Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is performing triage on a group of clients in the emergency department. Which of the following clients should the nurse see first?

• A. A 12-year-old oozing blood from a laceration on the left thumb due to a cut from a rusty metal can
• B. A 19-year-old with a fever of 103.8°F who is able to identify her sister but not the place and time
• C. A 49-year-old with a compound fracture of the right leg who is complaining of severe pain
• D. A 65-year-old with a flushed face, dry mucous membranes, and a blood sugar of 470 mg/dL

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. A 19-year-old with a fever of 103.8°F who is confused and unable to orient to place and time likely has a severe infection or a serious medical condition affecting the central nervous system. This client needs immediate attention as altered mental status combined with a high fever can indicate a life-threatening situation. Choices A, C, and D present important conditions that require medical care, but they are not as urgent as the 19-year-old with a high fever and confusion. The 12-year-old with a laceration may require treatment for bleeding and a tetanus shot, the 49-year-old with a compound fracture needs urgent orthopedic intervention, and the 65-year-old with a high blood sugar is concerning for hyperglycemia but can wait momentarily compared to the client with a fever and altered mental status.

2. A client is being cared for by a nurse with dehydration. What is the priority intervention?

• A. Administer antiemetics to reduce nausea
• B. Encourage the client to drink oral rehydration solutions
• C. Monitor the client's fluid and electrolyte levels
• D. Administer intravenous fluids

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the client's fluid and electrolyte levels. When caring for a client with dehydration, it is crucial to assess and monitor their fluid and electrolyte status to guide appropriate interventions. Administering antiemetics may help with nausea but does not address the underlying issue of dehydration. Encouraging the client to drink oral rehydration solutions is beneficial but may not be the immediate priority if the client is severely dehydrated. Administering intravenous fluids may be necessary based on the assessment of fluid and electrolyte levels, making monitoring these levels the priority intervention.

3. A client has an NG tube that needs irrigation every 8 hours. Which solution should be used to irrigate the tube to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance?

• A. Tap water
• B. Sterile water
• C. 0.9% sodium chloride
• D. 0.45% sodium chloride

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 0.9% sodium chloride. This solution is isotonic and helps maintain electrolyte balance during irrigation, preventing fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Tap water (choice A) may cause electrolyte imbalances due to its hypotonic nature. Sterile water (choice B) is hypotonic and can lead to electrolyte disturbances. 0.45% sodium chloride (choice D) is hypotonic and may also disrupt electrolyte balance when used for irrigation.

4. What are the nursing responsibilities when administering intravenous (IV) antibiotics?

• A. Verify the antibiotic dosage and check for allergies
• B. Administer the medication without verification
• C. Do not check for allergies or dosage
• D. Ensure the patient is allergic to antibiotics

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When administering IV antibiotics, it is essential for the nurse to verify the antibiotic dosage and check for any allergies the patient may have. This is crucial to ensure that the correct medication is being given at the proper dose and to prevent potential adverse reactions. Choice B is incorrect because administering medication without verification can lead to errors. Choice C is incorrect as it goes against safe medication administration practices. Choice D is incorrect as the focus should be on checking if the patient has allergies to antibiotics, not ensuring the patient is allergic to them.

5. What is the priority intervention when managing a client with delirium?

• A. Administer antipsychotic medication to calm the client
• B. Identify any reversible causes of delirium
• C. Provide a low-stimulation environment
• D. Administer sedative medication to control agitation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to identify any reversible causes of delirium. Delirium is often caused by underlying issues such as infections, medication side effects, or metabolic imbalances. Addressing these root causes can help resolve delirium more effectively. Administering antipsychotic or sedative medications should not be the initial approach as they can worsen delirium in some cases. Providing a low-stimulation environment is beneficial but not the priority when reversible causes need to be addressed first.

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