Nursing Elites

1. The Sinoatrial Node (SA) is located within which of the following heart structures?

• A. Mitral Valve
• B. Right Ventricle
• C. Right Atrium
• D. Left Atrium

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The Sinoatrial (SA) Node, often called the heart's natural pacemaker, is situated within the upper wall of the Right Atrium. It initiates the electrical impulses that regulate the heartbeat. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the SA node is not located in the Mitral Valve, Right Ventricle, or Left Atrium. It is specifically positioned in the Right Atrium to coordinate the heart's rhythm and timing.

2. Which of the following is an example of client handling equipment?

• A. Wheelchair
• B. Height-adjustable bed
• C. Shower chair
• D. Call light

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Client handling equipment is designed to reduce stress and workload on healthcare professionals who assist, turn, or lift clients, aiming to decrease the risk of injuries from improper lifting techniques. A height-adjustable bed is a prime example of client handling equipment as it allows healthcare providers to raise the client to a suitable working height, facilitating care provision. Choices A, C, and D are not examples of client handling equipment. While a wheelchair, shower chair, and call light are essential in client care settings, they are not intended to aid in handling and lifting clients.

3. Which of the following actions is most appropriate for reducing the risk of infection during the post-operative period?

• A. Flush the central line with heparin at least every four hours
• B. Administer narcotic analgesics as needed
• C. Remove the urinary catheter as soon as the client is ambulatory
• D. Order a high-protein diet for the client

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate action to reduce the risk of infection during the post-operative period is to remove the urinary catheter as soon as the client is ambulatory. Urinary catheters can serve as a source of bacteria, increasing the risk of infection in the bladder or urethra. By removing the catheter promptly once the client is mobile, the risk of infection can be minimized. Option A, flushing the central line with heparin, is not directly related to reducing urinary tract infections. Option B, administering narcotic analgesics as needed, is important for pain management but does not directly address infection prevention. Option D, ordering a high-protein diet, may be beneficial for wound healing but does not specifically target infection risk reduction in the post-operative period.

4. What is a common error when taking a pulse?

• A. Placing the index finger on the radial artery located on the thumb side of a patient's wrist.
• B. Noting a pulse as 'weak' when the pulsation disappears upon adding pressure.
• C. Counting the pulse for 15 seconds and multiplying the number by four.
• D. None of the above will cause errors.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is counting the pulse for 15 seconds and multiplying the number by four. To accurately assess a patient's heart rate or pulse, it is crucial to count the pulse for a full minute. Counting for only 15 seconds and then multiplying by four may result in an inaccurate heart rate calculation. This approach could miss arrhythmias or intermittent pulsations that could be vital indicators of the patient's condition. Placing the index finger on the radial artery, which is located on the thumb side of the patient's wrist, is the correct technique for taking a pulse. Noting a pulse as 'weak' when the pulsation disappears upon adding pressure is a valid observation and not an error in itself. Therefore, the most common error in this scenario is incorrectly calculating the pulse rate by multiplying a 15-second count by four.

5. The nurse supervises unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) who are providing care for a patient with right lower lobe pneumonia. The nurse should intervene if which action by UAP is observed?

• A. UAP splint the patient's chest during coughing.
• B. UAP assist the patient to ambulate to the bathroom.
• C. UAP help the patient to a bedside chair for meals.
• D. UAP lower the head of the patient's bed to 15 degrees.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to intervene in is when the UAP lowers the head of the patient's bed to 15 degrees. This position can decrease ventilation in a patient with pneumonia, potentially worsening their condition. Choices B and C involve assisting the patient with activities of daily living and promoting mobility, which are appropriate for the patient's care. Choice A, splinting the patient's chest during coughing, can help the patient manage coughing effectively, which is also appropriate for a patient with pneumonia.

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