Nursing Elites

1. What are the key signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) that a nurse should monitor for?

• A. Monitor for changes in level of consciousness
• B. Check for pupil dilation
• C. Assess for bradycardia
• D. Monitor for vomiting

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Monitor for changes in the level of consciousness.' Key signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) include changes in the level of consciousness and pupil dilation. Assessing for bradycardia and monitoring for vomiting are not typically considered primary signs of increased ICP. While bradycardia and vomiting can occur with increased ICP, they are not as specific or sensitive as changes in consciousness and pupil dilation.

2. What is the role of the nurse in the care of a patient with a pressure ulcer?

• A. Clean the wound and apply a protective dressing
• B. Assess the wound and reposition the patient frequently
• C. Apply pressure to the ulcer and monitor for signs of healing
• D. Provide pain relief and administer antibiotics as needed

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess the wound and reposition the patient frequently. When caring for a patient with a pressure ulcer, it is crucial for the nurse to assess the wound regularly to monitor its progress and prevent complications. Additionally, repositioning the patient frequently helps to relieve pressure on the affected area, prevent further damage, and promote healing. Choice A is incorrect because while cleaning the wound is important, applying a protective dressing is not the primary role of the nurse in managing a pressure ulcer. Choice C is incorrect as applying pressure to the ulcer is harmful, and monitoring for signs of healing should not involve applying pressure. Choice D is incorrect as providing pain relief and administering antibiotics may be necessary but are not the primary interventions for managing a pressure ulcer.

3. A client undergoing surgery is being taught about the use of a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump by a nurse. Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will ask my spouse to push the button when I am sleeping
• B. I will use the PCA pump to keep me comfortable during the night
• C. I will ask the nurse to increase the dosage if I still feel pain
• D. I will press the button for medication as soon as I feel pain

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because clients should press the button on the PCA pump when they feel pain to receive controlled doses of medication. Option A is incorrect as the client should be the one to self-administer the medication through the PCA pump. Option B is incorrect as the primary purpose of the PCA pump is to manage pain, not to keep the client comfortable. Option C is incorrect because the client should not adjust the dosage themselves; instead, they should communicate any pain concerns to the healthcare provider.

4. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

• A. Monitor for leg pain, swelling, and redness
• B. Check for calf tenderness and administer anticoagulants
• C. Check for discoloration and monitor oxygen saturation
• D. Check for numbness and provide thrombolytic therapy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: The correct way to assess a patient with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is to monitor for leg pain, swelling, and redness. These are common clinical manifestations of DVT. Choice B is incorrect because administering anticoagulants should be based on a confirmed diagnosis, not just suspicion. Choice C is incorrect because discoloration and oxygen saturation are not primary indicators of DVT. Choice D is incorrect because numbness is not a typical symptom of DVT, and thrombolytic therapy is not the first-line treatment for suspected DVT.

5. A nurse is reviewing the medical history of a client with dementia. Which of the following findings should the nurse address first?

• A. Restlessness and agitation
• B. Decreased respiratory rate
• C. Wandering during the night
• D. Incontinence

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a client with dementia, addressing restlessness and agitation is a priority because these symptoms can exacerbate dementia and lead to further complications. Restlessness and agitation can indicate underlying issues such as pain, discomfort, or unmet needs, which should be promptly assessed and managed to improve the client's quality of life. Decreased respiratory rate, wandering during the night, and incontinence are important to address but do not pose immediate risks to the client's well-being compared to the potential effects of unmanaged restlessness and agitation in dementia.

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