Nursing Elites

1. The patient experienced a surgical procedure, and Betadine was utilized as the surgical prep. Two days postoperatively, the nurse's assessment indicates that the incision is red and has a small amount of purulent drainage. The patient reports tenderness at the incision site. The patient's temperature is 100.5°F, and the WBC is 10,500/mm³. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Reevaluate the temperature and white blood cell count in 4 hours.
• B. Check which solution was used for skin preparation in surgery.
• C. Plan to change the surgical dressing during the shift.
• D. Utilize SBAR to notify the primary health care provider.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The patient is showing signs of a possible surgical site infection, including redness, purulent drainage, tenderness, elevated temperature, and increased white blood cell count. These symptoms suggest the need for immediate action to address a potential complication. Utilizing SBAR to notify the primary health care provider is crucial as it allows for effective communication of the patient's condition and the need for further assessment and intervention. Reevaluating the temperature and white blood cell count later, checking the solution used for skin preparation, or planning to change the dressing do not address the urgent need for intervention and communication with the healthcare provider.

2. When the nurse discovers a patient on the floor, and the patient states, 'I fell out of bed,' the nurse assesses the patient and then places the patient back in bed. What action should the nurse take next?

• A. Re-assess the patient.
• B. Complete an incident report.
• C. Notify the healthcare provider.
• D. Do nothing, as no harm has occurred.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: After a patient has fallen, it is crucial to notify the healthcare provider. The provider needs to be informed so that further assessment, evaluation, or intervention can be carried out to ensure the patient's safety and well-being. Re-assessing the patient (Choice A) is important but notifying the healthcare provider takes precedence. Completing an incident report (Choice B) is necessary but should follow notifying the healthcare provider. Doing nothing (Choice D) is not appropriate as patient safety and potential underlying issues need to be addressed promptly.

3. A nurse sees a healthcare provider administer an incorrect medication dose but does not report the error. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Ignore the situation and continue with patient care.
• B. Report the error to the nurse manager immediately.
• C. Speak to the healthcare provider directly about the error.
• D. File an anonymous report to avoid conflict.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a nurse witnesses a healthcare provider administering an incorrect medication dose, the first step should be to report the error to the nurse manager immediately. Reporting medication errors is crucial for patient safety as it allows prompt intervention to prevent harm. Choice A is incorrect as ignoring the situation can jeopardize patient safety. Choice C, while addressing the error directly, may not ensure proper documentation and follow-up. Choice D, filing an anonymous report, is not as effective as directly informing the nurse manager who can take appropriate action and follow-up on the incident.

4. A client with neuropathic pain has a new prescription for amitriptyline once per day. What should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Take the medication with meals
• B. Increase fluids while on this medication
• C. Take it only at night
• D. Report any yellowing of the skin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Increase fluids while on this medication.' Amitriptyline can cause side effects like dry mouth and urinary retention. Increasing fluids can help alleviate these side effects. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Taking the medication with meals or only at night is not specifically related to managing the side effects of amitriptyline. Reporting yellowing of the skin is important but not directly related to the side effects of this medication.

5. Which of the following is a recommended approach for handling aggressive behavior in a mental health setting?

• A. Encourage the client to express their feelings through physical activity
• B. Avoid making eye contact to prevent escalation
• C. Use pharmacological interventions immediately
• D. Maintain eye contact, offer clear choices, and set boundaries

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The recommended approach for handling aggressive behavior in a mental health setting is to maintain eye contact, offer clear choices, and set boundaries. This approach can help de-escalate the situation by establishing communication and structure. Choice A is incorrect as encouraging physical activity may not be suitable during an aggressive episode. Choice B is incorrect because avoiding eye contact can hinder communication and resolution. Choice C is also incorrect as pharmacological interventions should not be the immediate go-to method for managing aggression unless absolutely necessary.

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