Nursing Elites

1. The nurse has been assigned to train the unlicensed nursing assistant about prioritizing care. Which client should the nurse instruct the unlicensed nursing assistant to see first?

• A. The client who needs both sequential compression devices removed
• B. The elderly woman who needs assistance ambulating to the bathroom
• C. The surgical client who needs help changing the gown after bathing
• D. The male client who needs the intravenous fluid discontinued

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because removing sequential compression devices could increase the risk of thromboembolism, making it the priority. Choice B involves assisting with ambulation, which can be done after addressing the urgent need of the client in choice A. Choice C and D involve non-urgent tasks compared to the potential risks associated with not removing sequential compression devices promptly.

2. The client diagnosed with thalassemia, a hereditary anemia, is to receive a transfusion of packed RBCs. The cross-match reveals the presence of antibodies that cannot be cross-matched. Which precaution should the nurse implement when initiating the transfusion?

• A. Start the transfusion at 10-15 mL per hour for 15-30 minutes
• B. Re-crossmatch the blood until the antibodies are identified
• C. Have the client sign a permit to receive uncrossmatched blood
• D. Have the unlicensed nursing assistant stay with the client

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Starting the transfusion slowly at 10-15 mL per hour for 15-30 minutes is essential when the cross-match reveals the presence of antibodies that cannot be cross-matched. This precaution allows the nurse to monitor for any adverse reactions due to the antibodies. Re-crossmatching the blood until the antibodies are identified (choice B) may delay the transfusion process and put the client at risk. Having the client sign a permit to receive uncrossmatched blood (choice C) is not a standard practice and does not address the immediate need for precautions during transfusion. Having the unlicensed nursing assistant stay with the client (choice D) is unrelated to the safe initiation of the transfusion and is not a precaution specific to managing antibodies in blood products.

3. Six hours after major abdominal surgery, a male client complains of severe abdominal pain; is pale and perspiring; has a thready, rapid pulse; and states he feels faint. The nurse checks the client’s medication administration record and determines that the client receives another injection of pain medication in an hour. What is the appropriate action by the nurse?

• A. Explain to the client that it is too early to have an injection for pain
• B. Call the practitioner, report the client’s symptoms, and obtain further orders
• C. Reposition the client for greater comfort and turn on the television as a distraction
• D. Prepare the injection and administer it to the client early because of the severe pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is option B: Call the practitioner, report the client’s symptoms, and obtain further orders. The client is displaying symptoms that indicate potential complications, such as internal bleeding, which require immediate medical evaluation. Option A is incorrect because the client's condition suggests a more urgent need for assessment. Option C is inappropriate as it does not address the seriousness of the client's symptoms. Option D is dangerous and could exacerbate any underlying issue the client may be experiencing.

4. A client is admitted to the hospital with the diagnosis of a right-sided brain attack (CVA). The client is right-handed. Which task will be most difficult for this client?

• A. Eating meals
• B. Writing letters
• C. Combing the hair
• D. Dressing every morning

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Writing letters. Writing requires fine motor skills, which are often impaired in a right-handed person with a right-sided CVA. Eating meals (choice A), combing the hair (choice C), and dressing every morning (choice D) involve gross motor skills and may not be as challenging for a right-handed individual with a right-sided CVA compared to the fine motor skill required for writing.

5. The nurse is aware that norepinephrine is secreted by which endocrine gland?

• A. The pancreas
• B. The adrenal cortex
• C. The adrenal medulla
• D. The anterior pituitary gland

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: The adrenal medulla. Norepinephrine is secreted by the adrenal medulla and is involved in the body's 'fight or flight' response. The pancreas (choice A) secretes insulin and glucagon, not norepinephrine. The adrenal cortex (choice B) secretes hormones like cortisol and aldosterone, but not norepinephrine. The anterior pituitary gland (choice D) secretes various hormones like growth hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone, but not norepinephrine.

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