Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is assessing the vital signs of a 20-year-old marathon runner and documents the following vital signs: temperature"?36�C; pulse"?48 beats per minute; respirations"?14 breaths per minute; blood pressure"?104/68 mm Hg. Which statement is true concerning these results?

• A. The patient is experiencing bradycardia.
• B. These are normal vital signs for a healthy, athletic adult.
• C. The patient's pulse rate is not normal"?no action is required.
• D. The patient's next clinic visit should occur as scheduled.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is, 'These are normal vital signs for a healthy, athletic adult.' A pulse rate of 48 beats per minute is considered bradycardia in adults, but it is not a concern in well-trained athletes like marathon runners. Bradycardia is a normal physiological response to aerobic conditioning. Tachycardia, on the other hand, is defined as a pulse rate above 100 beats per minute, which is not the case here. The low pulse rate in this scenario is a reflection of the athlete's cardiovascular fitness. Therefore, there is no need to notify the physician or schedule a follow-up visit based on these findings.

2. When assessing the force or strength of a pulse, what would the nurse recall about the pulse?

• A. Is a reflection of the heart's stroke volume
• B. Typically recorded on a 0- to 3-point scale
• C. Demonstrates elasticity of the blood vessel wall
• D. Reflects the blood volume in the arteries during diastole

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing the force or strength of a pulse, the nurse should recall that it is a reflection of the heart's stroke volume. The heart pumps an amount of blood (the stroke volume) into the aorta, causing arterial walls to flare and generate a pressure wave felt as the pulse in the periphery. The force of the pulse is typically recorded on a 0- to 3-point scale, not a 0- to 2-point scale. The force of the pulse does not demonstrate the elasticity of blood vessel walls or reflect the blood volume in the arteries during diastole. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect.

3. Surgical asepsis is being performed when:

• A. wiping down exam tables with bleach
• B. sterilizing instruments
• C. changing table paper
• D. wearing gloves when performing injections

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Surgical asepsis refers to the process of maintaining a sterile environment to prevent the introduction of pathogens to a patient's body. Sterilizing instruments is a crucial aspect of surgical asepsis as it ensures that the instruments used during procedures are free from microorganisms that could cause infections. Wiping down exam tables with bleach may help in cleaning and disinfecting surfaces but does not pertain directly to maintaining a sterile field. Changing table paper is important for cleanliness and infection control but is not specifically related to surgical asepsis. Wearing gloves when performing injections is important for standard precautions and preventing the spread of infection but does not encompass the concept of surgical asepsis, which focuses on maintaining a sterile field during invasive procedures.

4. Which of the following is an example of a positive effect of exercise on a client?

• A. Decreased basal metabolic rate
• B. Decreased venous return
• C. Decreased work of breathing
• D. Decreased gastric motility

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Decreased work of breathing.' Exercise has numerous positive effects on clients, such as increasing metabolic rate, improving gastric motility, and enhancing venous return. When a client exercises regularly, their work of breathing decreases, meaning that everyday activities require less exertion. This is beneficial as it indicates improved cardiovascular and respiratory efficiency. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because a decreased basal metabolic rate, decreased venous return, and decreased gastric motility are not typically considered positive effects of exercise. Instead, an increased basal metabolic rate, improved venous return, and optimal gastric motility are desired outcomes associated with physical activity.

5. Which nursing intervention is the highest priority for a client at risk for falls in a hospital setting?

• A. Keep all of the side rails up
• B. Review prescribed medications
• C. Complete the "get up and go"? test
• D. Place the bed in the lowest position

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The highest priority nursing intervention for a client at risk for falls in a hospital setting is to place the bed in the lowest position. This action ensures that the client falls the shortest distance, reducing the risk of injury. Keeping all side rails up (Option A) may lead to a fall with injury, as the client might attempt to get over the rail and fall from a higher distance. Reviewing prescribed medications (Option B) is important as certain medications can increase the risk of falling, but it is not the best answer as it is not applicable to all clients. Completing the "get up and go"? test (Option C) can help assess a client's risk for falling but does not directly prevent injury.

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