Nursing Elites

1. When providing oral care to an unconscious patient, what action should the nurse take to protect the patient from injury?

• A. Moisten the mouth using lemon-glycerin sponges.
• B. Hold the patient's mouth open with gloved fingers.
• C. Use foam swabs to help remove plaque.
• D. Suction the oral cavity.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When caring for an unconscious patient, it is crucial to prevent choking and aspiration. Suctioning the oral cavity helps in removing secretions and preventing potential harm. Moisten the mouth using lemon-glycerin sponges may not effectively clear secretions. Holding the patient's mouth open with gloved fingers can cause discomfort and potential harm. Using foam swabs to remove plaque may not address the immediate risk of aspiration.

2. When explaining the procedure for collecting a 24-hour urine specimen for creatinine clearance to an older adult male, what should the nurse do next?

• A. Assess the client for confusion and reteach the procedure
• B. Check the urine for color and texture
• C. Empty the urinal contents into the 24-hour collection container
• D. Discard the contents of the urinal

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct next step for the nurse is to assess the client for confusion and reteach the procedure. This is crucial to ensure that the older adult male understands the process correctly, reducing the likelihood of errors in collecting the 24-hour urine specimen for creatinine clearance. Checking the urine for color and texture (Choice B) is not the immediate next step as the focus should be on patient understanding first. Emptying the urinal contents into the 24-hour collection container (Choice C) assumes prior knowledge on the client's part and skips the critical step of ensuring comprehension. Discarding the contents of the urinal (Choice D) is incorrect and wasteful since the urine is necessary for the 24-hour collection process.

3. A nurse is caring for a group of clients. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent the spread of infection?

• A. Carry a client's soiled linens out of the room in a mesh linen bag
• B. Place a client who has tuberculosis in a room with negative-pressure airflow
• C. Provide disposable plates and utensils for a client who is HIV-positive
• D. Dispose of a client's blood-saturated dressing in a biohazard bag

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A client who has tuberculosis requires airborne precautions, including placing the client in a room with negative-pressure airflow to reduce the risk of infection transmission. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Carrying soiled linens in a mesh bag, providing disposable plates and utensils for an HIV-positive client, and disposing of blood-saturated dressing in a biohazard bag do not specifically address preventing the spread of tuberculosis, which requires airborne precautions.

4. A client with heart failure is being taught by a nurse on reducing daily sodium intake. Which factor is most crucial in determining the client’s ability to learn new dietary habits?

• A. The client's involvement in planning the change
• B. The cost of the dietary changes
• C. The availability of low-sodium foods
• D. The client’s previous dietary knowledge

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The client’s previous dietary knowledge is the most critical factor in determining the ability to learn new dietary habits. Understanding the client's existing dietary knowledge helps tailor the teaching to build upon what they already know. While client involvement in planning changes can increase adherence and motivation, the foundational knowledge is essential for effective learning. The cost of dietary changes and the availability of low-sodium foods are important considerations but not as crucial as the client's existing knowledge.

5. A client is receiving morphine via PCA infusion device after abdominal surgery. Which of the following statements indicates that the client knows how to use the device?

• A. I'll wait to use the device until it's absolutely necessary.
• B. I'll be careful about pushing the button too much to avoid an overdose.
• C. I should tell the nurse if the pain doesn't stop while I am using this device.
• D. I will ask my adult child to push the dose button when I am sleeping.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C is the correct answer because it demonstrates that the client understands the importance of communicating with the nurse if the pain persists while using the PCA device. This is crucial as it ensures proper pain management and monitoring. Choices A and B are incorrect because delaying the use of the device until necessary or being cautious about pushing the button too much do not necessarily reflect understanding of using the PCA device effectively. Choice D is incorrect as having someone else, like an adult child, push the dose button goes against the principle of the client self-administering the medication through the PCA device.

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