Nursing Elites

1. When evaluating the temperature of older adults, what aspect should the healthcare provider remember about an older adult's body temperature?

• A. The body temperature of the older adult is lower than that of a younger adult.
• B. An older adult's body temperature is approximately the same as that of a young child.
• C. Body temperature varies based on the type of thermometer used.
• D. In older adults, body temperature can fluctuate widely due to less effective heat control mechanisms.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When evaluating the temperature of older adults, it is important to note that their body temperature is usually lower than that of younger adults, with a mean temperature of 36.2�C. Choice B is incorrect because an older adult's body temperature is not approximately the same as that of a young child. Choice C is incorrect because body temperature is a physiological parameter and does not vary based on the type of thermometer used. Choice D is incorrect because while older adults may have less effective heat control mechanisms, their body temperature is typically lower, not widely fluctuating.

2. When a nurse's hand comes in contact with a client's blood after providing wound care, what is the next action the nurse should take?

• A. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to disinfect the hands
• B. Wash hands with soap and water using appropriate technique
• C. Notify the appropriate personnel about the exposure to client's blood
• D. Sample some of the client's blood to determine the presence of diseases

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a nurse's hand comes in contact with a client's blood, it is important to follow appropriate infection control measures. Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is not sufficient in this scenario as the blood is a visible contaminant. The best practice is to wash hands with soap and water using appropriate technique to ensure thorough cleansing and removal of any potential pathogens. Notifying the appropriate personnel about the exposure is important for documentation and further evaluation, but immediate hand hygiene is crucial. Sampling the client's blood for disease determination is not within the nurse's scope of practice and is unnecessary in this situation.

3. A newly admitted patient with major depression has lost 20 pounds over the past month and has suicidal ideation. The patient has taken an antidepressant medication for 1 week without remission of symptoms. Select the priority nursing diagnosis.

• A. Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements
• B. Chronic low self-esteem
• C. Risk for suicide
• D. Hopelessness

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing diagnosis in this scenario is 'Risk for suicide.' When a patient presents with major depression, significant weight loss, suicidal ideation, and lack of symptom improvement despite medication, the immediate concern is to address the risk of suicide. 'Risk for suicide' takes precedence as it involves a direct threat to the patient's life. 'Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements' may be a concern but does not take priority over the risk of suicide. 'Chronic low self-esteem' and 'Hopelessness' are relevant issues in depression but are not as urgent as addressing the immediate risk of suicidal behavior.

4. Which of these statements is true regarding the use of Standard Precautions in the healthcare setting?

• A. Standard Precautions apply to all body fluids, except sweat.
• B. Alcohol-based hand rub should be used if hands are not visibly dirty.
• C. Standard Precautions are intended for use with all patients, regardless of their risk or presumed infection status.
• D. Standard Precautions are to be used only when non-intact skin, excretions containing visible blood, or expected contact with mucous membranes are present.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Standard Precautions are designed to reduce the risk for transmission of microorganisms from both recognized and unrecognized sources. They are intended for use with all patients, regardless of their risk or presumed infection status. Standard Precautions apply to all body fluids, secretions, and excretions except sweat - whether or not they contain visible blood, non-intact skin, or mucous membranes. Hands should be washed with soap and water if visibly soiled with blood or body fluids. Alcohol-based hand rubs can be used if hands are not visibly soiled. Choice A is incorrect because Standard Precautions apply to all body fluids, secretions, and excretions except sweat. Choice B is incorrect because alcohol-based hand rub should be used when hands are not visibly dirty. Choice D is incorrect because Standard Precautions are not limited to situations involving non-intact skin, excretions with visible blood, or expected mucous membrane contact.

5. In addition to standard precautions, the nurse caring for a patient with rubella would plan to implement what type of precautions?

• A. Droplet precautions
• B. Airborne precautions
• C. Contact precautions
• D. Universal precautions

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rubella is an illness transmitted by large-particle droplets, so the nurse should implement droplet precautions in addition to standard precautions. Airborne precautions are used for diseases spread through small particles in the air, such as tuberculosis, varicella, and rubeola. Contact precautions are utilized for diseases transmitted by direct contact with the patient or their environment. Universal precautions and body substance isolations are part of the CDC's standard precautions recommendations, but do not specifically address the transmission route of rubella.

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