Nursing Elites

1. What is the best method to assess pain in a non-verbal patient?

• A. Observe for facial expressions
• B. Observe for restlessness
• C. Observe for sweating
• D. Check for non-verbal cues

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to observe for facial expressions when assessing pain in a non-verbal patient. Facial expressions can provide vital clues about the patient's pain level and discomfort. Choices B and C, observing for restlessness and sweating, can be less specific and may indicate other issues besides pain. Choice D, checking for non-verbal cues, is too broad and does not specify the crucial aspect of focusing on facial expressions.

2. A client has a new prescription for furosemide. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor?

• A. Potassium
• B. Sodium
• C. Calcium
• D. Hemoglobin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a client is prescribed furosemide, monitoring potassium levels is crucial due to the drug's potential to cause hypokalemia. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes potassium excretion in the urine, leading to a risk of low potassium levels. Monitoring potassium levels helps in detecting and preventing hypokalemia, which can result in adverse effects like cardiac dysrhythmias. Sodium, calcium, and hemoglobin levels are usually not directly affected by furosemide, making them less pertinent for monitoring in this specific scenario.

3. A patient is 1 day postoperative following a hip arthroplasty. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent dislocation of the hip?

• A. Keep the patient in a side-lying position.
• B. Place a pillow between the patient's legs.
• C. Instruct the patient to avoid sitting for long periods.
• D. Elevate the head of the bed to 90 degrees.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Placing a pillow between the patient's legs is the correct action to prevent dislocation of the hip following arthroplasty. This technique helps maintain proper alignment and stability of the hip joint. Keeping the patient in a side-lying position may not provide the necessary support to prevent hip dislocation. Instructing the patient to avoid sitting for long periods is important for preventing complications like deep vein thrombosis but does not directly prevent hip dislocation. Elevating the head of the bed to 90 degrees is not relevant to preventing hip dislocation in a postoperative hip arthroplasty patient.

4. What is the appropriate nursing intervention for a patient experiencing a suspected stroke?

• A. Administer thrombolytics
• B. Perform a neurological assessment
• C. Perform a CT scan
• D. Administer oxygen

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Performing a neurological assessment is the appropriate nursing intervention for a patient experiencing a suspected stroke. This assessment helps determine the severity of the stroke, identify potential deficits, and guide further interventions. Administering thrombolytics (Choice A) should only be done after a CT scan to confirm the type of stroke and rule out hemorrhagic stroke. Performing a CT scan (Choice C) is important but is typically done after stabilizing the patient. Administering oxygen (Choice D) is essential to maintain adequate oxygenation, but performing a neurological assessment takes precedence in the immediate management of a suspected stroke.

5. How should a healthcare professional handle a patient who is refusing to take a prescribed medication?

• A. Immediately give the medication
• B. Assess the reasons for refusal
• C. Document refusal
• D. Explore alternative treatment options

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Assessing the reasons for refusal is crucial as it allows the healthcare professional to understand the patient's concerns, which can range from fear of side effects to cost issues. By identifying the underlying reasons, the healthcare professional can tailor their approach to address these specific concerns, potentially improving medication adherence. Giving the medication immediately (Choice A) without understanding the patient's reasons for refusal can lead to further non-compliance. While documenting refusal (Choice C) is important for legal and tracking purposes, it does not directly address the patient's concerns. Exploring alternative treatment options (Choice D) may be considered after understanding the reasons for refusal, but it is not the initial step in managing medication refusal.

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