Nursing Elites

1. In what order should the nurse perform the steps of a surgical hand scrub prior to entering the operating room?

• A. Rinse from the fingertips to the elbow
• B. Scrape under the nails with a nail pick
• C. Use a soapy brush to scrub the hands
• D. Cleanse the arm with a lathered brush

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct order for performing a surgical hand scrub is to first scrape under the nails with a nail pick, then scrub the hands using a soapy brush, cleanse the arms, and finally rinse. This sequence ensures thorough cleaning and minimizes the risk of contamination. Choice A is incorrect because rinsing should be the final step, not the first. Choice C is incorrect as scrubbing the hands comes after scraping under the nails. Choice D is incorrect as cleansing the arms should follow hand scrubbing, not precede it.

2. Which client’s vital signs indicate increased intracranial pressure (ICP) that the nurse should report to the healthcare provider?

• A. P 70, BP 120/60 mmHg; P 100, BP 90/60 mmHg; rapid respirations.
• B. P 55, BP 160/70 mmHg; P 50, BP 194/70 mmHg; irregular respirations.
• C. P 130, BP 190/90 mmHg; P 136, BP 200/100 mmHg; Kussmaul respirations.
• D. P 110, BP 130/70 mmHg; P 100, BP 110/70 mmHg; shallow respirations.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C is the correct answer. The vital signs presented (P 130, BP 190/90 mmHg; P 136, BP 200/100 mmHg; Kussmaul respirations) indicate increased intracranial pressure (ICP), which can be a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention. Kussmaul respirations are deep and labored breathing patterns associated with metabolic acidosis and can be a late sign of increased ICP. Choices A, B, and D do not demonstrate vital sign patterns consistent with increased ICP. Choice A shows variations in blood pressure and pulse rate but does not provide a clear indication of increased ICP. Choice B displays fluctuations in blood pressure and pulse rate with irregular respirations, but these vital signs do not specifically suggest increased ICP. Choice D presents relatively stable vital signs with shallow respirations, which do not align with the typical vital signs seen in increased ICP.

3. Prior to surgery, written consent must be obtained. What is the nurse’s legal responsibility with regard to obtaining written consent?

• A. Validate the client's understanding of the surgical procedure to be conducted
• B. Explain the surgical procedure to the client and ensure the client comprehends before signing the consent form
• C. Ensure the client, not a family member, signs the surgical consent form
• D. Confirm that the surgical consent form is signed and included in the client's record

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse's legal responsibility in obtaining written consent is to validate the client's understanding of the surgical procedure to be conducted. This process ensures that the client has been comprehensively informed about the procedure, including its risks, benefits, and alternatives. Choice B is incorrect because it does not emphasize the validation of client understanding, which is crucial for informed consent. Choice C is incorrect as the client, not a family member, should provide consent unless specific circumstances dictate otherwise. Choice D is incorrect because although ensuring the consent form is signed and filed is important, it does not address the primary responsibility of confirming the client's comprehension and ensuring informed consent.

4. A male client with hypertension, who received new antihypertensive prescriptions at his last visit, returns to the clinic two weeks later to evaluate his blood pressure (BP). His BP is 158/106, and he admits that he has not been taking the prescribed medication because the drugs make him 'feel bad.' In explaining the need for hypertension control, the nurse should stress that an elevated BP places the client at risk for which pathophysiological condition?

• A. Feed the client a snack
• B. Empty the urinary drainage bag
• C. Offer the client oral fluids
• D. Stroke secondary to hemorrhage

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Elevated blood pressure, if left uncontrolled, significantly increases the risk of stroke secondary to hemorrhage and other cardiovascular events. This condition can lead to serious complications due to the increased pressure on the blood vessels in the brain. Choices A, B, and C are unrelated to the potential pathophysiological consequences of uncontrolled hypertension and are not the primary concern in this scenario.

5. A college student brings a dorm roommate to the campus clinic because the roommate has been talking to someone who is not present. The client tells the nurse that her voices are saying, “Kill, Kill.” What question should the nurse ask the client next?

• A. When did these voices begin?
• B. Are you planning to obey the voices?
• C. Have you taken any hallucinogens?
• D. Do you believe the voices are real?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Assessing whether the client has a plan to act on the voices is critical for evaluating the risk of harm. Asking if the client is planning to obey the voices helps determine the immediate safety concerns. While understanding when the voices began could provide insight into the situation, assessing the intent to act on them is more urgent. Asking about hallucinogen use may be relevant but does not address the immediate safety issue. Inquiring about the client's belief in the reality of the voices is important but does not address the immediate risk of harm.

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