Nursing Elites

1. Which action by the nurse will help reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in a postoperative patient?

• A. Encourage early ambulation and leg exercises.
• B. Apply compression stockings to the patient's legs.
• C. Administer anticoagulants as prescribed.
• D. Elevate the patient's legs to promote circulation.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to encourage early ambulation and leg exercises. By promoting early ambulation and leg exercises, blood flow is enhanced, reducing the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in postoperative patients. Choice B, applying compression stockings, helps prevent VTE but is not as effective as early ambulation and exercises. Choice C, administering anticoagulants, is important in VTE prevention but does not directly address improving circulation through physical activity. Choice D, elevating the patient's legs, may be beneficial for circulation in specific cases but is not as effective in preventing VTE as early ambulation and leg exercises.

2. A client complains of pain in the leg while in skeletal traction. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Increase the pain medication immediately
• B. Check for signs of infection
• C. Reposition the client's leg for comfort
• D. Notify the physician of the client's complaints

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Check for signs of infection. In skeletal traction, the priority action for the nurse when a client complains of pain in the leg is to first assess for signs of infection. Pain in skeletal traction can be a symptom of infection or other complications, so checking for signs of infection is crucial before considering other interventions. Increasing pain medication immediately (Choice A) may mask the symptoms of an underlying infection. Repositioning the client's leg for comfort (Choice C) may provide temporary relief but does not address the potential underlying issue. Notifying the physician of the client's complaints (Choice D) is important but assessing for infection should come first to ensure timely and appropriate intervention.

3. Which intervention reduces reservoirs of infection in a healthcare setting?

• A. Placing capped needles and syringes in puncture-resistant containers
• B. Keeping bedside table surfaces clean and dry
• C. Changing dressings that become wet or soiled
• D. Placing tissues and soiled dressings in paper bags

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Placing capped needles and syringes in puncture-resistant containers is the correct intervention to reduce infection reservoirs in healthcare settings. This practice helps prevent accidental needle-stick injuries and contains potentially infectious materials properly. Keeping bedside table surfaces clean and dry (choice B) is essential for preventing the spread of infections but does not directly address reducing reservoirs of infection. Changing dressings that become wet or soiled (choice C) is important for wound care but does not specifically target infection reservoirs. Placing tissues and soiled dressings in paper bags (choice D) is a proper waste disposal practice but does not directly reduce reservoirs of infection in a healthcare setting.

4. A client with neuropathic pain has a new prescription for amitriptyline once per day. What should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Take the medication with meals
• B. Increase fluids while on this medication
• C. Take it only at night
• D. Report any yellowing of the skin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Increase fluids while on this medication.' Amitriptyline can cause side effects like dry mouth and urinary retention. Increasing fluids can help alleviate these side effects. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Taking the medication with meals or only at night is not specifically related to managing the side effects of amitriptyline. Reporting yellowing of the skin is important but not directly related to the side effects of this medication.

5. A client is administering insulin. Which statement by the client shows proper understanding of insulin administration?

• A. I will inject insulin into my thigh before exercise
• B. I will skip meals to lower blood sugar
• C. I will store my insulin in the freezer
• D. I will rotate injection sites for insulin administration

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because rotating injection sites prevents tissue damage and ensures better absorption of insulin. Option A is incorrect as injecting insulin into the thigh before exercise can lead to hypoglycemia. Option B is incorrect as skipping meals can cause blood sugar levels to drop dangerously low. Option C is incorrect as insulin should not be stored in the freezer as it can alter its effectiveness.

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