Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is planning care for a 3-month-old infant immediately postoperative following placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt for hydrocephalus. The healthcare provider needs to

• A. Assess for abdominal distention
• B. Maintain the infant in an upright position
• C. Begin feeding formula when the infant is alert
• D. Pump the shunt to assess for proper function

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Assessing for abdominal distention is crucial in this situation as it can indicate a complication with the shunt or fluid accumulation. Abdominal distention may suggest an issue with the shunt placement, such as obstruction or overdrainage, which requires immediate intervention. Maintaining the infant in an upright position (Choice B) is not the priority immediately postoperatively following a ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement. Beginning formula feedings when the infant is alert (Choice C) may be appropriate but is not the priority over assessing for abdominal distention. Pumping the shunt to assess for proper function (Choice D) is not a recommended nursing intervention postoperatively and should be done by a qualified healthcare provider.

2. An adult client is found to be unresponsive during morning rounds. After checking for responsiveness and calling for help, what should the nurse do next?

• A. Check the carotid pulse
• B. Deliver 5 abdominal thrusts
• C. Give 2 rescue breaths
• D. Open the client's airway

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After confirming unresponsiveness and calling for help, the next step in basic life support is to open the client's airway. This ensures that the airway is clear and allows for effective ventilation. Checking the carotid pulse is not necessary at this stage as airway management takes precedence. Delivering abdominal thrusts is not indicated for an unresponsive client as it is for conscious choking individuals. Giving rescue breaths should only be done after ensuring the airway is open to allow for effective ventilation.

3. An elderly resident of a long-term care facility is no longer able to perform self-care and is becoming progressively weaker. The resident previously requested that no resuscitative efforts be performed, and the family requests hospice care. What action should the LPN/LVN implement first?

• A. Reaffirm the client's desire for no resuscitative efforts.
• B. Transfer the client to a hospice inpatient facility.
• C. Prepare the family for the client's impending death.
• D. Notify the healthcare provider of the family's request.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The first action the LPN/LVN should implement is to notify the healthcare provider of the family's request. This is crucial to ensure that appropriate steps are taken to address the family's request for hospice care and to coordinate the necessary care for the resident. While reaffirming the client's desire for no resuscitative efforts is important, notifying the healthcare provider takes precedence in this situation. Transferring the client to a hospice inpatient facility and preparing the family for the client's impending death are significant actions but should be done after notifying the healthcare provider to ensure proper coordination of care.

4. A client has a prescription for 5 units of regular insulin and 10 units of NPH insulin to mix together and administer subcutaneously. Determine the correct order of steps for this procedure.

• A. Inject 5 units of air into the bottle of regular insulin
• B. Withdraw the correct dose of NPH insulin from the bottle
• C. Inject 10 units of air into the bottle of NPH insulin
• D. Withdraw the correct dose of regular insulin from the bottle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct order of steps for this procedure is to first inject air into the NPH insulin bottle to prevent vacuum formation. After injecting air into the NPH insulin, the next step is to withdraw the correct dose of regular insulin from its bottle. This sequence ensures that the regular insulin is drawn after the NPH insulin, preventing contamination and ensuring accurate dosing. Therefore, choice B is correct. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because air should be injected into the NPH insulin first, not the regular insulin, and the doses should be withdrawn in the appropriate order to maintain the integrity and potency of each insulin type.

5. A client with Guillain-Barre syndrome is in a non-responsive state, yet vital signs are stable and breathing is independent. What should the nurse document to most accurately describe the client's condition?

• A. Comatose, breathing unlabored
• B. Glasgow Coma Scale 8, respirations regular
• C. Appears to be sleeping, vital signs stable
• D. Glasgow Coma Scale 13, no ventilator required

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Glasgow Coma Scale 8, respirations regular.' A Glasgow Coma Scale of 8 with regular respirations accurately describes a non-responsive state with independent breathing. Choice A is incorrect because 'comatose' implies a deep state of unconsciousness, which may not be accurate in this case. Choice C is incorrect as stating the client 'appears to be sleeping' may not accurately reflect the severity of the situation. Choice D is incorrect because a Glasgow Coma Scale of 13 would not typically correspond to a non-responsive state.

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