Nursing Elites

1. What are the priority nursing assessments for a patient who has just undergone major surgery?

• A. Providing analgesia as prescribed
• B. Monitoring for signs of infection
• C. Assessing the surgical site for bleeding
• D. Monitoring the patient's vital signs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor for signs of infection. After major surgery, one of the priority nursing assessments is to watch for signs of infection, such as increased temperature, redness, swelling, or drainage at the surgical site. While providing analgesia is important for pain management, monitoring for infection takes precedence as it can lead to severe complications if not detected early. Assessing the surgical site for bleeding is crucial but is usually more relevant immediately after surgery. Monitoring the patient's vital signs is essential, but the specific focus on infection assessment is crucial in the immediate postoperative period.

2. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient's pain who is non-verbal?

• A. Looking for changes in vital signs that may indicate pain
• B. Using alternative methods like touch or distraction
• C. Using a pain scale appropriate for non-verbal patients
• D. Observing for facial expressions or other non-verbal cues

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing pain in non-verbal patients, looking for changes in vital signs that may indicate pain is crucial. While using alternative methods like touch or distraction can be helpful, they may not directly indicate the presence of pain. Using a pain scale appropriate for non-verbal patients is important, but it may not always provide immediate feedback. Observing for facial expressions or other non-verbal cues can be subjective and may not always accurately reflect the level of pain the patient is experiencing. Therefore, monitoring vital signs is a more objective way to assess pain in non-verbal patients.

3. Which of the following is a primary focus of tertiary prevention in mental health?

• A. Identifying early signs of mental illness
• B. Preventing the occurrence of mental health problems
• C. Rehabilitation and prevention of further deterioration
• D. Providing a safe environment to prevent harm

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Rehabilitation and prevention of further deterioration. Tertiary prevention in mental health aims to provide interventions and support to individuals who already have a mental illness to prevent further deterioration and promote recovery. Choice A, identifying early signs of mental illness, is more aligned with primary prevention which focuses on preventing the onset of mental health problems. Choice B, preventing the occurrence of mental health problems, pertains to secondary prevention which involves early detection and intervention to prevent the progression of mental health issues. Choice D, providing a safe environment to prevent harm, is important but it is not the primary focus of tertiary prevention which is more centered on rehabilitation and improving the quality of life for individuals with existing mental health conditions.

4. A client complains of pain in their leg, and the nurse notes swelling and pallor. What is the priority nursing action?

• A. Administer pain medication.
• B. Elevate the limb and monitor closely.
• C. Encourage movement to reduce swelling.
• D. Notify the provider immediately about the symptoms.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Notify the provider immediately about the symptoms. Swelling and pallor in a limb can be indicative of serious circulatory issues or compartment syndrome. It is crucial to inform the healthcare provider promptly to assess and address the situation. Administering pain medication (choice A) may temporarily alleviate the symptoms but does not address the underlying cause. Elevating the limb and monitoring closely (choice B) can be beneficial but does not replace the need for immediate professional evaluation. Encouraging movement to reduce swelling (choice C) is contraindicated in this scenario as it may worsen the condition if a circulatory issue or compartment syndrome is present.

5. When a patient refuses to remove their religious jewelry before surgery, what is the best response for the nurse preparing for the procedure?

• A. Proceed with the surgery and document the refusal.
• B. Ask the patient for permission to secure the jewelry safely.
• C. Tape the jewelry to the patient's body during surgery.
• D. Tell the patient they must remove the jewelry for safety reasons.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best response for the nurse is to ask the patient for permission to secure the jewelry safely. Hospital policy typically requires jewelry to be secured or removed to prevent interference during surgery. Proceeding with the surgery without addressing the issue or taping the jewelry to the patient's body are not safe practices and can lead to complications during the procedure. Directing the patient to remove the jewelry without exploring alternative solutions is not patient-centered care and may create unnecessary tension.

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