Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary route of transmission of MRSA?

• A. Shared needles
• B. Hands of healthcare workers
• C. Items in the healthcare environment
• D. Blood transfusions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Hands of healthcare workers.' MRSA is primarily transmitted via the unwashed hands of healthcare workers who can carry the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium from one patient to another. Shared needles, items in the healthcare environment, and blood transfusions are not the main routes of transmission for MRSA. Shared needles can transmit bloodborne pathogens, items in the healthcare environment can harbor bacteria but are not the primary mode for MRSA, and blood transfusions are not a common route for MRSA transmission.

2. The healthcare professional is preparing to measure the length, weight, chest, and head circumference of a 6-month-old infant. Which measurement technique is correct?

• A. Measuring the infant's length using a tape measure
• B. Weighing the infant on an electronic standing scale
• C. Measuring the chest circumference at the nipple line with a tape measure
• D. Measuring the head circumference by wrapping the tape measure around the head

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For accurate measurements, specific techniques are required for different parameters in infants. Measuring the chest circumference involves encircling the chest at the nipple line. Length should be measured on a horizontal measuring board. Weight should be measured using a platform-type balance scale. Head circumference measurement entails ensuring the tape is aligned at the eyebrows and prominent frontal and occipital bones for the widest span. Therefore, the correct technique for measuring the chest circumference is at the nipple line with a tape measure. The other options are incorrect because length should be measured on a horizontal board, weight should be measured on a balance scale, and head circumference should be measured around the head, not over the nose and cheekbones.

3. Which of the following descriptions best describes the function of the thyroid gland?

• A. The thyroid gland converts glucose into glycogen
• B. The thyroid gland secretes cortisol during times of stress
• C. The thyroid gland regulates body metabolism
• D. The thyroid gland affects skin pigmentation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The thyroid gland is responsible for secreting thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which work to regulate the metabolism of the body's cells. The primary function of the thyroid gland is to control the body's metabolic rate, affecting processes such as heart rate, temperature regulation, and energy levels. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the thyroid gland is not involved in converting glucose into glycogen, secreting cortisol, or affecting skin pigmentation. Instead, the primary role of the thyroid gland is to regulate the metabolism and energy balance in the body.

4. Why should a palpated pressure be performed before auscultating blood pressure?

• A. To more clearly hear the Korotkoff sounds.
• B. To detect the presence of an auscultatory gap.
• C. To avoid missing a falsely elevated blood pressure.
• D. To more readily identify phase IV of the Korotkoff sounds.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Performing a palpated pressure before auscultating blood pressure helps in detecting the presence of an auscultatory gap. An auscultatory gap is a period during blood pressure measurement when Korotkoff sounds temporarily disappear before reappearing. Inflation of the cuff 20 to 30 mm Hg beyond the point where a palpated pulse disappears helps in identifying this gap. This technique ensures accurate blood pressure measurement by preventing the underestimation of blood pressure values. The other options are incorrect because palpating the pressure is not primarily done to hear Korotkoff sounds more clearly, avoid missing falsely elevated blood pressure, or readily identify a specific phase of Korotkoff sounds.

5. You are preparing to admit a patient with a seizure disorder. Which of the following actions can you delegate to an LPN/LVN?

• A. Complete admission assessment.
• B. Set up oxygen and suction equipment.
• C. Place a padded tongue blade at the bedside.
• D. Pad the side rails before the patient arrives.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to delegate the task of setting up oxygen and suction equipment to the LPN/LVN. This task falls within their scope of practice and can be safely performed by them. Completing the admission assessment (Choice A) typically requires a higher level of assessment and critical thinking, making it more appropriate for a registered nurse. Placing a padded tongue blade at the bedside (Choice C) involves potential airway management, which is a more complex task and should be done by a higher-level provider. Padding the side rails before the patient arrives (Choice D) is a task related to patient safety and should be done by the healthcare team as a whole, not solely delegated to an LPN/LVN.

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