Nursing Elites

1. Which client assessment falls within the scope of practice for the practical nurse?

• A. An agitated client with bilateral wrist restraints
• B. New admission of a client with deep vein thrombosis
• C. Return of a post-anesthesia client following a colon resection
• D. Transfer of a client with sepsis from a long-term care facility

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because assessing a new deep vein thrombosis (DVT) patient is within the scope of practical nursing. It involves monitoring and supporting the circulatory system health, which is a common responsibility for practical nurses. Choices A, C, and D involve scenarios that are typically beyond the initial assessment and care provided by practical nurses. An agitated client with bilateral wrist restraints may require immediate intervention by higher-level healthcare providers due to safety concerns and potential underlying issues. The return of a post-anesthesia client following a colon resection and the transfer of a client with sepsis involve more specialized care that goes beyond the typical responsibilities of a practical nurse, often requiring interventions from registered nurses or physicians.

2. When caring for a client with a urinary catheter, what is the most important intervention to prevent infection?

• A. Use sterile technique for catheter care
• B. Ensure the catheter bag is below the level of the bladder
• C. Provide perineal care daily
• D. Change the catheter only when necessary

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important intervention to prevent infection when caring for a client with a urinary catheter is to ensure that the catheter bag is below the level of the bladder. This positioning helps prevent urine backflow, reducing the risk of infection. While using sterile technique for catheter care (Choice A) is important, ensuring proper drainage by keeping the catheter bag below the bladder is crucial to prevent infection. Providing perineal care daily (Choice C) is essential for hygiene but not directly related to preventing catheter-related infections. Changing the catheter only when necessary (Choice D) is important for maintenance, but correct positioning of the catheter bag is more critical in preventing immediate infection.

3. The nurse is caring for a client with increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which position should the nurse avoid?

• A. Keeping the head of the bed elevated at 30 degrees
• B. Positioning the client in the prone position
• C. Placing the client in a lateral recumbent position
• D. Elevating the client's legs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Positioning the client in the prone position. Placing the client in the prone position should be avoided in a client with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) as it can further raise ICP. The prone position can hinder venous return and increase pressure within the cranial vault, potentially worsening the client's condition. Keeping the head of the bed elevated at 30 degrees helps promote venous drainage and reduce ICP. Placing the client in a lateral recumbent position can also assist in reducing ICP by optimizing cerebral perfusion. Elevating the client's legs can help improve venous return and maintain adequate cerebral blood flow, making it a suitable positioning intervention for managing increased ICP.

4. A client reports feeling anxious and having trouble sleeping lately. What non-pharmacological intervention should the nurse suggest first?

• A. Starting an exercise program
• B. Keeping a sleep diary
• C. Practicing relaxation techniques before bed
• D. Using sleep-inducing medications at night

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct non-pharmacological intervention the nurse should suggest first for a client experiencing anxiety and sleep issues is practicing relaxation techniques before bed. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness meditation can help reduce anxiety levels and promote better sleep naturally. Starting an exercise program (Choice A) can be beneficial but may not provide immediate relief for anxiety and sleep problems. Keeping a sleep diary (Choice B) can help identify patterns but does not directly address anxiety. Using sleep-inducing medications (Choice D) should be considered only after non-pharmacological interventions have been tried.

5. A client with a history of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is prescribed omeprazole (Prilosec). What is the primary action of this medication?

• A. Neutralizes stomach acid
• B. Reduces gastric acid production
• C. Forms a protective barrier over ulcers
• D. Increases gastric mucus production

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Reduces gastric acid production. Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that works by reducing gastric acid production, thereby helping to heal ulcers. While neutralizing stomach acid is associated with antacids, forming a protective barrier over ulcers is more characteristic of medications like sucralfate. The action described in choice D, increasing gastric mucus production, is not the primary mechanism of action of omeprazole in treating peptic ulcer disease.

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