Nursing Elites

1. What does an individual who believes in the magicoreligious theory of illness and disease think is the cause of illness?

• A. Germs and viruses
• B. Supernatural forces
• C. Eating imbalanced (hot/cold) foods
• D. Imbalance within his or her spiritual nature

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Individuals who adhere to the magicoreligious theory of illness and disease attribute the cause of illness to supernatural forces. In this perspective, the world is perceived as governed by supernatural forces that influence the well-being of individuals. The belief is that these forces can bring about both good and evil outcomes. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Germs and viruses are associated with the biomedical theory of illness. Eating imbalanced hot or cold foods is linked to the yin/yang naturalist theory. Imbalance within one's spiritual nature is not a recognized cause of illness in any of the established theories of illness.

2. A nursing care plan states, 'Assist the patient to the bedside commode PRN.' When will this patient get this assistance to the commode?

• A. Whenever needed
• B. At bedtime
• C. During the night
• D. During the day

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Whenever needed.' The abbreviation 'PRN' stands for 'pro re nata,' which translates to 'as needed' or 'whenever necessary.' This means that the patient will receive assistance to the commode whenever they require it, based on their individual needs and condition. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because 'PRN' does not specify a specific time like bedtime, during the night, or during the day; instead, it indicates assistance based on the patient's needs.

3. A healthcare provider attempts to plug in a sequential compression device when they notice a tingling sensation in their hands while touching the cord. What is the next action of the healthcare provider?

• A. Attempt to plug the device into a different outlet
• B. Inspect the cord for damage; if none is present, continue to use the device
• C. Discontinue the device and send it to the maintenance department for inspection
• D. Notify the supervisor that the unit is at risk of an electrical fire

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Feeling a tingling sensation when touching an electrical cord is a warning sign that the device may be malfunctioning. This sensation indicates a potential electrical current leak, which could pose a risk of harm. The correct action is to immediately discontinue the use of the device and send it to the maintenance department for inspection. Continuing to use the device without addressing the issue could lead to electric shock or fire hazards. Trying to plug the device into a different outlet does not address the underlying problem of potential device malfunction. Notifying the supervisor about the risk of an electrical fire is important, but the immediate action should be to stop using the device and have it inspected by maintenance professionals. Therefore, the best course of action is to discontinue the device and ensure it is checked thoroughly before further use.

4. During change-of-shift report, the nurse learns about the following four patients. Which patient requires assessment first?

• A. 40-year-old with chronic pancreatitis who has gnawing abdominal pain
• B. 58-year-old who has compensated cirrhosis and is complaining of anorexia
• C. 55-year-old with cirrhosis and ascites who has an oral temperature of 102°F (38.8°C)
• D. 36-year-old recovering from a laparoscopic cholecystectomy who has severe shoulder pain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When prioritizing patient assessments, the nurse should address the patient with cirrhosis and ascites who has an elevated oral temperature of 102°F (38.8°C) first. This presentation suggests a potential infection, which is critical to address promptly in a patient with liver disease. An infection in a patient with cirrhosis can quickly progress to severe complications. The other options, such as chronic pancreatitis with abdominal pain, compensated cirrhosis with anorexia, and post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy with shoulder pain, do not indicate an immediate life-threatening situation requiring urgent assessment compared to a possible infection in a patient with cirrhosis and ascites.

5. The patient with migraine headaches has a seizure. After the seizure, which action can you delegate to the nursing assistant?

• A. Document the seizure
• B. Perform neurologic checks
• C. Take the patient's vital signs
• D. Restrain the patient for protection

Correct answer: C

Rationale: After a patient with migraine headaches has a seizure, it is important to assess their vital signs to monitor their condition. This task can be safely delegated to a nursing assistant as it falls within their scope of practice. Documenting the seizure and performing neurologic checks require a higher level of training and should be done by a nurse or healthcare provider. Restraint should never be used as a first-line intervention after a seizure unless there is an immediate threat to the patient's safety, and it should be done following proper protocols and with appropriate training.

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