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. The acronym FAST is used to help responders remember the steps to recognizing which of the following conditions?

• A. Onset of labor in a pregnant woman
• B. Stroke
• C. Heart attack
• D. Migraine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Stroke. The acronym FAST is used to help recognize the signs of a stroke. The letters stand for Face, Arms, Speech, and Time. This mnemonic helps in identifying facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulties, and the importance of time in seeking emergency care. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the FAST acronym specifically pertains to stroke recognition, not the onset of labor, heart attacks, or migraines.

3. After change-of-shift report, which patient should the nurse assess first?

• A. 72-year-old with cor pulmonale who has 4+ bilateral edema in his legs and feet
• B. 28-year-old with a history of a lung transplant and a temperature of 101 F (38.3 C)
• C. 40-year-old with a pleural effusion who is complaining of severe stabbing chest pain
• D. 64-year-old with lung cancer and tracheal deviation after subclavian catheter insertion

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The patient with lung cancer and tracheal deviation after a subclavian catheter insertion should be assessed first. Tracheal deviation can indicate tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention to prevent inadequate cardiac output or hypoxemia. While the other patients also need assessment, the potential for tension pneumothorax in the patient with tracheal deviation necessitates urgent attention to prevent complications.

4. A resident brings several electronic devices to a nursing home. One of the devices has a two-pronged plug. What rationale should the nurse provide when explaining why an electrical device must have a three-pronged plug?

• A. Controls stray electrical currents.
• B. Promotes efficient use of electricity.
• C. Shuts off the appliance if there is an electrical surge.
• D. Divides the electricity among the appliances in the room.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A three-pronged plug functions as a ground to dissipate stray electrical currents. This helps prevent electrical shocks and ensures the safety of the user. Choice B is incorrect because the number of prongs on a plug does not impact the efficient use of electricity. Choice C is incorrect because a three-pronged plug does not shut off the appliance during an electrical surge; that role is typically fulfilled by surge protectors. Choice D is incorrect as a three-pronged plug does not divide electricity among appliances in a room; it primarily serves as a safety measure to handle excess electrical currents.

5. A nurse is preparing to change a client's dressing for a burn wound on his foot. Which of the following interventions is appropriate for this process?

• A. Wash the wound with cleanser, rinse, and pat dry
• B. Bind the wound tightly, secure with tape, and elevate the foot
• C. Contact the physician after the dressing change is complete
• D. Provide analgesics for the client after the procedure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When changing the dressing for a burn wound, it is essential to follow appropriate interventions to prevent infection, reduce pain, and support healing. In this scenario, after removing the old dressing, it is crucial to wash the wound gently with a suitable cleanser, rinse the area thoroughly, and then pat it dry. This process helps in maintaining cleanliness, reducing the risk of infection, and providing a conducive environment for healing. Binding the wound tightly (Choice B) can impede circulation and delay healing. Contacting the physician after the dressing change (Choice C) may be necessary in specific situations but is not a standard step in routine dressing changes. Providing analgesics after the procedure (Choice D) is important for pain management but is not directly related to the dressing change itself.

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