Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a group of clients with the help of a practical nurse (PN). Which nursing actions should the nurse assign to the PN? (Select all that apply)

• A. Administer a dose of insulin per sliding scale for a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM)
• B. Obtain postoperative vital signs for a client one day following unilateral knee arthroplasty
• C. Perform daily surgical dressing change for a client who had an abdominal hysterectomy
• D. Initiate patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pumps for two clients immediately postoperative

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Obtaining postoperative vital signs for a client one day following unilateral knee arthroplasty is a task within the scope of practice for a practical nurse (PN) and contributes to the client's recovery. Administering insulin (Choice A) involves medication administration, which typically requires a higher level of nursing education. Performing daily surgical dressing changes (Choice C) after an abdominal hysterectomy involves wound care management that is usually beyond the scope of practice for a PN. Initiating patient-controlled analgesia pumps (Choice D) is a complex nursing intervention that requires specialized training and knowledge, exceeding the typical responsibilities of a PN.

2. Where should the nurse choose as the best location to begin a screening program for hypothyroidism?

• A. A business and professional women's group.
• B. An African-American senior citizens center.
• C. A daycare center in a Hispanic neighborhood.
• D. An after-school center for Native-American teens.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best location for beginning a screening program for hypothyroidism would be an African-American senior citizens center. This choice is the most suitable as hypothyroidism is more prevalent among older adults, and African-American seniors are at a higher risk for this condition due to various factors like genetics and lifestyle. Choices A, C, and D are less appropriate because hypothyroidism is not specifically linked to business and professional women, Hispanic children, or Native-American teens. Targeting the high-risk group, which in this case, are African-American seniors, increases the chances of successful screening and early detection.

3. What should be the school nurse's first action after being notified that Child A has bitten Child B on the arm, resulting in broken skin but no bleeding?

• A. Apply antibiotic cream to Child B’s arm immediately
• B. Determine if Child A has a history of Hepatitis C or HIV
• C. Determine the date of Child B’s latest tetanus booster
• D. Wash Child B’s arm thoroughly with soap and water

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct first action for the school nurse to take in this situation is to wash Child B’s arm thoroughly with soap and water. Washing the wound immediately is crucial to reduce the risk of infection from the bite. Applying antibiotic cream may come after cleaning the wound. Determining Child A's medical history or checking Child B's tetanus status is important but not the immediate priority when dealing with a bite wound.

4. What is the best response when a two-year-old boy begins to cry when his mother starts to leave?

• A. Say, 'Let's wave bye-bye to Mommy.'
• B. Say, 'Let me read this book to you.'
• C. Say, 'Two-year-olds usually stop crying the minute the parent leaves.'
• D. Say, 'Now, now, be a big boy, Mommy will be back soon.'

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best response in this situation is to offer a distraction to the child. Reading a book can help soothe the child during separation from the parent by redirecting their attention. Choice A might not be as effective as providing a distraction like reading a book. Choice C dismisses the child's feelings and generalizes behavior, which is not helpful. Choice D diminishes the child's emotions and does not provide a constructive way to help the child cope with the separation anxiety.

5. A client has a blood glucose level of 70 mg/dl and reports feeling shaky and weak. What is the best initial action by the nurse?

• A. Obtain a fingerstick glucose reading
• B. Administer 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate
• C. Perform a quick assessment of the client’s neuro status
• D. Provide a glass of milk and monitor the client’s symptoms

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate is the best initial action to address hypoglycemia symptoms promptly by raising blood glucose levels. This intervention is crucial to prevent further deterioration in the client's condition. Obtaining a fingerstick glucose reading is important but may delay treatment. Performing a quick assessment of the client's neuro status is secondary to addressing the immediate low blood glucose levels. Providing a glass of milk is not the recommended first-line treatment for hypoglycemia; fast-acting carbohydrates are preferred to rapidly increase blood sugar levels.

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