medication, but little else. Which of the following comments by the nurse to the physician is appropriate?

• A. “Often women who are victims of domestic violence suffer vague symptoms such as abdominal pain.”
• B. “Often women become offended if asked about their safety in relationships.”
• C. “It is mandatory that all women be questioned about domestic violence.”
• D. “How would you feel to know that her partner is beating her and you didn’t ask?”

Correct answer: “Often women who are victims of domestic violence suffer vague symptoms such as abdominal pain.”

Rationale: The correct answer is, “Often women who are victims of domestic violence suffer vague symptoms such as abdominal pain.” There is a well-documented correlation between vague symptoms like abdominal pain and battered woman syndrome. It is crucial for healthcare providers to inquire about potential domestic violence when presented with such symptoms. Choice B is incorrect as studies show that women are not generally offended by appropriately phrased questions about their safety in relationships. While it is not mandatory to question all women about domestic violence, it is advisable to at least ask a screening question regarding safety. Choice D is inappropriate as it uses a shaming tactic, which is not constructive and may create a hostile work environment. It's important for healthcare professionals to approach sensitive topics like domestic violence with empathy and professionalism.

3. The LPN is teaching a first-time mother about breastfeeding her newborn. Which statement, if made by the mother, would reflect that the teaching had been successful?

• A. “My baby should be having at least 4-6 wet diapers a day until 1 month.”
• B. “It’s nice that breastfed babies eat a bit less than formula-fed babies.”
• C. “My baby should be nursing 8-12 times a day during this period.”
• D. “I’m a little nervous about my milk coming in tomorrow. I’ve heard it’s uncomfortable.”

Correct answer: “My baby should be nursing 8-12 times a day during this period.”

Rationale: The correct answer is, '“My baby should be nursing 8-12 times a day during this period.”' This statement indicates successful teaching because newborns should nurse 8-12 times during the newborn period to ensure they receive adequate nutrition and establish a good milk supply. This frequency helps in meeting the baby's demands for growth and development. Choice A is incorrect because while it mentions the appropriate number of wet diapers a day once the mother's milk comes in, it does not reflect successful teaching about breastfeeding frequency. Choice B is incorrect because it discusses feeding amounts in comparison to formula-fed babies, which is not a direct indicator of successful breastfeeding teaching. Choice D is incorrect because it focuses on the mother's concerns about milk coming in, not on understanding the feeding frequency needed for the newborn.

4. A client reports that someone is in the room and trying to kill him. The nurse’s best response is:

• A. “No one is in your room. Let’s get you more medicine.”
• B. “I do not see anyone, but you seem to be very frightened.”
• C. “No one can hurt you here.”
• D. “Just tell the person to go away.”

Correct answer: “I do not see anyone, but you seem to be very frightened.”

Rationale: When a client reports hallucinations or delusions, it is crucial to respond in a non-confrontational and empathetic manner. Choice B acknowledges the client's fear without confirming the delusion, showing understanding, and providing reassurance. This response validates the client's feelings without reinforcing the false belief. The other responses in choices A, C, and D dismiss the client's feelings or perceptions, which can escalate the situation and harm the therapeutic relationship.

5. A client arrives in the emergency room with a possible fractured femur. The nurse should anticipate an order for:

• A. Trendelenburg position
• B. Ice to the entire extremity
• C. Buck’s traction
• D. An abduction pillow

Correct answer: Buck’s traction

Rationale: The correct answer is Buck’s traction. This intervention is used to realign the fractured femur, reduce spasms, and alleviate pain. Placing the client in the Trendelenburg position is inappropriate for a femur fracture, making answer A incorrect. While ice may be used post-repair, applying it to the entire extremity is unnecessary, so answer B is wrong. An abduction pillow is typically employed following a total hip replacement, not for a fractured femur, rendering answer D incorrect.

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