Nursing Elites

1. The nurse observes a client with new-onset tachycardia. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Check for the client's temperature
• B. Administer prescribed beta-blockers
• C. Assess for any chest pain or discomfort
• D. Monitor the client's blood pressure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a client presents with new-onset tachycardia, the first action the nurse should take is to assess for any associated symptoms like chest pain or discomfort. This is important to differentiate the potential causes of tachycardia and guide appropriate interventions. Checking the client's temperature (Choice A) may be relevant in certain situations but is not the priority when tachycardia is observed. Administering prescribed beta-blockers (Choice B) should only be done after a comprehensive assessment and healthcare provider's orders. Monitoring the client's blood pressure (Choice D) is important, but assessing for chest pain or discomfort takes precedence in this scenario to rule out cardiac causes of tachycardia.

2. A client with a history of seizures is being discharged home. Which instruction is most important for the nurse to provide?

• A. Take your medication as prescribed.
• B. Avoid driving until your condition is stable.
• C. Keep a seizure diary.
• D. Avoid alcohol consumption.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most important instruction for a client with a history of seizures being discharged home is to take their medication as prescribed. Consistent and timely intake of anti-seizure medication is vital in managing seizures and preventing episodes. While instructions like avoiding driving until the condition is stable, keeping a seizure diary, and avoiding alcohol consumption are important, none are as critical as ensuring proper medication adherence to control seizures effectively. Failure to take prescribed medications can lead to breakthrough seizures, compromising the patient's safety and seizure control.

3. During the shift change report at an acute care hospital, the charge nurse assigns the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to care for a client. Which task is within the LPN's scope?

• A. Administering IV medication
• B. Conducting initial client assessments
• C. Providing wound care for a stage III pressure ulcer
• D. Teaching a diabetic client about insulin administration

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. LPNs are trained to provide basic nursing care such as wound care. Providing wound care for a stage III pressure ulcer falls within the LPN's scope of practice. Administering IV medication (choice A) requires a higher level of skill and is usually the responsibility of registered nurses. Conducting initial client assessments (choice B) demands more advanced training and is typically performed by registered nurses. Teaching a diabetic client about insulin administration (choice D) involves patient education and is usually within the scope of registered nurses or other healthcare professionals with specific training in diabetic care.

4. The nurse is planning to ambulate a client who has been on bed rest for 24 hours following a Colon Resection. To ambulate this client safely, which intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Place non-skid shoes on the client
• B. Show the client how to use the call light
• C. Use a gait belt to support the client
• D. Assist the client to a bedside sitting position

Correct answer: D

Rationale: To ambulate a client safely after a period of bed rest, the nurse should first assist the client to a bedside sitting position. This initial step ensures the client is stable before attempting to stand and walk, reducing the risk of falls and allowing for a gradual adjustment to activity post-bed rest. Placing non-skid shoes, showing how to use the call light, or using a gait belt are important but should come after ensuring the client is safely seated and stable.

5. In a community health setting, which individual is at highest risk for contracting an HIV infection?

• A. 17-year-old who is sexually active with numerous partners
• B. 34-year-old homosexual in a monogamous relationship
• C. 30-year-old cocaine user who inhales and smokes drugs
• D. 45-year-old who has received two blood transfusions in the past 6 months

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Substance abuse, particularly using shared inhalation equipment like needles and pipes for drug inhalation, significantly increases the risk of contracting HIV. Choice A, the 17-year-old with multiple sexual partners, poses a risk of HIV transmission through sexual contact, but it is lower compared to the direct risk associated with sharing drug paraphernalia. Choice B, the 34-year-old homosexual in a monogamous relationship, is at lower risk since being in a monogamous relationship reduces exposure to HIV. Choice D, the 45-year-old who received blood transfusions, is also at lower risk as blood transfusions are now screened for HIV, decreasing the likelihood of transmission through this route.

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