Nursing Elites

1. In the Emergency Department (ED), which client should the nurse see first?

• A. COPD client with a non-productive cough
• B. Diabetic client who has an infected sore on the foot
• C. Client with adrenal insufficiency who feels weak
• D. Client with a fracture of the forearm in an air splint

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the Emergency Department, the priority is to assess and manage clients based on the urgency of their conditions. A client with adrenal insufficiency presenting with weakness should be seen first as this could indicate a state of shock, which requires immediate attention to stabilize the client's condition. Weakness in adrenal insufficiency can progress rapidly to a life-threatening adrenal crisis. Choice A, a COPD client with a non-productive cough, may need treatment but is not immediately life-threatening. Choice B, a diabetic client with an infected sore on the foot, requires timely care to prevent complications but can generally wait for evaluation compared to the potential urgency of adrenal insufficiency. Choice D, a client with a fracture of the forearm in an air splint, is important but not as time-sensitive as a client potentially in shock.

2. The client is undergoing progressive ambulation on the third day after a myocardial infarction. Which clinical manifestation would indicate that the client should not be advanced to the next level?

• A. Facial flushing
• B. A complaint of chest heaviness
• C. Heart rate increase of 10 beats/min
• D. Systolic blood pressure increase of 10 mm Hg

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is a complaint of chest heaviness. Onset of chest pain indicates myocardial ischemia, which can be life-threatening. Chest pain in a client post-myocardial infarction should be promptly evaluated, and the activity level should not be advanced. Choices A, C, and D are not the best options because facial flushing, a heart rate increase of 10 beats/min, and a systolic blood pressure increase of 10 mm Hg are not typical indicators of myocardial ischemia or necessarily contraindications for advancing activity levels in this context.

3. Which behavior by a new nurse would indicate to the charge nurse that this nurse is following standard precautions?

• A. Wearing clean gloves while performing a heel stick on an infant
• B. Wearing the same gloves for assessments of clients in the same room
• C. Wearing sterile gloves when changing the urine bag and nasogastric canister of an infected client
• D. Donning a gown when responding to a request by the family to check the IV pump on a client with rotavirus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is wearing clean gloves while performing a heel stick on an infant. Standard precautions require the use of gloves when there is a risk of exposure to blood or body fluids. Clean gloves are suitable for this task as they provide adequate protection without being sterile. Choice B is incorrect because wearing the same gloves for different clients can lead to cross-contamination, violating standard precautions. Choice C is incorrect as sterile gloves are usually not required for changing a urine bag and nasogastric canister unless a specific aseptic technique is indicated; standard precautions do not demand sterile gloves for such tasks. Choice D is incorrect as donning a gown is not necessary for checking an IV pump unless there is a risk of exposure to bodily fluids that would necessitate full-body protection, which is not indicated in this scenario.

4. A healthcare professional is reviewing a patient's medical record. The record indicates the patient has limited shoulder flexion on the left. Which plane of movement is limited?

• A. Horizontal
• B. Sagittal
• C. Frontal
• D. Vertical

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Sagittal.' The sagittal plane divides the body into left and right halves, and movements in this plane involve flexion and extension. In this case, limited shoulder flexion on the left indicates a restriction in the forward and backward movement of the arm, which occurs in the sagittal plane. Choice A, 'Horizontal,' is incorrect as it refers to movements parallel to the ground. Choice C, 'Frontal,' is incorrect as it involves side-to-side movements. Choice D, 'Vertical,' is incorrect as it typically refers to up and down movements.

5. The nurse is caring for a burn victim with a skin graft to the hand. The area is pale and mottled but has good capillary refill. What is the nurse's best action at this time?

• A. Warm the room
• B. Submerge the hand in warm water
• C. Order a K pad and apply to hand
• D. Have the client exercise the fingers to increase blood flow

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when caring for a burn victim with a skin graft to the hand, exhibiting pale and mottled skin but good capillary refill, is to warm the room. By warming the room, the nurse helps promote circulation and maintain a conducive environment for healing. Submerging the hand in warm water can pose a risk of injury or infection to the graft site. Ordering a K pad and applying it to the hand may not be necessary at this time and could potentially cause harm. Having the client exercise the fingers to increase blood flow is also not recommended as it may interfere with the healing process of the skin graft.

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