Nursing Elites

1. What are the early signs and symptoms of sepsis?

• A. Increased heart rate and fever
• B. Low blood pressure and confusion
• C. Rapid breathing and sweating
• D. Abdominal pain and cyanosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased heart rate and fever. In sepsis, an increased heart rate and fever are common early signs of systemic infection. While choices B, C, and D can be present in later stages of sepsis, they are not typically the initial signs. Low blood pressure and confusion may occur in severe sepsis or septic shock. Rapid breathing and sweating can be seen as sepsis progresses. Abdominal pain and cyanosis may develop as the condition advances but are not usually the earliest signs.

2. A client who is 1 day postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty should be instructed to do which of the following?

• A. Avoid using a walker while walking.
• B. Keep the hip flexed at 90° while sitting.
• C. Place a pillow between your legs when turning.
• D. Cross your legs at the ankles when sitting.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Placing a pillow between the legs is essential post-total hip arthroplasty to prevent adduction of the hip joint, reducing the risk of dislocation. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Using a walker while walking is encouraged for support and stability. Keeping the hip flexed at 90° while sitting can increase the risk of hip dislocation. Crossing legs at the ankles when sitting may also lead to hip dislocation.

3. A charge nurse in a long-term care facility notices an assistive personnel's (AP) repeated failure to provide oral care for clients. Which of the following actions should the charge nurse take?

• A. Ignore the behavior
• B. Reassign the AP
• C. Report the behavior to the manager
• D. Discuss this behavior with the AP while reinforcing expectations

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a charge nurse observes repeated failure in a staff member's performance, it is essential to address the issue directly. Choice D is the correct answer as it involves discussing the behavior with the assistive personnel (AP) while reinforcing expectations. This approach helps in clarifying the expected standards, setting accountability, and providing an opportunity for improvement. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Ignoring the behavior (Choice A) does not address the problem and can lead to continued substandard care. Reassigning the AP (Choice B) may not solve the issue and can potentially transfer the problem to another area. Reporting the behavior to the manager (Choice C) without directly addressing it with the AP first may not promote a constructive approach to resolving the issue.

4. A nurse is planning care for a preschool-age child who is in the acute phase of Kawasaki disease. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Administer scheduled doses of acetaminophen every 6 hr.
• B. Monitor the child's cardiac status.
• C. Administer antibiotics via intermittent IV bolus for 24 hr.
• D. Provide stimulation with children of the same age in the playroom.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Monitoring cardiac status is crucial during the acute phase of Kawasaki disease because of the potential for coronary artery complications. Acetaminophen may be used for fever management but is not the priority intervention. Antibiotics are not indicated as Kawasaki disease is not caused by a bacterial infection. Providing stimulation in the playroom is important for the child's emotional well-being but does not address the immediate physiological concern of cardiac monitoring.

5. What are the key steps in administering oral medications to a patient with dysphagia?

• A. Crush medications and mix with food
• B. Use a straw to facilitate swallowing
• C. Encourage the patient to drink thickened liquids
• D. Have the patient lie flat during administration

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Crush medications and mix with food. When administering oral medications to a patient with dysphagia, crushing the medications and mixing them with food is a common method to aid in swallowing. Choice B is incorrect because using a straw could pose a choking hazard for patients with dysphagia. Choice C is incorrect as thickened liquids may not always be suitable for all medications. Choice D is incorrect because having the patient lie flat can increase the risk of aspiration, which is not recommended for patients with dysphagia.

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