Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare professional notices that a colleague is preparing to check the blood pressure of a patient who is obese by using a standard-sized blood pressure cuff. How would this likely affect the blood pressure reading?

• A. Yield a falsely low blood pressure
• B. Yield a falsely high blood pressure
• C. Be the same, regardless of cuff size
• D. Vary as a result of the technique of the person performing the assessment

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Using a cuff that is too narrow for an obese patient would likely yield a falsely high blood pressure reading. This occurs because the standard cuff is too small for the arm's circumference, requiring more pressure to compress the artery. A tight cuff can lead to inaccurate and elevated blood pressure readings. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because using an improperly sized cuff would not yield a falsely low blood pressure, the blood pressure reading does vary with cuff size, and the technique of the person performing the assessment is not the primary factor affecting the reading in this situation.

2. What is the primary purpose of emergency planning?

• A. Comply with the laws of the state.
• B. Comply with the laws of the U.S.
• C. Comply with both state and U.S. laws
• D. Maintain safety

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The primary purpose of emergency planning is to ensure and maintain the safety of people and the preservation of objects, such as buildings and personal possessions during emergencies or disasters. While compliance with state and federal laws regarding emergency planning is important, the main goal is to prioritize life and safety. Choices A, B, and C focus on legal compliance, which is necessary but secondary to the fundamental objective of safeguarding lives and property in emergency situations.

3. A nurse caring for a client diagnosed with pertussis is ordered to maintain droplet precautions. Which of the following actions of the nurse upholds droplet precautions?

• A. Assign the client to stay in a negative-pressure room
• B. Use sterilized equipment when sharing between this client and another person with pertussis
• C. Wear a mask if coming within 3 feet of the client
• D. Both A and C

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When caring for a client requiring droplet precautions, it is essential for the nurse to wear a mask when within 3 feet of the client. This practice helps prevent the transmission of droplet particles that may be produced when the client coughs or sneezes. Assigning the client to a negative-pressure room is not typically necessary for droplet precautions unless specifically indicated for airborne precautions. Using sterilized equipment when sharing between clients with pertussis is important for infection control but does not directly relate to droplet precautions. Therefore, the correct action to uphold droplet precautions in this scenario is to wear a mask when coming within close proximity to the client.

4. The nurse is assessing an 8-year-old child whose growth rate measures below the third percentile for a child his age. He appears significantly younger than his stated age and is chubby with infantile facial features. Which condition does this child likely have?

• A. Acromegaly
• B. Marfan syndrome
• C. Hypopituitary dwarfism
• D. Achondroplastic dwarfism

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hypopituitary dwarfism is caused by a deficiency in growth hormone in childhood and results in a retardation of growth below the third percentile, delayed puberty, and other problems. The child's appearance fits this description. Achondroplastic dwarfism is a genetic disorder resulting in characteristic deformities; Marfan syndrome is an inherited connective tissue disorder characterized by a tall, thin stature and other features. Acromegaly is the result of excessive secretion of growth hormone in adulthood which causes overgrowth of bone in the face, head, hands, and feet.

5. During change-of-shift report, the nurse learns about the following four patients. Which patient requires assessment first?

• A. 40-year-old with chronic pancreatitis who has gnawing abdominal pain
• B. 58-year-old who has compensated cirrhosis and is complaining of anorexia
• C. 55-year-old with cirrhosis and ascites who has an oral temperature of 102�F (38.8�C)
• D. 36-year-old recovering from a laparoscopic cholecystectomy who has severe shoulder pain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When prioritizing patient assessments, the nurse should address the patient with cirrhosis and ascites who has an elevated oral temperature of 102�F (38.8�C) first. This presentation suggests a potential infection, which is critical to address promptly in a patient with liver disease. An infection in a patient with cirrhosis can quickly progress to severe complications. The other options, such as chronic pancreatitis with abdominal pain, compensated cirrhosis with anorexia, and post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy with shoulder pain, do not indicate an immediate life-threatening situation requiring urgent assessment compared to a possible infection in a patient with cirrhosis and ascites.

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