Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary reason for applying sequential compression devices (SCDs) to a patient’s legs postoperatively?

• A. To prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• B. To promote wound healing
• C. To reduce postoperative pain
• D. To maintain body temperature

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: To prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Sequential compression devices (SCDs) are used postoperatively to prevent DVT by promoting blood circulation in the legs. This helps reduce the risk of blood clots forming in the deep veins of the legs. Choice B, to promote wound healing, is incorrect as SCDs are primarily used for circulatory purposes rather than wound healing. Choice C, to reduce postoperative pain, is incorrect as the primary purpose of SCDs is not pain management but rather prevention of DVT. Choice D, to maintain body temperature, is incorrect as SCDs are not designed for regulating body temperature but for preventing circulatory issues.

2. An 8-year-old is placed in 90-90 traction for a fractured femur resulting from a motor vehicle collision. Which finding requires further action by the PN?

• A. No bowel movement for two days
• B. Mother assists child in changing positions
• C. Weights are touching the foot of the bed
• D. Child is able to move the toes freely when tickled

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In 90-90 traction, it is crucial to ensure that the weights are not touching the foot of the bed as this can disrupt the effective application of traction. This interference can hinder the proper alignment of the fractured femur and impede the healing process. Therefore, this finding requires immediate action to prevent complications. Choices A, B, and D are not directly related to the proper application of traction and do not pose a risk to the patient's treatment or well-being. No bowel movement for two days may indicate constipation but does not directly relate to the traction. Mother assisting the child in changing positions is a supportive action. The child being able to move the toes freely when tickled indicates neurological function, which is a positive sign.

3. When teaching a patient with diabetes about foot care, which of the following should the nurse emphasize?

• A. Avoid soaking feet daily to prevent dryness and skin breakdown
• B. Select well-fitting shoes to prevent injury
• C. Trim toenails straight across and file the edges
• D. Avoid using heating pads to prevent burns

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Trimming toenails straight across and filing the edges is crucial in diabetic foot care to prevent ingrown toenails and foot injuries. Soaking feet daily can lead to dryness and skin breakdown, increasing the risk of infection. Selecting well-fitting shoes is important to prevent pressure points and skin damage, not tight-fitting shoes. Using heating pads can result in burns or injuries due to decreased sensation in diabetic feet, so it's essential to avoid them.

4. The PN is caring for a laboring client whose last sterile vaginal examination revealed the cervix was 3 cm dilated, 50% effaced, and the presenting part was at 0 station. An hour later, the client tells the PN that she wants to go to the bathroom. Which action is most important for the PN to implement?

• A. Review the fetal heart rate and contraction pattern
• B. Check the perineum for an increase in bloody show
• C. Request a nurse to check the client's cervical dilation
• D. Palpate the client's bladder for distention

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The sudden urge to use the bathroom may indicate that labor is progressing quickly. Checking the cervical dilation will help determine if the client is in the transition phase of labor and if it is appropriate to allow her to get up. Reviewing the fetal heart rate and contraction pattern (Choice A) is important but not the most immediate action in this scenario. Checking the perineum for an increase in bloody show (Choice B) is relevant but not as crucial as assessing cervical dilation. Palpating the client's bladder for distention (Choice D) is not the priority when the client wants to go to the bathroom during labor.

5. To accommodate a patient who is an Orthodox Jew, you would assure that her diet does not include which of the following?

• A. Any combination of meat and milk at the same meal
• B. Fish with scales
• C. Salmon
• D. Grape juice

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Orthodox Jewish dietary laws prohibit mixing meat and dairy in the same meal, so to accommodate an Orthodox Jew, you should ensure that their diet does not include any combination of meat and milk at the same meal. Choices B, C, and D are not prohibited in a kosher diet. Fish with scales, including salmon, are typically kosher, and grape juice is also permissible under kosher guidelines if certified. Therefore, options B, C, and D are acceptable in an Orthodox Jewish diet, while option A contradicts their dietary laws.

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