Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for surgery in the morning. The client reports drinking a glass of water at midnight. What should the nurse do?

• A. Notify the anesthesiologist
• B. Document the intake in the medical record
• C. Cancel the surgery
• D. Instruct the client to fast until the surgery

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to notify the anesthesiologist. When a client reports drinking water close to the time of surgery, it is important to inform the anesthesiologist as it can impact the administration of anesthesia. The anesthesiologist needs this information to make decisions regarding anesthesia administration. Documenting the intake in the medical record is important for documentation purposes, but the immediate action needed is to inform the anesthesiologist. Canceling the surgery is not necessary based solely on the intake of water; the anesthesiologist will determine the appropriate course of action. Instructing the client to fast until the surgery may not be appropriate without consulting the anesthesiologist first, as the situation needs to be assessed by the anesthesia team.

2. Based on the Nursing diagnosis of 'Potential for infection related to second and third degree burns,' which intervention has the highest priority?

• A. Application of topical antibacterial cream
• B. Use of careful hand washing technique
• C. Administration of plasma expanders
• D. Limiting visitors to the burned client

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The highest priority intervention in this scenario is B, the use of careful hand washing technique. Proper hand hygiene is essential in preventing infection, especially in individuals with compromised skin integrity like those with burns. By practicing careful hand washing, healthcare providers reduce the risk of introducing harmful pathogens to the burn wound, thus lowering the chances of infections. Choice A, application of topical antibacterial cream, is important but should follow ensuring proper hand hygiene. Choice C, administration of plasma expanders, is not directly associated with preventing burn-related infections. Choice D, limiting visitors, is significant for infection control, but ensuring proper hand hygiene outweighs this intervention in terms of priority.

3. The nurse notes that a postoperative client's wound site is red and slightly swollen. What is the most appropriate action?

• A. Apply an ice pack
• B. Document the findings and monitor
• C. Notify the surgeon
• D. Clean the wound with sterile saline

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to notify the surgeon. Redness and swelling at a wound site can indicate an infection, which may require medical intervention. Applying an ice pack (choice A) is not appropriate without further assessment. While documenting the findings and monitoring (choice B) is important, it should be accompanied by notifying the surgeon for further evaluation. Cleaning the wound with sterile saline (choice D) may not be sufficient if an infection is present, so immediate communication with the surgeon is crucial.

4. The nurse is caring for a client with cirrhosis of the liver. Which clinical finding is most concerning?

• A. Jaundice.
• B. Ascites.
• C. Spider angiomas.
• D. Asterixis.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Asterixis. Asterixis, also known as liver flap, is a sign of hepatic encephalopathy, a severe complication of liver disease that necessitates immediate attention. While jaundice (choice A), ascites (choice B), and spider angiomas (choice C) are common clinical findings in cirrhosis, asterixis is the most concerning due to its association with hepatic encephalopathy, which can lead to altered mental status and even coma. Jaundice, ascites, and spider angiomas are also important signs in cirrhosis, but asterixis indicates a more critical condition requiring urgent intervention.

5. The nurse is caring for a client with an intravenous infusion of normal saline. The client reports pain and swelling at the IV site. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Slow the rate of infusion
• B. Apply a warm compress to the site
• C. Discontinue the IV infusion
• D. Elevate the affected arm

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to discontinue the IV infusion (Choice C). Pain and swelling at the IV site can indicate infiltration or phlebitis, which are serious complications that require immediate action. Slowing the rate of infusion (Choice A) may not address the underlying issue and can potentially worsen the condition. Applying a warm compress (Choice B) may provide temporary relief but does not address the need to discontinue the infusion. Elevating the affected arm (Choice D) is not the priority in this situation; discontinuing the infusion takes precedence to prevent further harm.

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