Nursing Elites

1. What is the priority when assessing a patient for possible deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

• A. Dorsiflex the foot and check for pain.
• B. Measure the calf circumference of both legs.
• C. Check the skin for signs of redness.
• D. Perform a Doppler ultrasound scan.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to measure the calf circumference of both legs when assessing a patient for possible DVT. An increase in calf circumference in one leg can indicate the presence of a DVT. Option A is incorrect because dorsiflexing the foot and checking for pain are not primary assessments for DVT. Option C is incorrect as redness of the skin may not always be present in cases of DVT. Option D is incorrect as performing a Doppler ultrasound scan is usually done after clinical assessment and to confirm the diagnosis, not as the initial priority assessment.

2. A nurse is assessing a client who is being admitted from the PACU following an abdominal hysterectomy. Which of the following assessments is the nurse's priority?

• A. Urinary output
• B. Pain level
• C. Oxygen saturation
• D. Abdominal dressing

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Oxygen saturation. Following abdominal surgery, the priority assessment is to ensure adequate oxygenation. Monitoring oxygen saturation is crucial as the client may be at risk of respiratory complications due to the effects of anesthesia, pain medications, and the surgical procedure itself. Assessing urinary output is important for monitoring kidney function but is not the priority immediately postoperatively. Pain level assessment is essential for the client's comfort but does not take precedence over ensuring oxygen saturation. Checking the abdominal dressing is important for wound assessment, but ensuring adequate oxygenation is the priority in the immediate postoperative period.

3. A nurse is preparing to administer furosemide 40 mg IV. Available is furosemide 10 mg/1 mL. How many mL should the nurse administer per dose?

• A. 2
• B. 3
• C. 4
• D. 5

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To calculate the mL needed, divide the total dose by the dose per mL. In this case, 40 mg divided by 10 mg/mL equals 4 mL. Therefore, the nurse should administer 4 mL per dose. Choice A, 2 mL, is incorrect because it would only deliver 20 mg of furosemide, which is half the required dose. Choices B and D are also incorrect as they do not provide the accurate amount needed to achieve the 40 mg dosage.

4. Which factor places a patient at the highest risk for infection?

• A. A healthy immune system
• B. Presence of chronic illness
• C. Being well-nourished
• D. Age over 65 years

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The presence of chronic illness is the factor that places a patient at the highest risk for infection. Chronic illness can compromise the immune system's ability to fight off infections effectively, making individuals more susceptible to getting sick. Option A, a healthy immune system, actually reduces the risk of infection. Option C, being well-nourished, can support overall health but does not directly correlate with infection risk. While age over 65 years is a risk factor for certain infections due to age-related immune system changes, chronic illness has a more significant impact on infection risk.

5. When administering IV fluids to a dehydrated patient, what is the nurse's priority assessment?

• A. Monitor the patient's electrolyte levels.
• B. Assess the patient's blood pressure regularly.
• C. Monitor the patient's heart rate every 4 hours.
• D. Check the patient's urine output hourly.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the patient's blood pressure regularly. Monitoring blood pressure is crucial when administering IV fluids to a dehydrated patient as it helps in evaluating the patient's fluid status. Changes in blood pressure can indicate the effectiveness of the fluid therapy, the patient's response to treatment, and the possibility of complications such as fluid overload or hypovolemia. Monitoring electrolyte levels (Choice A) is essential but not the priority when assessing a dehydrated patient receiving IV fluids. Heart rate (Choice C) should be monitored more frequently than every 4 hours in such a situation. Checking urine output (Choice D) is important but not as critical as assessing blood pressure in this scenario.

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