Nursing Elites

1. What is the first nursing action when caring for a client with a wound infection?

• A. Change the dressing every 12 hours
• B. Perform a wound culture before applying antibiotics
• C. Cleanse the wound with normal saline
• D. Apply a wet-to-dry dressing to the wound

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The first nursing action when caring for a client with a wound infection is to perform a wound culture before applying antibiotics. This step is crucial to identify the specific infecting organism and determine the most effective antibiotic therapy. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because changing the dressing, cleansing the wound, or applying a wet-to-dry dressing should only be done after obtaining the culture results and starting appropriate antibiotic treatment.

2. A nurse is teaching a client who is to undergo total knee arthroplasty about postoperative care. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Apply heat to the affected knee
• B. Avoid placing pillows under the knee
• C. Avoid moving the knee for 2-3 days
• D. Apply ice to the affected knee for 24-48 hours

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to apply ice to the affected knee for 24-48 hours. Applying ice helps to reduce inflammation and pain after knee surgery, promoting healing. Choice A is incorrect because heat is not recommended postoperatively, as it can increase swelling. Choice B is incorrect because pillows should be placed under the knee to keep it elevated. Choice C is incorrect because early mobilization is essential for preventing complications such as blood clots.

3. A client with left-leg weakness is learning to use a cane. Which teaching point is most appropriate?

• A. Use the cane on the weaker side of the body
• B. Maintain two points of support on the ground at all times
• C. Advance the cane 30 to 45 cm with each step
• D. Advance the cane and the strong leg simultaneously

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct teaching point is to maintain two points of support on the ground at all times when using a cane. This ensures stability and helps distribute weight evenly. Choice A is incorrect because the cane should be used on the stronger side of the body to provide support to the weaker leg. Choice C is incorrect as advancing the cane too far with each step can lead to imbalance. Choice D is incorrect as advancing the cane and the strong leg simultaneously may not provide adequate support for the weaker leg.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who is in the early stages of hypovolemic shock. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Heart rate 60/min
• B. Increased urinary output
• C. Increased respiratory rate
• D. Hypothermia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the early stages of hypovolemic shock, the body initiates compensatory mechanisms to maintain perfusion. One of these mechanisms is an increased respiratory rate to improve oxygen delivery. This helps to offset the decreased circulating blood volume. A heart rate of 60/min (choice A) is not expected in hypovolemic shock; instead, tachycardia is a common finding due to the body's attempt to maintain cardiac output. Increased urinary output (choice B) is not typically seen in hypovolemic shock as the body tries to conserve fluid. Hypothermia (choice D) is usually a late sign of shock when the body's compensatory mechanisms are failing, and perfusion is severely compromised.

5. How should a healthcare provider respond to a patient with a suspected pulmonary embolism?

• A. Administer oxygen and call for emergency assistance
• B. Position the patient in a prone position and give fluids
• C. Administer anticoagulants and elevate the patient's legs
• D. Administer thrombolytics and perform chest physiotherapy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering oxygen and calling for emergency assistance are the immediate priorities when managing a suspected pulmonary embolism. Oxygen helps support the patient's respiratory function, while emergency assistance is crucial for further evaluation and treatment. Positioning the patient in a prone position or giving fluids can worsen the condition by impeding blood flow. Administering anticoagulants may be part of the treatment plan but is not the initial response. Thrombolytics and chest physiotherapy are not first-line treatments for suspected pulmonary embolism and can even be harmful without prior evaluation.

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