Nursing Elites

1. Which action by the nurse will help prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in a patient on mechanical ventilation?

• A. Provide oral care every 4 hours.
• B. Reposition the patient every 2 hours.
• C. Suction the patient as needed.
• D. Administer antibiotics as prescribed.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Providing oral care every 4 hours helps prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia by reducing the buildup of bacteria in the mouth that can be aspirated into the lungs. Repositioning the patient every 2 hours is important for preventing pressure ulcers but is not directly related to preventing VAP. Suctioning the patient as needed is essential for maintaining airway patency but does not specifically prevent VAP. Administering antibiotics as prescribed is a treatment for infections but does not prevent VAP.

2. A nurse is preparing to perform a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide to the client?

• A. Remain still once the gel pads are attached
• B. I will be placing electrodes on your chest
• C. I will lower the head of your bed so you can sit up
• D. Breathe normally throughout the procedure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Instructing the client to remain still once the gel pads are attached is crucial to obtaining accurate ECG readings. Choice B is incorrect as electrodes are typically placed on the chest, not the breast. Choice C is incorrect because the client should lie flat during an ECG, not sit up. Choice D is incorrect because the client should breathe normally, rather than holding their breath, throughout the procedure.

3. What are the main differences between a stroke caused by ischemia and one caused by hemorrhage?

• A. Blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain
• B. Bleeding in the brain due to a ruptured aneurysm
• C. Administering thrombolytics if within the treatment window
• D. Avoiding anticoagulants and preparing for surgery

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain." Ischemic stroke is caused by a blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain, leading to reduced blood flow. Hemorrhagic stroke, on the other hand, is caused by bleeding in the brain due to a ruptured blood vessel. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Administering thrombolytics, avoiding anticoagulants, and preparing for surgery are specific management strategies that may apply to ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes but do not define the main differences between the two types of strokes.

4. A staff nurse is challenging a shift assignment with the charge nurse. Which of the following statements made by the charge nurse is an example of smoothing as a strategy to resolve conflict?

• A. If you accept this assignment today, I will let you choose your assignment tomorrow
• B. If you don't agree with the assignment, I will have to report your decision to the nursing supervisor
• C. Let's just focus on giving our client medications on time
• D. You have a lot of experience, so I'm sure you're capable of these tasks

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because it exemplifies smoothing as a conflict resolution strategy. Smoothing involves downplaying conflict and reassuring the individual to reduce tension. In this statement, the charge nurse acknowledges the staff nurse's experience and capability to perform the assigned tasks, which aims to reduce conflict and promote a positive outlook. Choices A, B, and C do not reflect smoothing. Choice A involves a conditional agreement, choice B introduces a threat of reporting, and choice C shifts the focus away from the conflict.

5. When caring for a patient with a nasogastric (NG) tube, what is the most appropriate intervention to prevent aspiration?

• A. Flush the NG tube with water before each feeding.
• B. Check the placement of the NG tube before each feeding.
• C. Elevate the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees.
• D. Provide the patient with oral care every 4 hours.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees is the most appropriate intervention to prevent aspiration in a patient with an NG tube. This position helps reduce the risk of regurgitation and aspiration by promoting the proper flow of contents through the gastrointestinal tract and minimizing the chances of stomach contents entering the airway. Flushing the NG tube with water before each feeding may not directly prevent aspiration. Checking the placement of the NG tube is important but does not specifically address the prevention of aspiration. Providing oral care every 4 hours is essential for maintaining oral hygiene but is not directly related to preventing aspiration in a patient with an NG tube.

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