Nursing Elites

1. During an office visit, the healthcare provider is assessing a patient’s skin. What part of the hand and technique would be used to best assess the patient’s skin temperature?

• A. Fingertips
• B. Dorsal surface of the hand
• C. Ulnar portion of the hand
• D. Palmar surface of the hand

Correct answer: Dorsal surface of the hand

Rationale: The correct answer is the dorsal surface of the hand. The dorsa (backs) of the hands and fingers are best for determining temperature because the skin is thinner on the dorsal surfaces than on the palms. Fingertips are best for fine, tactile discrimination and not for assessing skin temperature. The ulnar and palmar surfaces of the hands are not as effective for assessing skin temperature as the dorsal surface because they have thicker skin layers.

2. Following hospitalization for congestive heart failure, a client is discharged. The nurse teaching the family suggests they encourage the client to rest frequently in which of the following positions?

• A. High Fowler's
• B. Supine
• C. Left lateral
• D. Low Fowler's

Correct answer: High Fowler's

Rationale: The correct answer is High Fowler's. Sitting in a chair or resting in a bed in the high Fowler's position helps decrease the cardiac workload and facilitates breathing in clients with congestive heart failure. This position helps reduce venous return and increases lung expansion, improving oxygenation. The supine position (choice B) may lead to increased pressure on the heart and lungs, making it less suitable for these clients. The left lateral position (choice C) is not as effective as High Fowler's in reducing cardiac workload and improving breathing. Low Fowler's position (choice D) does not provide the same benefits as the High Fowler's position for clients with congestive heart failure.

3. A patient's urine specimen tested positive for bilirubin. Which of the following is most true?

• A. The patient should be evaluated for kidney disease
• B. The specimen was probably left at room temperature for more than two hours
• C. The specimen is positive for bacteria
• D. The specimen should be stored in an area protected from light

Correct answer: The specimen should be stored in an area protected from light

Rationale: Bilirubin is easily broken down by light, so all samples testing positive for bilirubin should be protected from light exposure. Storing the specimen in an area protected from light helps maintain the integrity of the bilirubin levels for accurate testing. Choice A is incorrect because the presence of bilirubin in urine does not necessarily indicate kidney disease. Choice B is incorrect as the exposure to light, not room temperature, affects bilirubin levels. Choice C is incorrect as the presence of bilirubin does not indicate the presence of bacteria in the specimen.

4. What is the primary route of transmission of MRSA?

• A. Shared needles
• B. Hands of healthcare workers
• C. Items in the healthcare environment
• D. Blood transfusions

Correct answer: Hands of healthcare workers

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Hands of healthcare workers.' MRSA is primarily transmitted via the unwashed hands of healthcare workers who can carry the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium from one patient to another. Shared needles, items in the healthcare environment, and blood transfusions are not the main routes of transmission for MRSA. Shared needles can transmit bloodborne pathogens, items in the healthcare environment can harbor bacteria but are not the primary mode for MRSA, and blood transfusions are not a common route for MRSA transmission.

5. Nursing care plans are _______________?

• A. written by CNAs before they provide care
• B. guidelines of care that all nursing team members use
• C. used by nurses but not by nursing assistants
• D. used by nursing assistants but not by nurses

Correct answer: guidelines of care that all nursing team members use

Rationale: Nursing care plans are comprehensive documents created by registered nurses to outline individualized care for patients. These plans serve as guidelines for all members of the nursing team, including nursing assistants, to ensure consistent and quality care. Choice A is incorrect as CNAs typically assist in implementing the care plan rather than creating it. Choice C is incorrect as nursing care plans are utilized by all members of the nursing team, not exclusive to only nurses. Choice D is incorrect as nursing assistants also utilize nursing care plans to provide patient care effectively.

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