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. A client with expressive aphasia is pointing wildly at the bath water but unable to speak. Which response from the nurse is most appropriate?

• A. Is something wrong with the bath water?
• B. Just calm down, we'll finish your bath soon.
• C. Are you trying to tell me something?
• D. Shall I turn on the television?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A client with expressive aphasia faces difficulty expressing themselves verbally but can understand others. In this scenario, the client's gestures indicate a communication attempt. The nurse's best response is to directly address the potential issue the client is indicating, which is the bath water. Option A acknowledges the client's non-verbal communication and seeks to address their concern. Choices B, C, and D do not directly address the client's attempt to communicate about the bath water, which is the focal point of the interaction.

3. During the examination, it is often appropriate to offer some brief teaching about the patient's body or the examiner's findings. Which one of these statements by the nurse is most appropriate?

• A. "Your atrial dysrhythmias are under control."?
• B. "You have pitting edema and mild varicosities."?
• C. "Your pulse is 80 beats per minute, which is within the normal range."?
• D. "I'm using my stethoscope to listen for any crackles, wheezes, or rubs in your lungs."?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During an examination, providing brief educational information to the patient can enhance rapport, as long as the patient can comprehend the terminology. The most appropriate statement from the nurse is "Your pulse is 80 beats per minute, which is within the normal range." This statement conveys a vital sign in a way that is likely understandable to the patient. Choices A, B, and D use terminology that may be unfamiliar or confusing to the patient. Option A mentions 'atrial dysrhythmias,' which might not be clear to the patient. Option B involves terms like 'pitting edema' and 'varicosities,' which could be unfamiliar to the patient. Option D references 'crackles,' 'wheezes,' and 'rubs,' which might not be easily understood by the patient.

4. When performing CPR, at what rate should chest compressions be applied?

• A. 100 per minute
• B. 60 per minute
• C. As quickly as possible
• D. 200 per minute

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During CPR, chest compressions should be applied at a rate of 100 compressions per minute in order to effectively circulate blood and oxygen to vital organs. Option A, '100 per minute,' is the correct answer as it aligns with the recommended compression rate in CPR guidelines. Option B, '60 per minute,' is incorrect as it is too slow and may not provide adequate circulation. Option C, 'As quickly as possible,' is vague and does not specify the recommended compression rate. Option D, '200 per minute,' is incorrect as it exceeds the recommended rate and may not be as effective in maintaining perfusion.

5. What does the medical term 'diaphoresis' mean?

• A. Profuse vomiting
• B. Profuse sweating
• C. Gasping for air
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Profuse sweating. Diaphoresis is a medical term that refers to excessive sweating. It is commonly seen in emergency situations such as heart attacks or diabetic episodes. Choice A, 'Profuse vomiting,' is incorrect as diaphoresis is not related to vomiting. Choice C, 'Gasping for air,' is also incorrect as it refers to difficulty breathing, not sweating. Choice D, 'None of the above,' is incorrect as diaphoresis specifically relates to sweating.

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